PBS Hawaii Names Susan Yim Managing Editor for Nation’s First Statewide Student News Network

Susan Yim

Veteran Journalist Signs On to Launch Hiki Nō, A  Bold, New Collaboration with Public, Private and Charter Schools

Media Release:

PBS Hawaii, the islands’ public television station, announced today that respected reporter and editor, Susan Yim, has been selected as Managing Editor for the station’s major education initiative, Hiki Nō.

This is the first of two upcoming announcements, as Hawaii’s only public television broadcaster and private non-profit formally launches a multi-media initiative and statewide education model that will be the first of its kind in the country.

Yim’s role will be crucial  in establishing collaboration among schools and maintaining editorial standards of stories produced by the students for prominent placement on PBS Hawaii ’s broadcast schedule and web platforms beginning early next year.  Yim spent 20 years in daily journalism as a reporter and editor and later worked with nonprofits and businesses to improve the way they tell stories about what they do.

“Sue will draw upon a wealth of experience to work for a better future,” Leslie Wilcox , PBS Hawaii ’s President and CEO, said.

Wilcox said, “Hiki Nō will unify Hawaii ’s students in developing skills for the 21st-century workforce, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication.  School teams will lead the nation in shaping statewide newscasts in an inclusive ‘virtual newsroom.’”

Hiki Nō (the Hawaiian phrase for “can do”) has been presented independently to the leadership of the Hawaii ’s public and charter schools, as well as the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, and received their enthusiastic support.  The program augments and expands what schools are able to do, overcoming geographical and economic barriers.

“Hiki Nō gives our students an opportunity to be first,” Yim said.  “They will create the model, and in the process learn and use the skills they’ll need to be successful, engaged citizens of the 21st century.”

Next week PBS Hawaii will hold a news conference with further details, including timeline and funding.  The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is the first funder, giving PBS Hawaii one of the two largest grants of their kind last year in support of launching Hiki Nō.

Senator Gary Hooser – “Why Me, Why Now – Lieutenant Governor”

Submitted by Sen. Gary Hooser:

For some newspaper columnists, bloggers and armchair political pundits, the office of Lieutenant Governor seems to have become the preferred whipping boy. It is almost fashionable to belittle, deride and take snarky swings at LG candidates. “Why would anyone possibly aspire to the ‘do nothing and meaningless’ office of Lieutenant Governor” they often ask, implying that those seeking this office are somehow misguided and/or downright clueless.

Rarely do the commentators state the obvious.  Historically, the person who holds the office of Lieutenant Governor has gone on to become Governor, and/or serve in Congress.  So this supposedly “meaningless” office clearly positioned some to make bigger and better contributions over the long haul. The dynamics of Hawaii’s present political landscape, further accentuate this potential…

Video Message From Councilwoman Naeole-Beason

I previously posted her “New Years message” that she emailed me, but I was in Oahu when this was sent in.

Sydney Ross Singer on Hawaii’s Mangrove Trees Being Poisoned in Herbicide Experiment and Left to Rot

The Following was submitted by Sydney Ross Singer:

There is a new type of disease that has gained a frightening foothold in Hawaii. It affects the mind, filling it with hate and rage, intolerance and paranoia, and leads to violence and acts of cruelty. Animals are slaughtered in cold blood, burned to death, or poisoned. Plants are ripped out by the roots or killed with herbicide. Entire areas are bulldozed to kill all that lives. Worst of all, those doing this destruction feel no remorse or conscience, since this disease fills their minds with a sense of self-righteousness, determination, and aggression, so much so that others stand by in silence and fear as they watch the destruction…

This disease is now causing people to attack the mangroves on the Big Island. They are being poisoned as an experiment, with the help of Monsanto, and are left to rot in place, polluting the water as they decay. Fish will die, nesting birds and other animals will be harmed, and the environment will look diseased. The attack is already underway, with only a few mangrove locations, such as Pohoiki, still scheduled for assault…

USDA To Host Roundtable(s) on Jobs and Economic Growth

Media Release:

USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Melissa Pang Ching announced today that the State Offices of Rural Development and Farm Service Agency will hold several roundtables on job creation and economic growth.  They will be held at the following locations and dates:

Tuesday, January 5, 2010, Hilo.  12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Cooperative Extension Service Conference Room, 201 A, 875 Komohana St., Hilo.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010, Oahu.  1:00 – 2:30 p.m.  DHHL Hale Ponoi Conference Center, 91-5420 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei

Thursday, January 7, 2010.  Moloka’i.  1:00 – 2:30 p.m.  Kalanianaole Hall.

15th Annual UH Hilo Ho’olaule’a

Ziplining Umauma Falls Again…

For those of you that I have invited to go ziplining at Umauma Falls Zipline Experience (Website now available) coming up… I just wanted to let you know that the event has been pushed back to about the third week of January.

The second of eight ziplines

It’s better to be safe then sorry… and I’d rather wait until it actually has it’s “Soft Opening” before going on those buggahs without the brakes in place like I did the last time! (See the ending of this video)

I’d like to thank KapohoKine Adventures as well as Umauma Zipline Experience for this opportunity to bring some friends along.