This year, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the fate of the Navy's Red Hill fuel storage system dominated the headlines and airwaves. But Hawaiʻi Public Radio reporters and producers also delivered feature storytelling about local musicians and artists, the impacts of tourism, Native Hawaiian rights and more.
We are taking a look at some of your favorite non-coronavirus stories from the Hawaiʻi Public Radio news team in 2021. In no particular order, here they are.
Little known Hamakua lynching is part of Hawaiʻi's labor history - Sept. 9, 2021
On the Hilo end of Honokaʻa town, a simple memorial is tucked into foliage near Honokaʻa Library on Mamane Street for Katsu Goto. Goto worked on the Overend Plantation, opened a general store, and then became a spokesperson for workers. — Noe Tanigawa
Mapping origins of Hawaiian language reveals new theory on Polynesian migration to Hawaiʻi - Sept. 8, 2021
For some 50 years, the conventional understanding of Polynesian migration to Hawaiʻi was that the islands were settled from Sāmoa by way of the Marquesas more than 2,000 miles south of here. But University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo linguistics professor William “Pila” Wilson said his research reveals a new theory. — Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's famous medley was added to the National Recording Registry - May 20, 2021
The legendary Hawaiian singer and musician Israel Kamakawiwoʻole left an indelible mark on fans, and the Hawaiian music industry. This year, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" received the distinction of being added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. — The Conversation's Russell Subiono; adapted for the web by Sophia McCullough.
Peer-to-peer car rentals on Honolulu streets draw attention from the tax department, neighbors - June 23, 2021
Complaints about tourists picking up peer-to-peer car rentals in local neighborhoods had the state Department of Taxation taking note. Officials said residents should research before making their personal vehicles available for rent through platforms like Turo. — The Conversation's Catherine Cruz; adapted for the web by Sophia McCullough.
Teaching computers ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi prompts debate on data sovereignty - Sept. 15, 2021
Efforts are underway to teach computers how to understand ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language). Using artificial intelligence technology could be a game-changer in advancing the use of Hawaiian language. But some worry about technology companies and control – an area of concern they call “data sovereignty.” —Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi
Honolulu DPP revising vacation rental regulations, operators face uncertain future - Aug. 16, 2021
Within the last decade, Hawaiʻi tourism reached new heights — and new technology made it easier for homeowners to rent their properties to visitors. On Oʻahu, that has created tension in normally quiet neighborhoods. The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting was reevaluating the law — and how to regulate short-term vacation rentals going forward. — Casey Harlow
Period poverty in Hawaiʻi: some students use newspapers and plants in place of period products - Nov. 22, 2021
A report showed a high level of inequity in access to menstrual products in the state. Nearly one-third of respondents said they or someone in their household experienced difficulty obtaining period products such as a pad or tampon. — Zoe Dym
What is Hula? Who is qualified to teach it? A new declaration signed by 200 Kumu Hula spells it out - Oct. 22, 2021
About 60 Kumu Hula convened in August to deal with what they saw as ignorance and exploitation of Hula and its traditions. They drafted a document clarifying definitions, protocols and responsibilities involved with Hula. — Noe Tanigawa
