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This Is Our Hawaiʻi
Hosted by Russell Subiono

Hawaiʻi has sustained hundreds of thousands of people for centuries, yet these days, it can feel like there isn’t enough for everyone.

Who owns the Hawaiian Islands? Who makes the rules? And why do so many local people feel like they’re left out? Communities across the islands have been having this discussion for decades.

Join host Russell Subiono as he digs deep into residents’ frustrations with the status quo. In each episode of this limited series podcast, Russell visits a different Hawaiʻi community threatened by outside ownership and listens to what longtime locals have to say.

From Hawaiʻi Public Radio, ʻO ko mākou Hawaiʻi kēia: This Is Our Hawaiʻi explores the history of local people dealing with outside forces — and what may be in store.

Episode 5 of This Is Our Hawaiʻi is out now. Local support provided by Bess Press.

Subscribe to This Is Our Hawaiʻi wherever you get your podcasts.

Latest Episodes:

Local News
Episode 1: The dispute over Waipiʻo Valley raises questions of belonging in Hawaiʻi
The home of high chiefs, kalo farms, and a black sand beach — Waipiʻo Valley is one of the most sacred places on Hawaiʻi Island. But when threats of rockfall restricted access to the only road in and out of the valley, a dispute grew between local residents. Which locals should enter, and who belonged?
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Local News
Episode 2: An island sold for a dollar? How Lānaʻi came under private ownership for the first time
Before James Dole transformed Lānaʻi into one of the world's largest pineapple plantations, another man set his sights on the island. In 1909, businessman William Irwin bought nearly the entire island of Lānaʻi for $1. But who put it up for sale in the first place?
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Local News
Episode 3: A look inside life on an island owned by Larry Ellison, the fourth richest person in the world
Imagine trying to make ends meet while living on an island owned by one of the richest people in the world. That’s the reality for some residents on Lānaʻi, who say the power dynamics of land control can get… complicated. In this episode, we talk to some of those residents who call Lānaʻi home — and have no plans of leaving.
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Local News
Episode 4: When crisis strikes, Molokaʻi residents find strength in unity and ʻāina
Hop on a nine-seater plane to Molokaʻi and you'll find miles of farmland and a tight-knit community. Often known as the “Friendly Isle,” Molokaʻi has had its fair share of land and food struggles — especially when the pandemic isolated families from crucial access to basic resources.
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Local News
Episode 5: Lahaina land grab rumors reveal an erosion of trust
Lahaina residents found connection and support on social media after the devastating wildfire. But they also found a rumor claiming that FEMA could seize land from property owners who applied for disaster assistance. The rumor is false, but it revealed an erosion of trust between the community and the government.
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This Is Our Hawaiʻi is produced by Hawaiʻi Public Radio, a member of the NPR Podcast Network, with support from PRX and is made possible in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

This podcast is hosted by Russell Subiono and produced by Savannah Harriman-Pote, with assistance from HPR staff: Ananddev Banerjee, Taylor Nāhulukeaokalani Cozloff, Bill Dorman, Sylvia Flores, Casey Harlow, Sophia McCullough, Liberty Peralta, Krista Rados, Emily Tom and Jason Ubay.

Mahalo to PRX's Mike Russo for his continued support. Logo design by Kristin Lipman.

This Is Our Hawaiʻi was made possible with financial support from HPR members. Consider making a contribution today.