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Jessica Hilo

@jessicahilo.bsky.social
484 followers 74 following 98 posts

Jessica Hilo is a digital journalist and audience specialist. Kānaka Maoli. Former: NBC News, MSNBC, USA TODAY, CBS

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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Hawaiʻi’s Constitution establishes a public trust between the state and Native Hawaiians, reaffirming a relationship recognized by the U.S. federal government. This trust includes a duty to protect Native Hawaiian cultural practices and traditional rights.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Oahu HS students: Build production skills working on a media project with industry professionals. (Participants receive a $500 stipend.) Apply to the Civic Media Lab by December 5. Limited spots available. tinyurl.com/civicmedialab
tinyurl.com
Microsoft Forms
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Executives with the Thirty Meter Telescope are investigating the possibility of building on Mauna Kea, at a site where an old telescope was decommissioned and torn down.
civilbeat.org
Thirty Meter Telescope Planners Consider Other Sites On Mauna Kea
Gov. Josh Green pledges to help with the permitting process for sites where old telescopes have been decommissioned.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Dhillon Law Group, the firm that filed a lawsuit to block California's voter-approved congressional map, is listed as counsel for the Students for Fair Admissions (the group suing Kamehameha Schools) www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/kame...
civilbeat.org
Kamehameha Schools Sued Over Native Hawaiian Admissions Policy
Students for Fair Admissions founder Ed Blum said he has received death threats over his attempt to strike down the policy.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Research by Amnesty International finds current immigration systems are inadequate for Pacific Islanders seeking safety and stability, as rising seas threaten to make their homelands uninhabitable.
theguardian.com
‘Humanitarian’ visa must be created for Pacific Islanders displaced by climate crisis, experts say
Calls for reform to allow people across the Pacific threatened by climate crisis to more easily migrate, particularly to New Zealand
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
WATCH: Bryson Chun (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.), Dana Ledoux Miller (Moana), and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett (Chief of War) examine contemporary Pasifika storytelling and representations in TV and film. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I2O...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
“We verified that the [Sec.] Noem video is not playing at Hawaii checkpoints. Videos airing in the screening area are meant to direct people through the security screening process. HDOT is focused on airing videos that aid travelers at our commercial airports.”
hawaiinewsnow.com
State explains why Homeland Security video blaming Democrats not playing at TSA checkpoints in Hawaii
A new video shows U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on camera blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
"You can say so many things about the things you want to do or achieve, but it isn't until the action is there that anything will really happen, and I just encourage young designers...to not feed into the thinking that there's one way to do anything."
teenvogue.com
Meet Rocket Ahuna, the Kānaka Maoli Designer Marrying Hula With Fashion
Ahuna’s designs, inspired by the history of Hawai’i, are going global.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
I can't imagine why someone would feel inclined to punch down about "Chief of War." But, hey, congrats to this writer for churning all those deafening open mics into quite a lucrative career in AI prompting. #MissionAccomplished
theonion.com
Jason Momoa Praised For Historical Accuracy Of ‘Chief Of War’ Ass
HONOLULU—Calling his portrayal of a Native Hawaiʻian chief “straight out of the 1700s,” critics, scholars, and fans alike praised Chief Of War star Jason Momoa this week for the historical accuracy of...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
An anti-affirmative action group wants Kamehameha Schools to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. The school promises a vigorous defense.
civilbeat.org
Kamehameha Schools’ Admission Policies May Face Legal Challenge
An anti-affirmative action group wants the school to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. The school promises a vigorous defense.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Nearly 1 in 5 warning sirens on Oʻahu were broken during tsunami scare. Hawaiʻi could end up paying a bigger share of the upkeep of sirens in coming years. Maintenance was paid in part by FEMA grants, funding targeted for cuts by the Trump administration.
civilbeat.org
Nearly 1 In 5 Warning Sirens On Oʻahu Broken During Tsunami Scare
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency says two dozen new sirens will be installed by the end of the year.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Between kumu hula, community organizers, educators, and families now living in diaspora, many Hawaiians are doing important work to ensure proper representation of our culture in distant places while creating safe spaces for our communities abroad to remain connected to their cultural heritage.
kawaiola.news
Reframing Histories of Kānaka Diaspora - Ka Wai Ola
Narratives of diaspora are nothing new to our community and culture. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, it is commonplace to learn about the first migrations that brought our kūpuna into Polynesia, to Tahiti, and...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
“That’s literally the reason I signed on to do the project in the first place. They told me, Spider-Girl, she’s Hawaiian. I’m like, Yes, you got me. I’m in,” David Nakayama, a veteran cover artist, said.
khon2.com
From villain to hero: Meet Marvel’s new Hawaii-born Spider-Girl
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Look out New York — and Hawaii. There’s a new Spider-Hero in town. Just released this week, Marvel Comic’s latest character. Her name? Spider-Girl. And sh…
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
"Our kupuna is definitely still here": Hawaiian kiʻi pōhaku (petroglyphs) covered for years are unearthed again at Pōkaʻī Bay. Cultural experts believe they are more than 1,000 years old. www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/07/18/h...
hawaiinewsnow.com
Huge petroglyphs covered for years unearthed again at Pokai Bay
The petroglyphs were exposed over the weekend and cultural experts believe they are more than 1,000 years old.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
UPDATE: In May, the FAA approved SpaceX's Starship proposal, despite "federal agencies' foreboding assessments" and more than 12,000 public comments on the matter. bsky.app/profile/jess...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Last year more than 172,500lbs of trash were collected off Hawaii coastlines, the most of any region in the country, report finds.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Hawaii ranked number 1 on concerning list: More than 172,500 Ibs of trash collected
The numbers come from the new Surfrider annual beach cleanup report.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Hawaii beaches are among the most polluted in the nation, report finds. Federal funding cuts could threaten future water quality testing.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Report reveals Hawaii beaches among most polluted nationwide
A recent report reveals beaches in Hawaii are among the most polluted in the nation.
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Reposted by Jessica Hilo
Adam Rose @adamrose.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Law enforcement is violently targeting press at protests around Los Angeles, from easily recognizable "mainstream" outlets to freelancers and independents. ALL press have explicit legal protections in California. #JournalismIsNotACrime. This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Over 2,500 California National Guard members were activated in response to devastating wildfires that ripped through LA in January 2025.
laist.com
Federal agents conduct immigration raids across LA. Trump orders National Guard response
Gov. Gavin Newsom called the plan to take over deployment from the state "purposefully inflammatory" adding that it "will only escalate tensions."
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
The U.S. Air Force wants to build two commercial rocket landing pads at Johnston Atoll for its Rocket Cargo Vanguard program. The proposal doesn’t name SpaceX, but it’s the only company capable of manufacturing rockets designed for landing and reuse.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Military’s plan for rocket testing on Johnston Atoll raises alarm
The U.S. Air Force wants to build two commercial rocket landing pads at Johnston Atoll, which is a crucial breeding ground for seabirds and wildlife.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
It used to take years to kill a reef. Now, it can take weeks — sometimes days. The decline of coral reefs is worse in the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands, one expert says. The problem is most severe in the Caribbean and the state of Florida.
cbsnews.com
Under Hawaii's warming blue ocean, many once-colorful coral reefs are bleached white
Coral reefs in Honolulu and other coastal areas are undergoing what experts say is the world's worst coral bleaching event.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
The NY Times published an article today about ICE activity affecting Kona coffee growers. It left a lot to be desired, but that's a symptom of parachute journalism. Read @civilbeat.bsky.social's write-up instead.
civilbeat.org
ICE Takes Aim At Immigrant Kids In Big Island's Coffee Belt
President Trump has said he wants to deport hardened criminals. But on Hawaiʻi, agents are snaring undocumented children and their adult relatives.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
“The SAVE Act provides consistent national standards for what documentation is necessary to prove citizenship and the right to vote...Fears of voter suppression because of these standards are overstated,” Case said.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Hawaii Democrat sides with Republicans on bill requiring proof of citizenship
The bill requires states to establish a program to remove undocumented immigrants from voter registrations, but critics say the SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
ICE arresting COFA migrants who have been arrested but not charged with a crime, lawyer says.
staradvertiser.com
ICE detaining COFA migrants not charged with crimes | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
The 25,000 Hawaii residents from countries of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau who are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. are facing greater risk of removal if they have been arr...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
"I love that Moana celebrates our culture...but I had this feeling kind of growing that we needed to celebrate the real people": Go inside Te Vaka's "We're Back" music video.
abc.net.au
'Celebrate the real people': Olivia Foa'i on directing Te Vaka's music video for Moana 2 - ABC Pacific
Nesia Daily spoke with musician and dancer, Olivia Foa'i about directing Te Vaka's new music video for We're Back from Disney's Moana 2.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
"Mālama goes beyond eco-tourism: it's about leaving a place better than you found it. And after seeking out these experiences during a three-week stay, we found mālama not only improves Hawaii, it also made our time there much more meaningful."
bbc.com
Mālama: The word embodying the spirit of Hawaii
Meaning "to give back", this ancient concept is a way of life – and a tourism initiative offering travellers fascinating local experiences and perks.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Mauna Kea Traditional Cultural Property and District listed on National Register of Historic Places. The listing requires federal agencies, and private entities seeking fed funding or permits, to address the potential impacts of proposals on Mauna Kea.
nps.gov
Weekly List 2025 03 28 - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Infrastructure, businesses, and communities in low-lying areas across Hawaii are at risk of flooding sooner than scientists initially anticipated, particularly in urban areas of Oahu, new study shows. Researchers project over $12.9B in infrastructure is at risk on Oahu alone.
link.springer.com
Coastal land subsidence accelerates timelines for future flood exposure in Hawai'i - Communications Earth & Environment
Coastal subsidence exacerbates relative sea level rise, making low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding. In Hawai’i, the contribution of vertical land motion has not been fully studied. This is critical...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
UH is one of 60 schools being investigated for Title Six violations by Trump admin. Notification letters were sent by the Dept. of Education's Office of Civil Rights.
hawaiinewsnow.com
UH on list of schools under investigation for antisemetic discrimination, harassment
The University of Hawaii at Manoa is one of 60 schools being investigated for Title Six violations.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Apply to Pacific Islander Leaders of Tomorrow: This 4-day summer institute offers a culturally-centered approach to leadership training. The program boasts an $800 stipend, food, transpo, and lodging. NHPI undergrads/recent grads should apply by 3/21. bit.ly/25PILOTSI
bit.ly
2025 PILOT Summer Institute Application
Please click the link to complete this form.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
In 2024, the Native Hawaiian Education program awarded 11 grants totaling $10M. The grants "recognizes the important role that the Native Hawaiian language and culture play in the educational success and long-term well-being of Native Hawaiian students." www.ed.gov/grants-and-p...
ed.gov
Native Hawaiian Education
The purpose of the Native Hawaiian Education program is to develop innovative education programs to assist Native Hawaiians and to supplement and expand programs and authorities in the area of educati...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
AANHPI college students: We're looking for students interested in producing a long-form, in-depth news project over summer. Reporters, audience strategists, developers, data engineers, podcasters, broadcasters, and more are welcome. Apply by March 7.
aaja.submittable.com
Asian American Journalists Association - 2025 VOICES Fellowship Application
VOICES is a student fellowship program that provides aspiring journalists with career-ready skills to succeed in the continually-evolving media landscape. The program’s mission is to help a diverse gr...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
“There’s potentially up to about $30 million of federal funding that could be at risk": OHA Chair Kai Kahele says he’s worried that after declaring English the national language, the Trump admin. will undermine native language programs in Hawaii.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Native Hawaiian leaders in DC concerned about potential federal cuts
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Kai Kahele says he’s worried that after declaring English the national language, the president’s administration will undermine native language programs in Hawaii.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Hawaiʻi lawmakers advance gender-affirming care bill after heated testimony.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Lawmakers advance gender-affirming care bill after heated testimony
A bill that would establish protections for gender-affirming care is advancing at the Hawaii State Capitol.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Hawaii AG leading coalition of state attorneys general in challenge to Trump admin's "fork in the road" directive. Hawaii is home to approximately 25K government employees that would be affected by the plan. www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/02/10/h...
hawaiinewsnow.com
Hawaii AG leads coalition taking stance against Trump’s federal buyout plan
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez is leading a coalition of 21 state AGs standing with American federal employees in a challenge to the Trump administration’s federal “buyout” plan.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Hawaii Supreme Court rules $4B settlement can head toward finalization, putting in motion an admin. process for doling out money to survivors and families of those who died in Maui wildfires. We'll likely see this decision pushed to SCOTUS for review.
hawaiinewsnow.com
Supreme Court makes unanimous decision on $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement
Hawaii's Supreme Court has made a unanimous decision on the $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
In 2024, USAID announced it would work w/ Congress to provide more than $10M to support Pacific Island countries.
nbcnews.com
Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz puts a hold on Trump's State Department nominees
The move comes after Elon Musk said he and Trump would shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Hawaii bill aims to establish a code of ethics and transparency for journalists, editors, and other outlets operating in the state (exempting those with a readership less than 10K/mo). The bill creates an ethics review board of members appointed by the governor www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/meas...
capitol.hawaii.gov
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Kumu Hina: "Our flag is a symbol of the soul of our Kānaka. The flag that I and so many other Hawaiians recognize as the heartbeat of who we are is never up for discussion or negotiation."
khon2.com
Commission to redesign Hawaii state flag proposed in new bill
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Should the Hawaii state flag get a new look? There’s a proposal this legislative session that would create a commission to lead the process of redesigning the state flag. T…
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Of the $7 million the federal government provided Hawaiʻi for its CTE programs in 2024, the state was required to set aside $60,000 to address gender disparities. Many of these dollars have gone toward creating promotional videos posted on the UH community college website.
civilbeat.org
Girls Are Losing Out In The Push To Train Kids For High-Paying Jobs
Career-based education has rapidly gained traction in Hawaiʻi schools, but not all programs are attracting boys and girls equally.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
SpaceX asking FAA for a landing zone about 20 times larger than its current zone, and seeks to increase the number of landings from 5 to 25 a year. The new zone would include significant areas in Hawaiʻi, like Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/01/14/p...
hawaiinewsnow.com
Public input sought for Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to splash down in Hawaii waters
The space exploration company is asking the FAA for a landing zone about 20 times larger than its current zone.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Hawaii AG releases final report on Maui wildfire. ag.hawaii.gov/maui-wildfir... "No single factor is, or set of factors are, directly responsible for the tragic outcome. The preconditions for these fires have been in the making for decades..."
ag.hawaii.gov
Maui Wildfire Investigation Resource Page
Lahaina Fire Forward-Looking Report (Phase Three) Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report (Phase Two) Investigation Documents and Media Database The Department of the Attorney General (Department) initi...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
"Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii": Bad Bunny's sixth studio album references Hawaiʻi annexation.
npr.org
Why Bad Bunny's 'DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS' is an act of political resistance : Alt.Latino
On Sunday, Bad Bunny released his sixth studio album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, and people are saying it's his most "Puerto Rican" record yet. The global pop star has clearly come home to his roots in a m...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
There are 16 Hawaiian Civic Clubs scattered across 11 states outside of Hawaiʻi. Here's a short write up about their struggle for recognition in the 1980s. kawaiola.news/columns/na-l...
kawaiola.news
The Struggle for Recognition - Ka Wai Ola
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs is organized into five councils: Moku o Keawe (Hawai‘i Council), Nā Hono a‘o Pi‘ilani (Maui Council), Ke One o Kākuhihewa (O‘ahu Council), Moku o Manokalanipō (...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
U.S. Navy wants to renew its operating permit for mine warfare training at sea around Hawaii and California. Proposal includes a temporary operating area that appears to include Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. www.nepa.navy.mil/Current-Proj...
nepa.navy.mil
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
"Nobody would have nominated me...if I wasn't going to New York or going to Jackson, Mississippi, or going to South Dakota or going to Minneapolis."
hawaiipublicradio.org
Kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine on uplifting community and Hawaiʻi with Gish Prize
Kumu hula Victoria "Vicky" Holt Takamine was presented with the prestigious Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize at Washington Place earlier this month. The Conversation talked with her about the award and ...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
For each of the eight properties featured on the show’s first season, the couple began renovating before a single building permit was issued, according to a Civil Beat review of public records.
civilbeat.org
For 'Renovation Aloha,' Permit Violations Are The Cost Of Doing Business
'Renovation Aloha' Flippers Profit Despite Permit Violations
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Her termination comes as the company is promoting the new film "Moana 2," in which the main character gets a cultural tattoo.
hawaiipublicradio.org
Hawaiian Airlines employee speaks out on termination over cultural tattoo
Tracy Sielega's last day as a customer service agent for Hawaiian Airlines in Seattle is this Friday. She was terminated for violating the company's tattoo policy. The Conversation talked to her about...
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
Imagine what would happen if every company cashing in on Moana 2 search traffic this weekend put profit from those clicks toward cultural perpetuation, or climate change, or created jobs for Pac Islanders.
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Jessica Hilo @jessicahilo.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Oceanic Cultural Trust: Meet the cultural consultants who guided Moana 2.
abc.net.au
The cultural consultants helping make sure Moana 2 stays true to the Pacific - ABC Pacific
Moana will soon set sail across the ocean again, and Disney has engaged cultural consultants to ensure her latest journey stays true to the traditions and stories of the Pacific.
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