Focus Hawaii

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  Focus Hawaii Kamaki Kanahele Office of Hawaii Affairs

  Lance Chase and Kamaki Kanahele

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Kamaki Kanahele, Chief Administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), in a candid and wide‑ranging discussion of Native Hawaiian identity, governance, and community challenges in Hawai‘i. Drawing on his background in education, federal arts administration in Washington, D.C., and cultural leadership, Kanahele explains the mission and structure of OHA, including its responsibility to improve the well‑being of both Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians through programs in health, education, economic development, culture, and land stewardship. He addresses pressing issues such as funding from ceded lands, political challenges, public trust and accountability, and the need to rebuild credibility within the Hawaiian community. Emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and political awareness, Kanahele also reflects on Hawai‘i’s place in broader Pacific and global developments, advocating for stronger Native Hawaiian participation in decision‑making and a renewed recognition of the Hawaiian people’s historical contributions and ongoing needs. Note: this episode survives as audio only; no video recording is available.

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  Focus Hawaii Kehan Santiago Healthy Start Koolauloa

  Lance Chase and Kehau Santiago

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Kehau Santiago, assistant manager of the Koʻolauloa Healthy Start Program, who explains how this nationally recognized, Hawaiʻi‑born model works to prevent child abuse by offering intensive home‑visitation support to high‑risk families. A graduate of Kahuku High School and the University of Hawaiʻi with a master’s degree in social work, Kehau shares how Healthy Start identifies families through hospital screenings and self‑referrals, then provides weekly home visits, individualized care plans, developmental screenings, parenting education, and culturally based practices such as talk story, Hoʻoponopono, Lomi Lomi, and Native Hawaiian diet guidance. She describes the program’s local staffing, toy‑ and book‑lending library, group socialization activities, and the unique funding partnership between the Queen Emma Foundation and the Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s Center. Kehau also discusses challenges faced by Koʻolauloa families—including unemployment, limited rural resources, literacy needs, and transportation barriers—and shares touching success stories that illustrate how early‑intervention support strengthens families and helps children thrive.

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  Focus Hawaii Keith Merrill

  Lance Chase and Keith Merrill

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii visits filmmaker Keith Merrill on the North Shore of Oʻahu as he works on a new IMAX movie for the Polynesian Cultural Center. Merrill talks about his background, how he got into filmmaking, and what makes IMAX different—huge film, huge screens, and special cameras. He explains that the movie they’re making shows important scenes from ancient Polynesia, filmed in places like Samoa, Tahiti, Easter Island, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Instead of telling one long story, the film uses short reenactments to show what life might have been like: voyaging, families, traditions, and cultural ceremonies. Merrill also shares challenges of filming in the islands, what it’s like working with a big crew, and his hope that this IMAX film will help people around the world better appreciate Polynesian culture.

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  Focus Hawaii Kenneth W. Baldridge Professor of History, BYU-Hawaii

  Lance Chase and Kenneth W. Baldridge

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. Kenneth W. Baldridge, longtime BYU–Hawaii history professor, oral historian, and community leader, reflecting on his remarkable life and 25-year career in Laie. Born in 1926 in California, Baldridge shares memories of playing football under legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, serving as a Navy signalman during World War II, studying forestry, and eventually discovering his passion for teaching. He recounts his years in New Zealand at the Church College of New Zealand, his work in founding the Mormon Pacific Historical Society, and his leadership in creating and expanding BYU–Hawaii’s oral history program, which has produced roughly 400 interviews documenting local and regional history. Baldridge also discusses his service roles as bishop, patriarch, civil defense coordinator for Laie, and his deep love for ranching, horses, and historic preservation. As he prepares for retirement and an upcoming mission with his wife Delma—an accomplished quilter and cake artisan—he reflects with humor, gratitude, and warmth on his contributions to the university, the community, and the preservation of Hawaiian and Mormon Pacific history.

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  Focus Hawaii Ken Wagner

  Lance Chase and Ken Wagner

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this Focus Hawaii episode features Ken Wagner, head basketball coach at BYU–Hawaii, during a standout 15–3 season—one of the best records in the school’s history. Wagner reflects on his upbringing in Mexico City, his coaching path from high school to junior college to the collegiate level, and the strengths of his internationally diverse team, including players from Nigeria, Brazil, Hawaiʻi, and the mainland U.S. He discusses academic priorities for student‑athletes, the importance of character and unselfish play, strategies for defense and end‑game situations, the realities of NAIA vs. NCAA competition, and the challenges of recruiting. The episode also includes game footage with Wagner’s commentary on key players and coaching philosophy. Please note: near the end of the recording, the audio and video become out of sync, which appears to be part of the source material and not a playback error.

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  Focus Hawaii Ken Wagner and Rob Nielson

  Lance Chase, Ken Wagner, and Rob Nielson

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Ken Wagner, head basketball coach, and Rob Nielson, assistant coach at Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i, in a discussion of collegiate athletics, coaching philosophy, and student development. Drawing on their playing and coaching experience at both junior college and university levels, Wagner and Nielson describe their approach to building a competitive basketball program grounded in team chemistry, discipline, and strong defensive play, while emphasizing that academic success and personal growth are equally important goals for student-athletes. They reflect on recruiting challenges, the evolving nature of modern athletes, and the importance of aligning player roles with team success. The conversation also highlights the broader role of athletics in higher education, exploring how sports can provide opportunities for education, character development, and leadership, while balancing increasing pressures from competition and commercialization.

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  Focus Hawaii Kings Summer Place

  Zane Clark and Riley Moffat

  Hosted by Zane Clark, this on‑location episode of Focus Hawaii takes viewers deep into Nuʻuanu Valley with historian Riley Moffat to explore Kaniakapupu, the 1840s summer home of King Kamehameha III. Moffat explains the king’s major contributions to shaping modern Hawaiʻi—including the first constitution, creation of governmental institutions, and the transformative Great Mahele—while guiding viewers through the unique blend of Hawaiian and Western architectural features that make the site historically significant. Together they discuss the palace’s function as a royal retreat, a training place for young aliʻi, and the setting of the famed Restoration Day luau said to have hosted as many as 10,000 people. The episode also highlights how the surrounding landscape has changed over time, the archaeological potential of unearthed cooking sites and structures, and how the Mahele continues to influence land ownership debates today. The tour concludes with a visit to nearby Kapena Falls, tied to the early arrival of LDS missionaries in 1850.

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  Focus Hawaii Ku'ulei Bell

  Ku'ulei Bell

  This in‑depth conversation with Kuʻulei Bell of Kalaupapa captures her vivid memories of life in the Hansen’s disease settlement—from her arrival as a teenager to the community traditions, friendships, and cultural vibrancy that shaped her adulthood. She recalls the loving guidance of elders, schooling at Hale Mohalu, lively social life filled with dances, parties, music, hula, and theatrical productions, and the deep interfaith cooperation among Catholic, Protestant, and Latter‑day Saint residents. Kuʻulei describes her work life, including service in the police department and local leadership roles such as serving on the Patient Advisory Council, where patients helped guide decisions affecting the settlement. She shares heartfelt stories of marriage, community relationships, beloved pets, and the powerful influence of faith during hardship. Reflecting on stigma, changing terminology surrounding Hansen’s disease, and the legacy of figures like Father Damien, she offers an intimate, often humorous, and deeply spiritual portrait of a community that built joy, dignity, and resilience despite isolation.

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  Focus Hawaii Laie Hawaii Temple President

  Zane Clark, Glenn Y.M. Lung, and Julina F. Lung

  Hosted by Zane Clark, this episode of Focus Hawaii features President Glenn Y. M. Lung and Sister Julina F. Lung, newly called leaders of the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The interview explores their family backgrounds, deep roots in Hawai‘i, and decades of spiritual and professional service. President and Sister Lung share the story of raising their family in Kaimukī, their involvement in various church assignments, and their lifelong dedication to faith and community. The conversation then shifts to the unique responsibilities of the Temple President and Matron, including oversight of temple operations, hundreds of volunteer ordinance workers, temple grounds, and affiliated facilities such as the Visitors’ Center, Family History Center, and Beehive Clothing. They also explain Latter‑day Saint beliefs about temple ordinances, eternal marriage, and proxy work for deceased ancestors. The episode concludes with a discussion of global temple growth—particularly the expansion era beginning under President Gordon B. Hinckley—and the historical significance of the Laie Hawaii Temple as one of the earliest temples in the Church.

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  Focus Hawaii "Lance Chase Tribute"

  Lawrence Lau and Lance Chase

  Hosted by Lawrence Lau, this special Focus Hawaii tribute episode honors the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Dr. Lance Chase, longtime host of the series, beloved educator, and mentor at Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i, following his passing in June 1999 after an eight‑year battle with cancer. Through heartfelt reflections, archival footage, and excerpts from past programs, the episode celebrates Chase’s profound impact as a teacher of English, religion, and history, and as an interviewer whose curiosity, warmth, and moral seriousness elevated every conversation. The tribute highlights the remarkable range of voices Chase brought to Focus Hawaii, including Robert La Marchina, Arthur Haycock, Diana Hansen‑Young, Charles Toguchi, Hugh Nibley, Jamie Kealoha, James Arrington, Keith Merrill, Carolyn Merril Shumway, Tony Dipreta, and Anne Chase Workman. Together, these moments reflect Lance Chase’s intellectual honesty, deep faith, generosity of spirit, and unparalleled commitment to students, community, and meaningful public dialogue, affirming his lasting legacy within Hawai‘i and beyond.

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  Focus Hawaii LDS Missionaries

  Lance Chase, Elder Blackham, Elder Hansen, Elder Leavai, Elder Minor, Elder Fifita, and Elder Castleberry

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this 1995 episode of Focus Hawaii features a lively and sincere conversation with several young LDS (Mormon) missionaries serving in Hawaiʻi. Elders Blackham, Hansen, Leavai, Minor, Fifita, and Castleberry share personal backgrounds—from Utah, Idaho, Samoa, and Tonga to California—and describe their experiences preparing for and serving full‑time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. The missionaries explain how they finance their service, the training they receive at the Missionary Training Center, their daily routines of study and teaching, and the challenges and rewards of door‑to‑door contacting. They also discuss mission rules, companion relationships, cultural diversity in Hawaii, and the spiritual growth that takes place during their two years of service. Through candid reflections—on courage, discipline, homesickness, personal conversion, and the joy of helping others—the episode provides an engaging and human look into the life of Latter‑day Saint missionaries and their commitment to faith, service, and personal development.

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  Focus Hawaii LDS Social Services Arlene Anderson & Saly Lee

  Lance Chase, Saly Lee, and Arlene Anderson

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features clinical social worker Saly Lee and adoptive mother Arlene Anderson, who offer a compassionate and detailed look into LDS Social Services’ adoption program throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Lee explains the agency’s mission, history, and island‑wide outreach, describing the extensive adoption process—including interviews, home studies, medical and financial screenings, and family profiles reviewed by birth mothers—while highlighting church principles that prioritize the child’s best interests and the strength of two‑parent homes. Anderson shares her personal adoption journey, from receiving the life‑changing phone call announcing her son’s birth to the joy and bonding that followed, and reflects on the emotional sacrifices of birth mothers and the spiritual experiences often tied to adoptive placement. Together, they discuss closed vs. open adoptions, counseling support for both adoptive and birth parents, cultural challenges unique to Hawaiʻi, and inspiring success stories of children and birth mothers who have thrived through the program.

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  Focus Hawaii Lester Moore PCC

  Lance Chase and Lester W. B. Moore

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this 1992 episode of Focus Hawaii features Lester W. B. Moore, President of the Polynesian Cultural Center, returning to discuss his first year of leadership and the ambitious developments underway at PCC. Moore describes both the challenges and successes of his first eleven months—managing a culturally diverse student workforce, navigating Hawaiʻi’s recession, and implementing long‑range strategic and operational plans. He shares details of PCC’s expanding international relationships, including consulting on new cultural centers in China, the signing of sister‑center agreements, and China’s effort to model its own 42‑acre and 692‑acre cultural sites after PCC’s example. Moore also highlights PCC’s mission as a “living museum,” its educational influence on guests and employees, its vital partnership with BYU–Hawaii, and its plans for major upgrades: redesigned “islands,” increased cultural participation, new student‑training programs, advanced translation technology, and enhancements to the night show Mana.

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  Focus Hawaii Making of a Camakau

  Lance Chase and Dr. Jerry K. Loveland

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. Jerry K. Loveland, Director of the Institute for Polynesian Studies, who recounts the multi‑year project to document and reconstruct a traditional Fijian camakau canoe on the remote island of Kambara in Fiji’s Lau Group. Loveland explains the cultural urgency behind preserving canoe‑building knowledge—one of the Polynesians’ most sophisticated material achievements—and describes efforts to collaborate with Fijian chiefs, expert canoe builders, and even the Prime Minister to build an authentically crafted vessel using native hardwoods and traditional materials. He details the filming expeditions, the months‑long on‑site documentation by a young couple, the community’s involvement, and the canoe’s eventual transport to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The discussion also highlights the broader work of the Institute for Polynesian Studies, including publications, films, and conferences dedicated to Pacific scholarship

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  Focus Hawaii Marc Shlachter

  Lance Chase and Dr. Marc Shlachter

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. Marc Shlachter, the well‑known “Country Doctor” of Oʻahu’s North Shore. Dr. Shlachter shares his journey from growing up in Cleveland to becoming a beloved rural physician in Hawaiʻi, as well as his decades of global adventure travel that fill his clinic walls with photos and artifacts. He discusses being bestowed a Samoan chief title, learning Polynesian culture to better serve his patients, and serving as physician for both his local tour groups and the Kahuku High School football team since 1971. A major focus of the interview is his recent expedition to the Central African Republic to live among pygmy communities—describing their lifestyle, hunting methods, social customs, physical environment, and the challenges posed by encroaching modernity. He also talks about his travel to places such as Bhutan, Peru, Ecuador, and various Pacific islands, his medical call‑in radio show The Country Doctor, and the unique joys and demands of practicing medicine in a rural community.

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  Focus Hawaii Mataumu Alisa

  Lance Chase and Mataumu (Matt) Alisa

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Mataumu (Matt) Alisa, a faculty member at Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i and an acclaimed Samoan‑born artist whose work is deeply rooted in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. Alisa shares his personal journey from growing up in Samoa and La‘ie to becoming a professional muralist before returning to formal education and earning a Master of Fine Arts degree. He discusses his career creating large‑scale murals across Hawai‘i, including his award‑winning ceramic tile mural at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, selected through a highly competitive statewide process. Through reflections on artistic process, cultural memory, and the symbolic meaning behind his work—particularly his recurring theme of the imu and the spirit of selfless giving—Alisa offers insight into how tradition, place, and personal history inform his art and teaching. The conversation also explores the balance between technology and hand‑rendered artistry, as well as his philosophy as an educator encouraging students to “listen to the wall” and observe life deeply as the foundation of creative expression.

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  Focus Hawaii Merlin Waite

  Merlin Waite and Zane Clark

  Hosted by Zane Clark, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Merlin D. Waite, longtime BYU–Hawaii faculty member, former Acting Dean of Students, religion professor, and recently released stake president, reflecting on more than three decades of service in Laie. Waite discusses his early life in Utah’s Cache Valley, his studies at Utah State University, his mission in Mexico, military service in Germany, and years teaching in Utah and Arizona before joining the Church College of Hawaii in 1968. He describes his evolving roles—from teaching speech, Spanish, and religion to serving in student life administration—along with memories of campus growth, student body changes, and the cultural evolution of Laie over the decades. Waite also shares insights about the expansion of the Church in Hawaii, the development of multiple stakes on Oahu, and the demands and blessings of his nine years as stake president. As he approaches retirement, he reflects warmly on his career, family life, and the spiritual and educational legacy of his time in Laie.

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  Focus Hawaii Merrilee Webb

  Merrilee Webb

  This episode of Focus Hawaii features Merrilee Webb, choral director at BYU–Hawaii, who shares her passion for “building singers” by bringing together students with no musical background and those with extensive experience to create powerful choral unity. She reflects on her early connection to Hawaiʻi as a young missionary, describing the emotional moment of leaving the islands and how that feeling inspired a song she wrote celebrating the idea that “Hawaiʻi never leaves you.” Webb discusses the unique makeup of the university’s choirs—including students from around the world, many of whom speak English as a second language—and the challenge and joy of shaping a unified vocal sound across diverse cultures. She also describes the fast‑paced spring chorale, the mix of ages and backgrounds among its members, and the transformative magic of creating music together. The episode highlights her long‑standing friendship with a fellow musician, their shared performances, and her deep gratitude for the opportunity to teach students from nations that may be in conflict, yet who sit side by side singing in harmony.

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  Focus Hawaii Michael Belnap

  Joel Kongaika and Michael Belnap

  Hosted by Joel Kongaika, this episode of Focus Hawaii features an in‑depth conversation with Michael Belnap, newly appointed professor of music at BYU–Hawaii and internationally experienced tenor. Belnap discusses his move from Indiana University’s renowned School of Music to Laie, describing how a sabbatical‑year opportunity grew into a calling to build a premier vocal program for students of the South Pacific. He shares highlights from a rich performance career that includes opera roles across Europe and the United States, touring with Opéra de Wallonie, debuting Messiah at Carnegie Hall, and spending four intensive weeks studying directly with Luciano Pavarotti. Belnap also reflects on mentoring students who later succeeded on Broadway and in national tours, his ongoing professional connections, and his vision for BYU–Hawaii’s vocal program, including touring, musical theater initiatives, and expanded opportunities for student performers. The episode concludes with a dramatic performance clip from the opera Peter Grimes, showcasing Belnap’s expressive intensity and stage artistry.

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  Focus Hawaii Moromona

  Lance Chase and Lanier Britsch

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Lanier Britsch, BYU–Hawaii Vice President for Academics, and Joseph Spurrier, professor of history and music, discussing their newly published books on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in Hawai‘i. Britsch explains how his book Moromona grew from years of research into the development of the Church in the islands, beginning with his own missionary service and expanding into a full historical study. Spurrier shares how his book Sandwich Islands Saints collects the stories of early Hawaiian converts after he realized he couldn’t fully write history from a Hawaiian perspective—but could preserve individual voices through biography. Together, they talk about early chapels, significant figures like Jonathan Napela, Kaleohano, and Francis Hammond, the founding of Laie, the role of Hawaiian royalty, and the cultural contributions of influential Hawaiians such as dancer and chanter Nahinu Kamehauokalani. The episode offers a warm, engaging look at Hawaiian Latter‑day Saint history through two complementary books.

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  Focus Hawaii NAIA Volleyball Champs

  Lance Chase and Brigham Young University Hawaii

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this celebratory episode of Focus Hawaii showcases the remarkable success of the Brigham Young University–Hawaii women’s volleyball team, who captured the 1994 NAIA National Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chase highlights the extraordinary dominance of Hawaiʻi volleyball programs, noting that between BYU–Hawaii, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and Hawaiʻi Pacific University, local teams have claimed 11 of the 14–15 NAIA titles held up to that point. The episode features NAIA‑recorded match footage, tournament coverage, and scenes from the team’s triumphant return home, where the players are visibly overjoyed. Interviews with athletes and head coach Wilfred Navalta reveal the team’s emotional preparation, spiritual focus, and the unique calmness that carried them through championship play. Several players reflect on receiving MVP and All‑Tournament honors, the warmth of fan support from Hawaiʻi, and the surreal feeling of winning a national title with such a young squad—five freshmen, four sophomores, and three juniors. Coach Navalta calls the victory one of his “sweetest” due to the team’s youth, discipline, and unity, suggesting a dynasty in the making. The episode is both a tribute to Hawaiʻi’s volleyball legacy and a behind‑the‑scenes look at a championship season defined by heart, preparation, and aloha.

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  Focus Hawaii NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship BYU-Hawaii

  Eric B. Shumway and Brigham Young University Hawaii

  Hosted by President Eric B. Shumway, this episode of Focus Hawaii celebrates the BYU–Hawaii Seasiders’ victory at the 1995 NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship in San Diego—marking the program’s sixth national title in ten years. President Shumway presents a heartfelt review of the tournament, highlighting the athletes’ devotion, spiritual unity, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Through interviews and personal reflections, the episode showcases the diverse international team members, their academic dedication, their shared devotional practices, and the unique sisterhood that shaped their championship run. Players describe their pre‑game rituals, their “Thoughtful Spot” team tradition, and the deep sense of purpose that guided their performance. The episode also honors longtime head coach Will Navalta, his assistants, and the faith‑centered philosophy that defined the team’s culture. The emotional highlight recounts the dramatic championship match against the University of Puget Sound, the comeback victory, and the post‑tournament testimony meeting that affirmed the team’s unity, gratitude, and spiritual strength.

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  Focus Hawaii National History Day

  Lance Chase, Jesse Palmer, Christian Palmer, and Jared Lau

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features three university freshmen—Jesse Palmer, Christian Palmer, and Jared Lau—who gained national recognition for their award‑winning National History Day performance examining the life of Helmuth Hübener, a German teenager who resisted the Nazi regime during World War II. The students discuss their journey from Kahuku High School to state and national History Day competitions, where they dramatized Hübener’s courageous efforts to distribute anti‑Nazi leaflets based on BBC broadcasts, actions that ultimately led to his execution at age seventeen. Through excerpts from their ten‑minute performance and reflective discussion, the episode explores themes of moral courage, youthful idealism, freedom of conscience, and historical responsibility. The students also recount their extensive research process, including interviews with primary witnesses, and reflect on the relevance of Hübener’s legacy for contemporary students facing ethical choices.

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  Focus Hawaii Nina Mu

  Zane Clark and Nina Mu

  Hosted by Zane Clark, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Uyghur dancer Nina Mu, who shares her multicultural background from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, her early dance training in Beijing, and her rise as a celebrated solo performer known as “Butterfly,” while also reflecting on her international touring career, her connection to BYU–Hawaii through a cultural exchange program, her studies in tourism management, and her current work as a modern dance instructor; the episode concludes with extended footage of her original Peacock Dance, highlighting her creativity, choreography, and deep cultural expression.

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  Focus Hawaii Nnamdi Okonkwo

  Lance Chase and Nnamdi Okonkwo

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii spotlights Nnamdi Okonkwo — a Nigerian-born scholar, standout BYU–Hawaii basketball player, and emerging artist whose passion lies in sculpture and pastel work. Okonkwo shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to coming to Hawaiʻi on a basketball scholarship, eventually discovering that sculpture was the medium that allowed him to fully express his inner world, reflecting on the influence of his mother’s artistic talent, the challenge of balancing athletics and the arts, overcoming language barriers through a love of reading, and the evolution of his artistic voice from drawing to painting and finally to sculpture. Through candid conversation, he describes the joy and heartbreak behind preparing his first one‑man show — from losing key pieces in the kiln to celebrating the support of friends who helped bring the exhibit to life — and discusses the distinctly African motifs in his work while emphasizing his desire to convey universal human emotions that transcend race or ethnicity. Okonkwo also compares the pressure and discipline of the basketball court with the vulnerability of exhibiting art, portraying both as spaces where belief in oneself is essential, and his reflections reveal the deep personal and spiritual investment behind each sculpture and how his life experiences, identity, and aspirations inevitably emerge in his work.