Podcasts about Oahu

Born and raised on Oahu, Kelia Moniz is a two-time world longboarding champion, freesurfer, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. From a deeply rooted surfing family, Moniz rode her first waves around the time she learned to walk. She started competing at age 15, racked up a string of victories, and turned pro shortly thereafter. She is the 2012 and 2013 world longboarding champion. She spent much of the 2010s as a traveling freesurfer. In 2015, on a trip in Tahiti, she rode serious Teahupo'o on a longboard. Now 31 and a mother of two, Moniz and her husband, photographer Joe Termini, recently opened the Honolulu Pawn Shop, which sells clothing and Joe's work. In this episode of Soundings, Moniz talks to Jamie Brisick about competing, longboarding, her Town roots, living out her dreams, her most memorable trips, overcoming self-doubt, Rell Sunn's legacy, starting her own business, and surfing as a universal language.

The Ma'ili wildfire that triggered mass evacuations has claimed the life of an elderly woman. An up close look at the damage, as firefighters monitor potential hot spots, while residents sift through the rubble. Plus, power is back on in Upcountry Maui tonight after Hawaiian Electric initiated a shutoff with heightened wildfire risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wildfire that's been climbing a mountain ridge in Nanakuli.. is still 80 percent contained. There are still no evacuations or threat to structures, but the blaze has charred about 75 acres. Police say a man tried to lure four girls, ages 11 to 12, by offering them a "Hello Kitty" plush doll near King Intermediate School. This week marks 40 years since Diane Suzuki disappeared from an Aiea dance studio. As Lynn Kawano prepares a half-hour special report, she spoke to Suzuki's former boyfriend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're still following the dry and windy conditions today as the threat of wildfires is high yet again. Casey Lund live again in West Oahu where another fire started yesterday. For the first time, Hawaiian Electric activated its Public Safety Power Shutoff program because of the fire risk on Maui. What residents had to say about the program, and how long they went without power. This week marks 40 years since Diane Suzuki disappeared from an Aiea dance studio. What her former boyfriend has to say, after all the time that has passed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore 15 surprising facts about Hawaii that reveal the hidden truths most visitors never discover, from the world's tallest mountain to phenomena that happen nowhere else in America. This episode uncovers essential travel insights about Hawaii's unique microclimates, geography, and cultural heritage that could completely change how you pack and plan your island getaway. Become a member to listen to this and so many more: hawaiisbesttravel.com/members

We are following the Maili wildfire that's burned nearly 100 acres. Casey Lund is live on the scene with the latest. The fire came as conditions have been especially dangerous because of strong winds and dry conditions. It forced HECO to shut off the power to some Maui residents. The Federal Detention Center in Honolulu is set to take in more immigrant detainees. Why this is happening now and who is skeptical of this plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu Firefighters are continuing to monitor a wildfire that burned about 55 acres, damaged homes, and forced mass evacuations in Maili. A 22-year-old woman is recovering after her car fell off of the H-1 viaduct and down onto Nimitz Road below. Honolulu Police are still searching for the suspects in a drive-by shooting in Kalihi that occurred on Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A violent holiday weekend across Oahu as HPD investigates six separate shootings. The latest on the cases and how the department is responding. Plus terror unfolds on Koko Head Trail where a young boy fell down a well shaft while hiking with his parents, the latest on his condition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An 18 year old woman is recovering after a shooting in Kapolei, we share what we know about the investigation and what's still unclear. President Trump has signed a sweeping spending bill that could deeply impact Hawaii residents who rely on Medicaid and food stamps, Governor Green warns rural hospitals may be hit hardest, and some are already taking action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode I spoke with Nina Tallering (www.mindspringmentoring.com). Nina is a gifted coach and therapist living in the Pacific Northwest. We discuss how to "do down well" when going through hard times. Nina shares the teachings of the "three principles" with her client and points them back to their innate wellbeing and mental health "underneath the noise." Nina has worked as a therapist in Portland, ME with children with autism, and on Oahu, Hawaii with children and their families. Her next career was as a Green Building Consultant, in which she worked with commercial building project teams to create more sustainable buildings. Her next career was as a full-time mom. She loved being at home with my kids, Eva (now 15) and Jacob (now 19). Nina volunteered in the schools, and supported all their activities and interests. Now, with Nina's kids in a new stage of life and needing her in different ways, she is returning to counseling and coaching. Nina has a strong desire to give back to the world and truly believes that if we can help people live in a better state of mind, this will have a ripple effect and help to create a better world for everyone. 

Entire HTA board resigns amid calls for new leadership, direction. The resignations come after Gov. Green made a formal request for them to step down. Transpac 2025 kicks off with 2 waves of racers setting sail for Hawaii. The first of three waves of racers is now en route to Oahu in the 2025 Transpacific Yacht Race, one of the world’s most iconic ocean competitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A message of caution from city leaders ahead of the Fourth of July holiday as HFD plans to bolster its available resources. Hawaii lawmakers in Washington and here at home sound off against the president's legislation. A former correctional officer is sentenced to 8 years behind bars for sexually assaulting inmates under his supervision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Developing news, HFD is investigating the cause of a 2-alarm house fire in Aiea. We have the latest from overnight. We have an update on the Oahu surfer who was crushed by a car weeks ago. The latest on 20-year-old Dakota Briley. More enforcement promised. On this 4th of July new fireworks safety measures will be rolled out by police and the state. Casey Lund has more on what's planned and how you can celebrate responsiblySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrations for the Fourth of July are underway across Hawaii. Dillon Ancheta reports from the parade in Kailua. Honolulu police have opened an attempted murder investigation after a 22-year-old man was shot in West Oahu. A Texas lawyer who mailed flyers soliciting Maui wildfire victims is being criminally prosecuted. A Maui judge refused to throw out the case. Daryl Huff has the exclusive report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii's solar industry is watching the action on Capitol Hill as President Trump's budget bill could kill a major tax credit for customers. The owner of a Kakaako restaurant ordered to pay millions to an abused employee, he shares his side of the story. A jury finds Sean Diddy Combs not guilty of the most serious charges in his criminal trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than six months of debate and negotiations, the "One, Big, Beautiful, Bill Act" has now been passed by Congress and will soon be on its way to the president's desk. One person was hurt after a small plane crash-landed on the Big Island this morning. News on the governor's plan to reshape the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The entire 12-member board of the HTA has now resigned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spencer Wadsworth and Stu Jeremias. Young guns, good buddies, and great watermen that have some impressive paddling accomplishments under their belts… including a recent World Record. No joke. Both of these guys grew up in and on the water; with full-on surf families. But the similarities in how they grew up in the water is super different. Spencer grew up at the Wedge and as a result, both he and his younger brother make charging heavy waves look easy. Stuey on the other hand grew up on the vintage side of surfing with his dad and uncle both fully immersed in surf history, riding alternative craft and collecting and refurbishing classic boards. Today, both Stu and Spencer work with, and on, boats and are frothy surfers and prone paddlers. Both have done the Catalina Classic and the Ben Carlson Foundation's Ben Did Go fundraising paddle across the Catalina Channel, the Molokai to Oahu race, and a big adventure when they paddled the English Channel, from England to France; which they accomplished in World Record time. Pretty rad… and they have more big, aspirational and passion filled adventures, and business interests, on the horizon.

Send us a textThe boundary between legendary golf courses and their price tags becomes crystal clear when exploring the contrast between Shadow Creek's meticulously crafted experience and Royal Hawaiian's wild jungle offering.Joe and Jeremy take us along for an extraordinary evening under the lights at Shadow Creek, a rare opportunity that transformed an already premium experience into something magical. Their detailed account captures the surreal feeling of playing a course where each putt seems to roll endlessly toward the hole, where caddie reads are uncannily accurate, and where going barefoot on the second nine elevated the experience to spiritual levels. In their words, "It felt like we went on a golf trip," despite being in their home city of Las Vegas—perhaps the highest praise possible for a single round of golf.Meanwhile, Matt shares his contrasting experience at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club on Oahu, where breathtaking jungle scenery and creative shot opportunities were unfortunately paired with disappointing course conditions. The front nine, carved into a dramatic valley surrounded by 200-foot-tall trees, presents unique challenges that require shots to bend around massive jungle obstacles. Yet despite the stunning setting, the patchy greens and inconsistent fairways left much to be desired. "If the conditions were good, it would be an $800 course that would be packed," Matt concludes, highlighting the perpetual tension between beauty and playability.The episode also celebrates Dan's recent tournament successes, explores the crew's fascination with vintage PGA Tour trading cards, and offers candid thoughts on Hawaiian travel challenges. Throughout, the question lingers: what makes a golf experience truly worth the price? Shadow Creek seems to have answered that question definitively for our hosts.Join us every Tuesday at 8:30 PM Pacific for more honest golf talk, course reviews, and the camaraderie that makes this game special. If you're contemplating your next bucket-list golf adventure, this episode offers valuable perspective on what truly matters when selecting your destination.We hope you enjoy this week's episode, and if you do, please consider leaving us a review on either Spotify or iTunes. Thank You!

On today's show, we chat with Thunderstorm Artis!    Artis was born and raised in a large musical family on the North Shore of Oahu, and it's easy to find the laid-back vibe of island life effortlessly blended with the real life experiences that inspire his music. As a Season 18 finalist on The Voice, Artis wowed audiences with both his original compositions, including quiet acoustic track “Sedona,” and loving reinterpretations of songs by artists like The Beatles and Louis Armstrong, with John Legend describing his tone as “magical” and Billboard praising his “earnest, uplifting presence.” Artis has played alongside modern icons Jack Johnson and Train, and The Zac Brown Band, as well as toured extensively with his brother, Ron Artis II. He's also was a featured artist at Bottlerock Music Festival.Recently Thunderstorm finished Top 5 on American Idol!His latest single, 'I Just Want You To Know', is out now!  You can catch Thunderstorm on tour in July, with Cory Asbury!thunderstormartis.com@thunderstormartischristianmusicguys.com@christianmusicguys

Breaking news just into the newsroom this morning. A man is dead after a bad motorcycle crash. What we've learned about this tragedy in Kailua. A fine dining restaurant owner has been ordered to pay millions for violence in his kitchen. We'll share details of the abuse. This morning, efforts to boost coral reef growth. We'll look at the pros and cons of the impacts of "groundwater flowing."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury reached a verdict in Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial. A Japanese tech mogul, who owns a Kakaako restaurant, must pay up for allowing violence in his kitchen. HPD is asking for you to be on the lookout for any signs of animal cruelty. It comes after a man who took care of a group of feral cats found several of them dead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Governor Josh Green about everything from the Hawaii Tourism Board to national news. We also hear Gov. Green’s reaction to the senate's decision to pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” and how this affects Hawaii.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Senate narrowly passes President Trump's signature legislation. I'm Erica Brown in Washington with more on the massive spending bill that now faces a battle in the House. Multiple men are arrested on Maui, accused of being child predators, including a new hire at the police department. Relief is in sight for Puna residents. Seven years after the Kilauea eruption wiped out the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. A look at the significant progress on a major recovery project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Months after the deadly Aliamanu explosion, the governor signs new laws to crackdown on illegal fireworks. Another Oahu playground goes up in flames this time in broad daylight, we find out what a HFD canine detected at the scene. Plus a dramatic turn of events in the murders of four University of Idaho students as Bryan Kohberger plans to plead guilty to the killings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaiian Airlines is still working to resolve an ongoing cyber-attack when the carrier actually found out about the breach and when it shared it with the public. Who torched this playground at Sheridan Community Park? That's what police want to know this morning. More on how you can help track them down. Traffic fatalities are still skyrocketing on Oahu. Why state officials believe this is happening despite more traffic control measures being implemented. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump appears to be on the verge of a legislative win, passing his budget bill called the "One, Big, Beautiful, Bill Act." On Maui, six men were arrested in a multi-agency sting operation aimed at catching child predators online. Hawaii's new Department of Law Enforcement is getting more power and resources to crack down on illegal fireworks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, March 20th, 1977, 16-year-old Dawn Momohara received a call at the home she shared with her mother in Honolulu. It was an unknown male who asked to meet her at the local Ala Mohana shopping center. Telling her mother she would be back later, Dawn left without another word. When she hadn't returned home by midnight, her mother called the police. Dawn was found the next morning, dead, at her nearby High School. She had been raped and strangled. The case soon went cold. Nancy Anderson was born in Michigan, but, after High School, in 1971, wanted adventure. She soon moved to Oahu in Hawaii and found a roommate and a job at the local McDonald's, also at the Ala Mohana shopping center. Things were going well until the end of January 1972, a mere four months after moving to Hawaii, Nancy was found dead in her bathroom by her roommate. She had been stabbed. Her case also went cold. Two cases, 6 years apart that went cold, but, miraculously, and with the help of forensics, science, DNA and geneaology, were solved more than four decades later.Show Notes:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Y23FBwSO1a9UwZpssESCvhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt34912793/

Protesting a proposed attraction. Dozens hit the streets to speak out against a planned gondola on Oahu's North Shore. Why some in the community say it's a bad idea. Don't give out your personal info! Scammers are targeting Oahu residents with fake threats from one city department. What you need to be on the lookout for. Kilauea put on a show over the weekend with its latest eruptive episode. And like a moth to a flame, it drew Casey Lund to Hawaii Island. We'll check in with him live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Oahu playground goes up in flames, this time in town, and Police are asking for the public's help after ignitable liquids were detected by an HFD canine. On Kauai, two people are without a home today after a house fire in Kapaa. Also new at noon, the state is announcing a new partnership with Hawaiian Telcom that will help provide 45,000 residents in public housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man is recovering Sunday morning after he was assaulted with knives in Makiki. A new order is in effect for some Hawaii Island residents as officials combat an invasive pest. Plus, teachers at a Hawaiian language preschool in Windward Oahu are pushing back against a cut to the program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bonus segment with Josh Pacheco from ESPN Honolulu. Here Josh discusses the 2026 move for Hawaii to the Mountain West Conference in all sports (they already are a member in football). Also, volleyball is huge at UH. How does the university get those electric crowds to be visible and audible at all Rainbow Warriors sporting events, in particular football and basketball. Finally, are Hawaii Athletics dialed into youth sports on Oahu. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man shot by police in Makaha this week remains on life support. What we've learned about his past. Vacancies at the Honolulu Police Department continue to rise. We'll tell you what the police union wants to see happen when the next chief takes over. A pineapple for a pint. The Blood Bank of Hawaii is hoping to get you to roll up your sleeve to donate today. Casey Lund is live this morning on the unique campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you missing the real reason locals consider Waimea Valley one of Oahu's most sacred places?For many visitors, Waimea Valley seems like just another waterfall stop—a quick swim and photo opportunity before moving on to the next attraction. But beneath the surface lies a thousand years of Hawaiian history, sacred sites, and living cultural traditions that most tourists completely overlook.If you're planning a trip to Oahu and want your visit to create lasting memories while respecting Hawaiian culture, this episode is for you. Learn how a simple shift in your approach can transform what might seem like a typical tourist stop into a meaningful cultural experience that locals truly appreciate.In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we explore the untold story of Waimea Valley's sacred sites with Executive Director Richard Pezzullo, who shares insider knowledge about the valley's rich history, unique cultural programs, and why 60% of visitors are now choosing not to swim in the waterfall.

We have now identified the man shot by police Tuesday in Makaha. What further details authorities have provided, as well as what loved ones had to say about the victim. Neighbors of the old Kamehameha Drive-In are pushing to have the lot cleared of overgrown brush. Why they are feeling the need to express their concerns right now. Lower speed limits have been implemented in Oahu school zones. However, we'll tell you why most residents have not noticed this change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Obama speechwriter moves to the Jersey Shore and learns to surf with the help of his brother-in-law: a tattooed, truck-driving Joe Rogan superfan.David, the Yale-educated writer with a fear of sharks, and Matt, the daredevil electrician with a shed full of surfboards, had never been close. But as America's crises piled up and David spiraled into existential dread, he noticed that his brother-in-law was thriving. He began to suspect Matt's favorite hobby had something to do with it.David started taking surf lessons. For months, he wiped out on waves the height of daffodils. Yet, after realizing that surfing could change him both in and out of the water, he set an audacious goal: riding a big wave in Hawaii. He searched for an expert he could trust to guide and protect him-and when he couldn't find one, he asked Matt. Together, they set out on a journey that spanned coasts, and even continents, before taking them to Oahu's famously dangerous North Shore.It's Only Drowning is a laugh-out-loud love letter to surfing-and so much more. It's an ode to embarking on adventures at any age. It's a blueprint for becoming braver at a time when it takes courage just to read the news. Most of all, it's the story of an unlikely friendship, one that crosses the fault lines of education, ideology, and culture tearing so many of us apart. It's is not just a surfing memoir - in addition to tackling (and be tackled by) the waves, David tackles the complex cultural nuances of our current society. Readers will recognize their own 'surfing' journeys and their own 'Matts', making David's story a beacon of hope to those of us who struggle to, but want to step outside our comfort zones whether that means taking up a new hobby or embarking on a journey to understand the other side of the aisle.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

A former Obama speechwriter moves to the Jersey Shore and learns to surf with the help of his brother-in-law: a tattooed, truck-driving Joe Rogan superfan.David, the Yale-educated writer with a fear of sharks, and Matt, the daredevil electrician with a shed full of surfboards, had never been close. But as America's crises piled up and David spiraled into existential dread, he noticed that his brother-in-law was thriving. He began to suspect Matt's favorite hobby had something to do with it.David started taking surf lessons. For months, he wiped out on waves the height of daffodils. Yet, after realizing that surfing could change him both in and out of the water, he set an audacious goal: riding a big wave in Hawaii. He searched for an expert he could trust to guide and protect him-and when he couldn't find one, he asked Matt. Together, they set out on a journey that spanned coasts, and even continents, before taking them to Oahu's famously dangerous North Shore.It's Only Drowning is a laugh-out-loud love letter to surfing-and so much more. It's an ode to embarking on adventures at any age. It's a blueprint for becoming braver at a time when it takes courage just to read the news. Most of all, it's the story of an unlikely friendship, one that crosses the fault lines of education, ideology, and culture tearing so many of us apart. It's is not just a surfing memoir - in addition to tackling (and be tackled by) the waves, David tackles the complex cultural nuances of our current society. Readers will recognize their own 'surfing' journeys and their own 'Matts', making David's story a beacon of hope to those of us who struggle to, but want to step outside our comfort zones whether that means taking up a new hobby or embarking on a journey to understand the other side of the aisle.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Dr. Kamanaʻopono Crabbe, David Sun Miyashiro, executive director of Hawaii Kids Can and Mele Kānealiʻi Hawai’i State Youth Commissioner on the Rediscovering Hawaii’s Soul movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of a man who was struck while crossing a street in McCully is now suing the city. Why the family is making their case and what the city's response is. New admission fees are coming to Hilo's Panaewa Zoo. When they will begin and what the price hike is. State lawmakers pressured the head of the Public Utilities Commission to do more to bring down electric rates. We'll tell you the details of what else was discussed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a look at some really, really cool National Archives archival footage. The guys dig into the records of Hollywood director John Ford's Field Photographic Unit that operated on Oahu, mainly at Kaneohe and Pearl Harbor from February-May 1942. In a startling, but super cool, discovery, the guys find footage of VB6's SBD B-15 in flight, one of two SBDs still in Yorktown's hangar to this day. A major portion of this episode focuses on footage that Ford shot of the resurrection, repair, and refloating of the US Navy's battleships at Pearl Harbor. USS California (BB-44), USS West Virginia (BB-48) and USS Nevada (BB-35) are all shown in various stages of having water pumped out, refloated, repaired and put in dry dock. The shots of West Virginia's torpedo damage is stark to say the least. Views of USS Arizona (BB-39), as well as the Big E, USS Enterprise (CV-6) in all her glory are also seen. Give this one a view--you won't be disappointed. National Archives Reel Numbers: 428npc47614, 47615, 47616, and 47617 428npc47620, 47621 428npc47623 428npc47625, 47626, 47627, 47628, and 47629 428npc47631 428npc47634, 47635, 47636 All NARA footage shown is public domain.  #wwiihistory #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone #liberation #blacksheep #power #prisoner #prisonerofwar #typhoon #hurricane #weather #iwojima#bullhalsey #ace #p47 #p38 #fighter #fighterpilot #b29 #strategicstudying #tokyo #boeing #incendiary #usa #franklin #okinawa #yamato #kamikaze #Q&A #questions #questionsandanswers #history #jaws #atomicbomb #nuclear #nationalarchives #nara #johnford #hollywood

Ed Center and I begin this podcast with a toast. I'm proud to call Ed my friend. I met him a couple years at The Social Study, where we recorded this episode and where my wife, Erin Lim, bartends. From the first time I spoke with Ed, I knew I liked him. His energy and humor and intellect and heart are all boundless. I'm hella drawn to people like Ed. His story begins in Cebu in the Philippines, with his maternal grandmother. Her family was poor and her parents died in the Spanish Flu of the 1910s. That loss plunged the surviving family members into what Ed describes as destitute poverty. Following that tragedy, her older brother signed up to work for the Dole company in Hawaii. Ed's grandmother was 13 at this time, but still, it was decided that she would accompany her brother to the islands to help care for him while he worked the pineapple fields and earned a wage. Ed points out that the Dole Food Company (as it was known at the time) intended these migrant workers to honor their contracts and then go back to their home countries. To that end, the company only hired young men. But Ed's family paid a stranger on their boat $20 to marry his grandmother so that she could join her brother in Hawaii. Ed goes on a sidebar here about the tendency in his family to exaggerate their own history. “Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story,” or so the family saying goes. He returns to the story of his maternal grandmother to share the tale of her younger sister being so distraught about the departure, she hugged her so hard that her flip-flop broke. It was her only pair of shoes. In the Filipino community on Oahu at the time, there was an outsize number of men in relation to women. When Ed's grandfather first set eyes on his grandma, he began to court her. A year later, they asked her older brother if they could get married, and he said no, that she was too young (14 at the time). But they got married anyway, with the understanding that they would wait two more years to live together. They moved in and Ed's grandmother had a new baby, including his mom, every other year for the next 20 years. Like her brother, his grandmother's new husband worked in the pineapple fields for Dole, doing incredibly hard labor. His grandma washed clothes for bachelor workers. The two saved their money and bought plantation property from Dole. The property was affordable enough that they were able to build multiple shacks for the kids to eventually live in. At this point, Ed launches into what he calls “the shadow story” of his family. He learned that shadow story when he was a kid and his mom and aunties were cooking in the kitchen. He'd sit just outside the room pretending to read a book, eavesdropping. There, he learned things like which family members were smoking pot or getting into trouble. But there are more serious elements, which prompts Ed to issue a trigger warning to readers and listeners. His grandmother didn't quite agree to go to Hawaii. When she told her brother no to the idea, he beat her. He did this repeatedly until she acquiesced. But it was in one of these violent melees that his grandmother's flip-flop broke. All this to say that Ed's grandmother didn't have much agency in her life decisions. The last two of her 10 children almost killed her. After number 10, the doctor gave Ed's grandfather an involuntary vasectomy. Ed shares the story of how, on plantation payday, the women and children would hide in the fields with the men guarding them. It was a way to try to protect them from workers in the next village getting drunk and coming in to cause trouble. He summarizes the family history to this point by pointing out the incredible amount of resilience his ancestors carried. Also strength and love. But also, violence. All of those qualities manifested in their and their children's parenting practices. Ed's mom raised her kids in this way. The severity of the abuse waned over generations, but it was there nonetheless. Ed says he was ultimately responsible for his mother's emotions. For many of these reasons, in his adult life, Ed founded The Village Well Parenting. We'll get more into that in Part 2. We back up for Ed to tell the story of how his mom and dad met each other. His dad was in the Army during the war in Vietnam. On a voyage to Asia, his boat took a detour and ended up in Hawaii, where he remained for the next five years. His parents got together and had Ed and his younger brother. They grew up among a much larger Filipino extended family, but Ed didn't really know his dad's Caucasian family, who lived on the East Coast. He's gotten to know them more in his adult life. Ed grew up on Oahu in the Seventies and Eighties. His family was between working class and middle class, and there was always stress about money. But in hindsight, they lived well. We share versions of a similar story—that of parents telling kids that Christmas would be lean, that they didn't have a lot of money (probably true), but that never ended up actually being the case. Both of our recollections was mountains of gifts on December 25. Growing up, Ed was always feminine. He was also athletic. It was a time before Ellen, before Will and Grace, when “athletic” also meant “not gay.” Ed says he wanted to be “not gay,” but he couldn't help who he was. That led to his getting bullied. Moving to the mainland for college meant escape—from his own torment and from that of his peers back on the island. Ed went to UC Davis. He had played competitive soccer in middle school and high school, and because his teams were good, they came to the mainland a couple times. But Davis was a whole other world by the time he arrived to go to college. It was the early Nineties. He took what we call a gap year before coming to California. For him, that meant working. In one of his jobs, he served tables at CPK in Hawaii, where Carol Burnett was one of his regulars. We end Part 1 with Ed's story of his time at UC Davis and not yet accepting his queerness. This Thursday on the podcast, I talk with Megan Rohrer about their new book on the Transgender District in San Francisco. And check back next week for Part 2 with Ed Center. We recorded this podcast at The Social Study in June 2025. Photography by Jeff Hunt

Honolulu's prosecutor says police officers were justified in using deadly force during a barricade situation in Pearl City two years ago. Two men were arrested in connection with a sex assault case involving two juveniles that happened earlier this month in Hanamaulu. Also new at noon, a big announcement affecting thousands of parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A search is on this morning for an inmate on the run. What he was in for and what you need to be on the lookout for. The Hawaii Tourism Authority could potentially face an overhaul. We the governor is calling for board members to step down. A new Hawaiian name for a monk seal pup! What is it and what does it mean?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran just hours after Iran attacked the largest US military base in the middle east. Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee in Washington D.C. says all members of Congress have yet to be briefed by the White House. Plus, we now know the identifies of the two women who were killed in a deadly head-on crash on Oahu's North Shore last week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that even after 30+ trips to Hawaii, I still remember the mistakes I made on my very first visit in 2007?When I first stepped foot on Oahu as a newlywed, I arrived with a suitcase full of expectations and honestly, a lot of naivety about what Hawaii was really like beyond the postcard-perfect images.

Want to turn your dreams into reality and embrace the life you've always imagined? Internationally acclaimed ukulele virtuoso Derick Sebastian, who hails from the island of Maui, shares valuable tips from his bestselling book "Daydreaming With Purpose".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has launched an attack on a U.S. base in Qatar - in retaliation to the U.S. strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. An attempted murder suspect has died following an hours long standoff at Keehi Lagoon. A new unit to fight crime on agricultural land is gaining support from farmers and ranchers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning were following the latest on a deadly standoff at Keehi Lagoon. What we've learned about the suspect. Farmers and ranchers are working with law enforcement to fight crime on their properties. We'll tell you the new efforts being discussed. Summer may have just started but parents know there's no better time to get ready for the school year. How you can help some kids on Maui be prepared.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump claims three Iranian nuclear sites have been "completely obliterated," what this means for an already war-torn region. Plus local farmers and law enforcement officials are teaming up to fight back against crime. Also more details on an attempted murder arrest after an HPD officer was hit by a car.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park miss the best sights—and sometimes even the lava—simply because they don't have a solid plan. With unpredictable eruptions and so much ground to cover, it's easy to waste time or leave disappointed. This episode reveals how to make the most of your day, avoid common mistakes, and leave with the kind of memories most visitors miss by sharing the exact one-day route, practical tips for timing and packing, and a clear plan for your visit. Become a member to listen to this and so many more: hawaiisbesttravel.com/members

In this edition of the Peristyle Podcast hosts Ryan Abraham and Connor Morrissette (aka "Triple Double") are back in studio talking about what was a massive recruiting pickup for the Trojans, getting a pledge from Kahuku (Hawaii) four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili. He played three seasons of varsity football at Orange Lutheran and accumulated 199 tackles, 38 for losses and eight sacks. For his senior season the 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker transferred to the North Shore of Oahu to play at Kahuku High School and could potentially wear the legendary No. 55 for the Trojans next season. The guys also take a look at some of Connor's summer opponent previews after he reviewed the Cover Three podcast's "Summer School" series, including the Michigan State Spartans, Illinois Fighting Illini, UCLA Bruins, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Ryan and Connor discuss the Elite 11 Finals that kicks off in Manhattan Beach on Tuesday evening with USC quarterback commit Jonas Williams taking part, some of the new proposals being discuss to modify the college football calendar following the House Settlement and lots more. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE for 30% OFF an annual VIP membership to USCFootball.com!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Please review, rate and subscribe to the Peristyle Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Thanks to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trader Joe's⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring the Peristyle Podcast! Make sure you check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠USCFootball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for complete coverage of this USC Trojan football team.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices