John Berger

Georgette Deemer — whose 16 years as Hawaii film commissioner launched the islands’ international film and television industry­ — died Sept. 1 in Honolulu after a long battle with cancer. She was 71.

Gary Shimabukuro sat at his computer in the immaculate home studio where he composes, records and teaches music, reflecting on his life's work.

Sharon Thomas Yarbrough — a prominent member of the Black culture and arts community in Hawaii for more than 30 years — died Sept. 23 at Kaiser Hospital in Honolulu. She was 71. Yarbrough was the founder and president of Sisters Empowering Hawaii, an organization dedicated to uplifting, motivating, educating and empowering women. Sisters Empowering Hawaii produced speakers programs, hosted luncheons, and presented book signings, art shows and poetry readings.

His willingness to let the people of Hawaii see whatever prudish public officials said should not be seen made him a legend in Hawaii's entertainment history. His belief that it was better to do something and ask forgiveness than to ask permission and be denied was legendary as well. Jack Cione — entrepreneur, nightclub and showroom owner, cabaret show producer, dance instructor, author and creator of Hawaii's original naked waiters revue — died Oct. 1 in Honolulu. He was 97.

Michael Titterton, whose 17 years as president and general manager of Hawai‘i Public Radio from 1999 to 2016 saw the nonprofit broadcaster grow to reach radio audiences across Hawaii, died Oct. 4 at his home in Honolulu. He was 76.

The 2024 Hawai‘i International Film Festival announced awards recently at the Halekulani Hotel.

Martin Charlot — a Hawaii resident for more than 40 years who described himself as “painter, muralist, writer, actor, filmmaker, iIllustrator and educator” — died Oct. 2 at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo. He was 79.

Three-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Pe‘a will represent Hawaii for the fourth time when the winners of the 67th annual Grammy Awards are announced in February.

A Village of Caroline resident reminds us of the important tole The Villages Charter School plays in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

Just in time for holiday gift giving, iconic island chef Sam Choy and KHON2 are releasing “Sam Choy’s in the Kitchen Family Recipes,”a collection of favorites from Choy’s long-running KHON2 television series, “Sam Choy’s in the Kitchen.” Now in its ninth season, the show has welcomed celebrity guests to the studio, transported the television audience to local kitchens across Hawaii, and shown how everyday items can be the ingredients of extraordinary meals.