Channel 53 (Spectrum) and 1049 or 1053 (Hawaiian Telcom)
Subject to change, without notice. [For updated information, call (808) 834-0007.
Editor’s note: Thank you to those who called and emailed and expressed your thoughts about the discontinuance of the Asian-language programming on KIKU. While we are saddened that we can no longer share our favorite Japanese and Filipino programs from KIKU, we are excited to bring you programming from Hawai‘i’s rich, multi-ethnic community. Mahalo to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association for partnering with The Hawai‘i Herald to share the Okinawan culture that continues to flourish in the islands.
Hawaii Okinawa Today’s new episodes premiere on the first Saturday of the month and repeat the following Thursday at 5 p.m. on ‘Olelo Community Media Channels. HOT shows are not aired on the fifth Thursday of the month. Programs are subject to change without notice. For updated information and streaming on-demand programming visit olelo.org.
“Ayanuji Nu Udui: Okinawan Dance and Music: Past & Present, Show One,” Saturday, July 17, at 7 p.m.; repeat on Thursdays, July 22 and Aug. 5, at 5 p.m.
The East-West Center Arts Program in cooperation with the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts presented a culturally rich performance at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa Orvis Auditorium on Sept. 24 and 25, 2016. The program included folk, classical and contemporary dance as well as music from the Ryükyü islands, including masked dance and lion dance.
“Ayanuji Nu Udui: Okinawan Dance and Music: Past & Present, Show Two,” Saturday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m.; repeat on Thursdays, Aug. 12 and 19, at 5 p.m.
The second part of “Ayanuji Nu Udui” at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa Orvis Auditorium held on Sept. 24 and 25, 2016.
“Nenes, Part One,” Saturday, Aug. 21; repeat on Thursdays, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2, at 5 p.m.
The “Nenes” are a group of four women — Terumi Yasura, Mayuko Higa, Nagisa Uehara and Maki Nakamoto — who sing Okinawan folk songs and play traditional instruments. The group’s performance was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on June 29, 2010, presented by Sadao China in a benefit concert celebrating HOC’s 20th anniversary.
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association YouTube channel was initiated in January 2020 to help keep Hawai‘i’s Okinawan community connected through the COVID pandemic lockdown. But due to its success and ability to reach Okinawan communities beyond the shores of the 808 state, the HUOA YouTube programming is flourishing and here to stay!
One of HUOA’s most popular shows is “Yuntaku Live!” – a champuru (mix) of talk-story and entertainment where live viewers can interact with cultural experts and practitioners by posting questions or comments. The hosts and guests respond in real-time bringing a new level of interaction with audiences from Hawai‘i and around the world. Tune in to the HUOA YouTube or Facebook pages every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Here is the line up for August:
“Yuntaku Live! Hui O Laulima,” Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m.
Hui O Laulima was officially established on Nov. 11, 1968. The founding officers were: Tsuruko Ohye, president; June Arakawa, first vice president; Jane Sakima, second vice president; Irene Kanetake, recording secretary; Jackie Goya, corresponding secretary; Rose Teruya, treasurer; and Caroline Kamisato, assistant treasurer. Masae Chinen, Chiyoko Ige, Chiyeko Takushi, Lorraine Toma and Katherine Yonamine served on the board of directors.
The organization’s goals include: fellowship among members, service to the community, cultural exchange and education on various topics to be selected from year-to-year, self-improvement and welcoming dignitaries from Okinawa. Membership was open to all women, regardless of race or creed, who were interested in Okinawan culture and the activities of Okinawans in Hawai‘i.
“Hui O Laulima” means “club of many hands” to reflect the membership’s shared mission and goals. Tune in to this episode of “Yuntaku Live!” to enjoy a talk-story with HOL’s current leaders and active members.
For more upcoming episodes and virtual programs from HUOA, subscribe to the HUOA YouTube channel (youtube.com/channel/UC61hEnfb8TenI9Aq6o_dTnQ), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/HUOA.org) or visit the website huoa.org.
