Storytelling in Honolulu

    We love stories here at PBS Hawaii. And as the name of our weekly program LONG STORY SHORT indicates, we don't think they need be extended to be effective.

     Neither do Manoa author Gavan Daws and Honolulu publisher Bennett Hymer, who've come out with the book HONOLULU STORIES, featuring two centuries of writing in this city.

    Here are a few short but complete stories from the many written voices in this fat, rich book:

     From educator Richard Hamasaki:

     Tourist drowns

      In perfect waves

      From Canadian-born former Honolulu resident W.J. Illerbrun:

      Bus from Manoa

      Always the same hair and dress

    Japanese tutus

     And from a boy named Mark who submitted this essay at Makaha Elementary School in 1981:

      My mother lives in Las Vegas my father lives in Hawaii. I am my father's son and my sister is icky. Our family has small noses and soft faces. If you ask me one day I will soar like an eagle to visit my mother.

       Other stories are told with more words but not necessarily with more feeling or authenticity!