Talking story with Bruce Hiraoka

Bruce Hiraoka found his calling relatively early in life. He was 21 years old and he had just finished an auto mechanics program at Hilo Community College when a friend of the family died in a gruesome car accident. The funeral changed his life.

Jerome ‘Da Shadow’ Freitas Talk Story

For 15 years, Jerome Freitas has been looking out for Kauai’s taxpayers, their concerns and their safety. Not alone, mind you. He has hundreds of anonymous helpers he refers to as “Silhouettes.”

Tara Dalessi — Talk Story

Manic Mermaid Tara Dalessi is a Kauai-raised seamstress, baker, activist and all-around nature lover who has started sewing Waldorf-style dolls. She picked up the technique in Washington. The dolls are made using European sewing techniques and are meant to spark creativity in children.

Noelani and Paul Pomroy

When May 1 unfolds, the Puna Court at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club will blossom with the color, fragrance and fabric of hundreds of lei for everyone to enjoy and experience. May Day is Lei Day.

Talk Story with J Robertson

In September 1976, J Robertson found himself the captain aboard a 36-foot sailboat with a busted mainsail docked in a harbor in Honolulu. With nothing to do and nowhere to in particular to go, he made a life-altering decision.

Talk Story: Shana Tafiti

About seven months ago, Shana Tafiti returned home to Kauai. The Waimea High School 2008 graduate played collegiate softball at Central Arizona Junior College and then Angelo State University, a NCAA Division II school in Texas.

Talk Story: Adam Asquith

Adam Asquith stands knee deep in water with his taro plants. He takes his time, looking for one worthy of Prince Kuhio Day for one of his customers. He holds a knife in his mouth to free his hands as he pulls the sacred plant from the murky waters.

Christina Zimmerman

Math in the jungle, language arts around the campfire, learning social skills by making pizza; everything at Christina Zimmerman’s school is outside and hands-on.

Talk Story: Jean Dobashi

The National Education Association-Retired is available to meet the needs of retired education employees, and Jean Dobashi of Lihue sits on its board as the national vice president for a special term that started in September and will be effective until August.

Talk Story – Daryl Kaneshiro

Former County Councilmember Daryl Kaneshiro agreed to talk some story on Thursday afternoon at his ranch in Omao. I asked him about his life and his land. The conversation went something like this:

Talk story with Jean Souza and Melissa McFerrin-Warrack

Friday kicked off the second OceanFest on Kauai, a four-week lineup of events highlighting Hawaiian culture and marine life. This year’s theme is “The Ocean That Connects Us,” and illustrating that point will be multiple lectures and panel discussions, keiki activities with take-home crafts, pop-up shops and a brand-new, life-sized, inflatable humpback whale.

Shannon Hiramoto

There are just a few days remaining in January, but the racks containing mu‘umu‘u of various styles are full.

Talk Story – Fred Birkett

Fred Birkett recently came on board as director of Alakai O Kauai Charter School at Kahili Mountain Park. He sat down last week after a long day to chat with The Garden Island.

Talk Story: Dustin Barca

Dustin Barca has lived a rather eclectic life. The mixed martial arts fighter from Kilauea was a pro surfer, a one-time Kauai mayoral candidate, and for a time owned a farm.

Talk Story with Roy Saito

Roy Saito owns Gold-Express Inc. on Hardy Street in Lihue. I sat down to talk story with him Friday afternoon. This is how it went.

Talk Story with Daniel Hamada

Longtime principal of Kapaa High School Daniel Hamada hung up his hat Friday, retiring from education and leaving his position to his vice principal, Tommy John Cox.

Talk Story with Laura Cristobal Andersland

Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts was recently honored with nine Scovie awards — four first places, three second places and two third places — at the recent Fiery Foods Contest in Arizona.