Hawai'i Council for the Humanities

10/06/2026

E nā hoa makamaka o ka ʻAha Kālai Kū Kānaka o Hawaiʻi, welina me ke aloha iā kākou a pau. Greetings dear friends and supporters of the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities.

Following a six-month public search, I am excited to share that the Board of Directors have chosen Dr. Mary Therese Perez Hattori to lead the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities into its next chapter. A respected educator, poet, scholar, and community advocate, Mary brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community building, and public humanities work across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

A daughter of Guåhan (Guam) and a Honolulu resident for more than 40 years, Mary recently served as Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center. Throughout her career, she has held leadership, teaching, advising, and administrative roles across the University of Hawaiʻi System and Chaminade University, while also supporting numerous community-based cultural initiatives. Her work reflects a deep commitment to education, cultural stewardship, and strengthening communities.

Many of you already know Mary through her longstanding involvement with the Council. From 2021 to 2024, she served on our Board of Directors, including as Board Chair and Chair of the Grants Review Committee. She has also contributed to HCH programs like Try Think and Why It Matters as a facilitator, instructor, and discussion leader, helping advance the Council's mission to broaden perspectives, enrich lives, and strengthen communities through the public humanities.

As Board Chair, I was honored to lead the search process and witness the enthusiasm for Mary's vision and leadership. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Executive Transition Committee and the entire Board of Directors for their hard work over the last few months. We look forward to working with Mary to advance our mission and build a strong future for the humanities in Hawaiʻi.

We are also deeply grateful to Aiko Yamashiro for her eight years of exceptional leadership. Under Aiko's guidance, the Council expanded its reach, strengthened community partnerships, and championed meaningful public humanities programs throughout Hawaiʻi. Following award terminations in 2025, she led the organization through one of its most difficult moments and helped us to find our footing again. We thank her for her dedication and service and wish her every success in her next endeavors. Mahalo a nui loa e Aiko!

As we welcome Mary, we remain committed to the work that connects people, preserves stories, fosters dialogue, and strengthens our communities. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to sharing more in the months ahead.

Please join us in welcoming Mary to the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities.

Me ka mahalo (with gratitude),
Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, PhD
Chairperson, Board of Directors
Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities

09/15/2026

Forwarding this message with thanks to Liane Naʻauao, Preservation Dept., UH Mānoa Library

Aloha mai kākou,

We send our aloha to all who have been affected by Hurricane Lowell. We recognize the diligent work that our local cultural institutions do in cultivating and nurturing the history of our community and Hawaiʻi, and we are reaching out to share the following resources for those who may need them:
If your institutional collections have been impacted by this disaster and you need assistance, contact the National Heritage Responders Hotline at: 202.661.8068.

If your personal collections were impacted, you may contact the National Heritage Responders for assistance at: [email protected].
Report any hurricane-related damage on the island of Kauaʻi to the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) here: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Emergency-Management-Agency. (Scroll down to the "Report Damages you observe!" drop-down menu.)

You can find more disaster recovery resources compiled on this Association of Hawaiʻi Archivists resource page here: https://hawaiiarchivists.org/disaster-recovery-resources/

You can find a FEMA tip sheet on salvaging family treasures after a flood here:
https://tinyurl.com/FEMA-family-treasures

If you are in contact with someone impacted by Hurricane Lowell who may not be able to access their email, please share these resources with them.

Also, feel free to reach out if you are in need.

Mālama pono,
-Liane

Liane Naʻauao
Paper Conservator
Preservation Department
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library
2550 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI 96822
Office: 808-956-9120
[email protected]

09/10/2026

Two weeks ago, we got to be a part of several readings and a poetry workshop led by Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate Lee A. Tonouchi in Hilo, Honokaʻa, and Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island.

On Aug. 26 (Wed.), Lee was part of a Poetry Fest organized by Christine Reed of Basically Books. The afternoon opened with readings by 3 poets from the Hawaii Writers Guild: Gwyn Gorg, Darlene M. Javar, and Jacquolyn McMurray. Darlene shared how earlier in the day she had been transporting gas to neighbors around Kaʻū, and then drove up to Hilo with Jacquolyn for the event. We felt the strength and community bonds they carried with them from Kaʻū. She dedicated her reading to strong women, which became a theme carried throughout the event. Then Lee and Lani Park, the first woman to become the Poet Laureate of Queens, NY, talked story about life and their history, and read their work. This was followed by an audience Q&A and a lively discussion about the familiarity with Pidgin across generations.

Earlier in the day, we visited Hawaiʻi Island Adult Care (HIAC) to tour their sun-filled facility, including a ceramics class and their in-house kiln, and talked story with Andrea Wernli, Executive Director, and staff about poetry and the humanities for caregivers and kūpuna.

On Aug. 27 (Thurs.), Lee led a poetry writing workshop, Ma-Ke Die Dead: Writing Poetry About Loved Ones Who Stay Gone, at Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library, hosted by Ashley Spencer and team. We were honored to be joined by Nancy DeRego and her high school English class from Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi. Lee shared his experience of coping with the passing of his mother through stories and poetry, and facilitated writing and sharing to brainstorm questions participants would like to ask a loved one who’s passed, and recalling things the loved one said.

Participants were surprised to hear how many had lost a loved one, and the sharing inspired them to listen, be present, be kind, and appreciate how everyone has struggles. Several also discovered the gifts of healing and expression through writing: “I learned I can get deep through expressing myself through writing,” observed a participant, while another noted, “I was surprised at the emotions felt during this exercise. Sometimes it’s difficult to grieve or feel anything when grieving.”

In the afternoon, Lee shared his poetry and stories at Honokaʻa Heritage Center, where participants reflected on how Pidgin and language differs between Honokaʻa and Waimea. An interactive exhibit invited participants to contribute phrases such as words or phrases unique to Hawaiʻi or Honokaʻa. Afterwards we enjoyed kaukau and talk story with ED Nicole Garcia, staff, and volunteers, and learned more about the history of the community and of the building.

On Aug. 28 (Fri.), our visit to Kaʻū High School was postponed as the students, teachers, and school gradually re-opened in the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. We lift up their resilience and recovery, and look forward to seeing them the next time Lee is on the Big Island – take care!

In the evening, Lee did a reading at the Hawaiʻi Japanese Center, organized by Arnold Hiura. It was a meaningful reconnection for Lee, as Arnold had co-founded the Talk Story conference back in the 1970s that helped give birth to Local Literature today, and had hosted a reading for Lee’s first book decades ago. Throughout this trip, it was humbling to give back to community while remembering our histories, honoring our elders, and thanking our communities for raising us.

09/07/2026

HAWAIʻI HISTORY DAY STUDENT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

Saturday, Sept. 12
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, 417 S King St., Honolulu
** For info/to register: www.hawaiiponoi.info **

On Saturday, September 12, gather at Aliʻiōlani Hale in Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court to watch six short documentary films produced by student filmmakers for Hawaiʻi History Day—a state-wide history and civic education program organized by Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities. Student-produced films explore topics including Queen's Health Systems, Hansen's disease (leprosy) in Hawaiʻi, the Kalima Lawsuit, sugar plantation labor, the introduction of the telephone to Hawaiʻi, and the enduring practice of lāʻau lapaʻau, followed by a discussion with the student filmmakers.

​Meleanna Meyer, Hawaiian filmmaker, artist, and educator, will moderate a discussion with the student filmmakers as they share their research and reflect on the civic power of filmmaking.

​The program will conclude with a reception of light food and refreshments.
The event is part of Hawaiian History Month in celebration of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s 188th birthday. Organized by the Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition, numerous in-person and virtual events are being held throughout September.

For more information and to register for the showcase
--> www.hawaiiponoi.info
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08/27/2026

Come and join a reading and talk story with Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate Lee Tonouchi, affectionately known as "Da Pidgin Guerilla," this evening (8/27) at 5 p.m. at the Honkaʻa Heritage Center.

08/26/2026

The Yéego Action Grant provides support for the growing landscape of Native artists and culture bearers who need financial assistance with a specific professional opportunity or towards a hardship that is hindering their creative practice.

This program offers grants up to $2500 for individual Native artists and culture bearers. First Peoples Fund (FPF) finds it essential to support artists in their times of need, especially when their work is impacted by sudden hardship. This grant’s name incorporates the Diné word yéego, often used as a phrase of encouragement that can mean “keep going” or “don’t give up.”
While some hardship requests related to a current artistic project may be eligible, please note that Yéego Action Grants are not intended to assist with funding new or existing artist projects.

Key Information
Grant amount: Up to $2500
Application deadline: 3:00pm MT (11 a.m. HT) on the 10th of every month
www.firstpeoplesfund.org/programs/yeego-action-grant

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Yéego Action Grant, please contact us at [email protected]

08/26/2026

Come and join a Poetry Fest this afternoon, Aug. 26, from 3 - 5 pm at Basically Books in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, featuring a Reading and Talk Story with Lee Tonouchi, Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate, and Guest Lani Park.

The Poetry Fest will also feature readings by Gwyn Gorg, Darlene M. Javar, Jacquolyn McMurray, and Carla "Aleili" Orellana.

08/26/2026

Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate Lee A. Tonouchi (also known as “Da Pidgin Guerilla”) wen go lose his mom in one tragic car accident when he was 2.

He remembahs his family nevah really talked about her death. Everybody just held in their grief and carried on. Later on in life, Lee discovered that writing about da people you lose can actually be cathartic, healing, and help make it OK for oddah people to share their stories.

In dis workshop, Lee going share more about his personal writing journey. An’den, using his technique of “talk story poetry,” he going encourage workshop attendees for write their own pieces honoring those dey wen lose. We welcome attendees from age 14+ to join us in creating a safe space for writing, reflection, and sharing.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events at librarieshawaii.org/events.

08/20/2026

ACTION REQUESTED: Tropical Storm Lala and preparations for potential future weather impacts

Forwarding this message with thanks to Malia Van Heukelem, Hawaiʻi National Heritage Responder

Aloha mai kākou,

My thoughts go out to all who have been impacted by Tropical Storm Lala. If you are feeling overwhelmed and still without power, responding or recovering at your collecting institution or home, please reach out for free advice to the National Heritage Responders. The hotline number for institutions ( 202.661.8068 ) as well as the public helpline email address ( [email protected] ) are repeated in the message below, with further explanation. Please feel free to share broadly.

In addition to seeking support from NHR or submitting a Rapid Damage Assessment Form to HENTF (linked at the bottom), damage impacts should be reported as soon as possible to your county.
Each of the county emergency management agency damage reporting sites is linked through the State of Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency. The HIEMA site has many useful links including emergency radio stations in every county and also to sign up for each county's emergency alert system.

For those who are mostly back to normal, it is time to take stock of your home and institution emergency kits. There is the potential for one or more storms to form in the Eastern Pacific with impacts projected as early as Saturday evening. If you are not prepared at home, it will be harder to support your institution and community. Update your call lists, print out important numbers, refill gas and supplies.

There are a staggering number of online resources at our disposal these days. Fellow Hawaiʻi NHR member Liane Naʻauao and I worked to pull together some of our favorites posted on the Association of Hawaiʻi Archivists resource page just a few months ago. These are useful for immediate response, recovery and ideally for future planning.

National Heritage Responders
https://www.culturalheritage.org/resources/emergencies/national-heritage-responders

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency
https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/hurricane-lala-updates/

Association of Hawaiʻi Archivists Disaster Recovery Resources
https://hawaiiarchivists.org/disaster-recovery-resources/

Mālama pono,
Malia

Malia Van Heukelem
Art Archivist Librarian
Jean Charlot and Archive of Hawai‘i Artists & Architects
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library
808-956-2849
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/library/research/collections/charlot-collection/

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: FEMA-HENTF
Date: Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 5:17 AM
Subject: ACTION REQUESTED: Tropical Storm Lala

Dear Hawaii Colleagues,

I hope you and your loved ones are managing to stay safe from the impacts of Tropical Storm Lala. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public-private partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, is supporting response and recovery efforts of Hawaii’s arts & culture sector – and the public. Please reach out to your members and constituents to help gather reports of damage and identify any unmet needs and share the following resources:

Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups affected by the flooding can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.

Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at [email protected]

HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/save-family-treasures. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.

Please encourage those impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms:

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdX2xFpCGc5gTq7UKQSO7xNQqpdL2kQMrFYNwx1RDxT-qsO8g/viewform

ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsFr4W0cpsQFq-dr7CAeg0Guw7ckX1SBcSh7V2_lv74J7MJw/viewform

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS & PERFORMING GROUPS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2HxSk2buhUL3Z4LnB8erNUFDTVhklXJbzyVLriOgmRh_Ulg/viewform

Please stay safe and I will stay in touch as disaster assistance evolves.

With thanks,
Nana

Nana Kaneko, Ph.D.
Coordinator (acting) | Heritage Emergency National Task Force
Office of Environmental Planning & Historic Preservation
Hazard Mitigation Directorate
Mobile: (202) 615-9414
[email protected]
https://culturalrescue.si.edu/who-we-are/hentf
Federal Emergency Management Agency
fema.gov

How Can FEMA Help? Check Your Disaster Application

08/19/2026

We are proud to be part of the By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 initiative through a panel and exhibit honoring the hula lineages of Molokaʻi and the role of hula in Makahiki traditions, and an oral history workshop, in partnership with Ka Ipu Makani and UH Mānoa’s Center for Oral History.

This partnership is the first between the Smithsonian and the 56 humanities councils in every state and territory. It is powerful to see cultural efforts in Hawaiʻi alongside similar grassroots efforts around the nation—giving voice to unique music, food, language, and spiritual traditions. When communities speak for themselves about who they are and what matters, the diversity is astounding to behold.

Read more at
https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/by-the-people-humanities-councils