Cassie Ordonio

1 week ago | hawaiipublicradio.org | Cassie Ordonio

Hawai‘i lawmakers have passed a bill that creates a performing arts grant program but also limits the state arts agency's use of its special fund. House Bill 1378 heads to the governor’s office for final approval. The measure would give the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts $300,000 annually for the next two years to support performing arts. It would also limit the use of the Works of Art Special Fund. It cannot pay for operations like staff salaries and upkeep of state-owned art.

1 week ago | hawaiipublicradio.org | Cassie Ordonio

Organizers of the Filipino Fiesta on Oʻahu say they’re bumping up security following the deadly attack in Vancouver that killed 11 people and left more than two dozen injured. Andrea Christina Caymo-Kauhanen, the executive director of the Filipino Community Center, said that while the attack at last week’s event in Canada wasn't racially motivated, she wanted to take extra precautions. “It’s more of an attack by someone who has mental issues,” she said.

1 week ago | hawaiipublicradio.org | Cassie Ordonio

Tucked in the back end of the repurposed Waialua Sugar Mill, Ava Taesali prepares to open her kava bar by putting up her paper-made menus and prepping the traditional Pacific beverage. Her name, Ava (aw-VAH), suits her because it means kava in Samoan. From making kava at farmers’ markets to opening up a brick-and-mortar on O'ahu, Taesali has made a name for herself as the Kava Queen Kava Bar owner. “I have always been drawn to it,” Taesali said of the cultural drink.

2 weeks ago | hawaiipublicradio.org | Cassie Ordonio

The first day of May is celebrated with the beauty and craftsmanship of lei makers while celebrating Hawaiian culture. While lei are known for their floral adornments, a local nonprofit has given the art form a new twist. For the first time, the Honolulu Printmakers have displayed the finished project for the annual Lei Day celebration, which is exhibited at the Hawai‘i State Library. Instead of real flowers, every lei is made of paper.

2 weeks ago | hawaiipublicradio.org | Cassie Ordonio

Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer stands on the third floor of Honolulu Hale on a Wednesday, overlooking her large-scale art piece. She takes out her sketchbook and begins to draw. Her eyes are fixated on the artwork as she cracks a smile. “It’s a real treat because I’m always down there in the trenches in my life, on the ground with kids, folks incarcerated or with organizations,” she said.