OUR ISLAND, YOUR STORIES

🎬 A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome! 💫

We're sending our heartfelt aloha and best wishes to Roger Olsen, our incredible Production & Education Specialist, as he embarks on new and exciting adventures! Roger has been a steady, creative force at Hōʻike for nearly 20 years, supporting students, staff, and productions with his quiet brilliance, technical expertise, and kind heart. We'll miss him tremendously, and we know you will too. 💙

At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome Smeeta Narang to the team! 🌟 Smeeta is stepping into Roger’s role as our new Video Production & Education Specialist, and we think you’re going to LOVE her.

With over 20 years of experience in film and documentary production, Smeeta brings a deep passion for community storytelling and media education. She’s excited to connect Kaua‘i’s vibrant and diverse communities with the tools of self-expression, and to work with students of all ages—guiding them through everything from personal video projects and PSAs to professional portfolios and storytelling for social impact.

Whether you're hoping to tell your organization’s story, shine light on local issues, explore filmmaking as a career, or simply have fun behind the camera—Smeeta is here to help you bring your vision to life with knowledge, creativity, and care.

She’ll be training alongside Roger for the next week, so stop by to say mahalo and farewell to Roger, and give a warm welcome to Smeeta! 🌈

Bees, Marathons & Community Fun on Kauaʻi | Aug 25–31 THW Community Calendar

Aloha Kauai! This weeks calendar is buzzing (literally) with everything from honey bees to spelling bees, plus workshops, concerts, cleanups, and celebrations across the island.

Here is what is happening August 25–31:

• Hale Opio Kauai celebrates 50 years of service with the HOK Honors

• KEDB wraps up its Small Business AI workshops with a showcase of big ideas

• Free Food Distribution continues at Aloha Church in Lihue

• Kauai Humane Society’s Free for All adoption event

• The first ever East Side Summer Carnival in Kapaa

• Beach cleanup at Nukolii

• The Kauai Honey Bee Celebration in Hanapepe

• The 16th Annual Kauai Marathon plus Expo and Keiki Run

• Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee

• Kauaiian Music Festival in Anahola

• Boogie Wonderland fundraiser in Lihue

• Hawaii Children’s Theatre Fall Classes and Bootcamp ...and much more happening island wide.

Watch on YouTube • Listen via Podcast

Hō‘ike Joins the KRP Community Action Plan

We’re so excited to share that Hō‘ike is featured in the Kaua‘i Resilience Project’s Community Action Plan! 🎉

At Hō‘ike, we believe youth voices matter—and we love giving young people the tools, training, and stage to share their stories. From our FREE Producer Certification Program to internships and student-led shows, Kaua‘i’s youth are stepping up as change makers and culture-keepers.

Why do we do it? Because media isn’t just about cameras and editing—it’s about connection, creativity, and community. And our keiki have so much to say!

Want to know how youth (and even parents/teachers!) can get involved?

➡️ [Read the full interview here]

Talk Story with U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda

Hōʻike Community Media broadcast a LIVE Talk Story, this morning, with Jill Tokuda on YouTube. Tune in to hear about her perspectives, priorities, and plans, and join the conversation shaping our community.

Watch on YouTube

🎥 Welcoming HTA Kauaʻi to the Studio! 📺

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with HTA Kauaʻi (Hawai‘i Technology Academy)! 🌺✨ Starting last week, HTA students will now be joining us once a month at Hōʻike to create and produce their very own show—written, filmed, and edited by the students themselves.

These talented young creators will be learning the ins and outs of video production while sharing stories, ideas, and perspectives from their unique student voices. Their finished episodes will air on Hōʻike Channel 54 and be available to stream on Hōʻike’s YouTube channel, so keep an eye out!

We’re thrilled to support the next generation of storytellers and can’t wait to see what they create! 🎬👏

🌺 Join Our Board — Help Amplify Kauaʻi’s Voice! 🌺

Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media is looking for passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you believe in the power of free speech, cultural expression, and community storytelling — we’d love to hear from you!

As a board member, you’ll help guide a nonprofit dedicated to inclusivity, creativity, and civic engagement across Kauaʻi. No media experience required — just a commitment to our mission and values.

Interested? Email us at tv@hoike.org to learn more!

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