The Conversation: Hawaiʻi’s America250 plans; 3D animated Ala Moana

By Catherine Cruz,

Maddie Bender, Kevin Allen

Published June 24, 2026 at 11:45 AM HST

A Ferris wheel stands on the National Mall for the 250 Anniversary celebrations, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington.

Peter Young, Chair of the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission, shares some of the festivities planned for the nation’s 250th anniversary | Full Story
Surfer and scientific diver Katie Mae McConnell talks about her love for the ocean ahead of the “#IfThenSheCan” exhibit in Dallas | Full Story
3D Animator Nick Chang talks about his work, which gives local nostalgic scenes like Shirokiya and Kahala Mall immersive retro reimaginations | Full Story
Native Hawaiian Author shares her new book, “Waking in a Sea of Dreams,” the sequel to her award-winning debut young adult novel | Full Story

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Catherine Cruz

Catherine Cruz is the host of The Conversation. Contact her at ccruz@hawaiipublicradio.org.

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Maddie Bender

Maddie Bender is the executive producer of The Conversation. She also provided production assistance on HPR's "This Is Our Hawaiʻi" podcast. Contact her at mbender@hawaiipublicradio.org.

See stories by Maddie Bender

Kevin Allen

Kevin Allen is a producer on The Conversation. Contact Kevin at kallen@hawaiipublicradio.org.

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