Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 10, 1 October 2001 — Oral history [ARTICLE]

Oral history

O'ahu residents have an opportunity to record and preserve stories of old Hawai'i as told by family and friends raised in simpler times. 'Olelo Community Television, Bishop Museum and the University of Hawaii Center for Oral History are teaming up in an oral history project designed to preserve memories of Hawai'i. Called "Hali'a Aloha Hawai'i) (precious memories of Hawai'i), the project encourages individuals to talk story with their elders and record the interviews. The stories, ranging anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour in length, will be aired on NATV, 'Olelo Channel 53, and later archived at Bishop Museum. "Storytelling is an activity that builds community," says Lurline McGregor, 'Olelo president and CEO. "The stories of our parents and grandparents, the foods and pastimes they enjoyed, are being lost. These stories of neighborhoods, workplaces and lifestyles represent the mix of cultures and ethnicities that make up Hawai'i today." For information, eall 'Olelo at 834-0007, ext. 128. Project participants are required to take a workshop at 'Olelo to learn the finer points of interviewing and how to operate a video camera. There is no charge for the training, equipment usage or videotape. The first class of interviewers has already completed the first dozen

pieces. The finished vignettes will begin to air on NATV this month.