The founders of Bamboo Ridge Press, the longtime publisher of literature by and about Hawaii’s people, are passing on the red pen.

After more than 35 years, editors Eric Chock and Darren Lum are stepping down as editors and letting other staff members take the helm of the nonprofit, which publishes poems, stories and essays highlighting the Hawaii experience.

"It’s just time," said Chock. "We’ve accomplished the goal of establishing a local literature in Hawaii that we can be proud of. We’ve made our mark in elementary, secondary and university curricula at home, nationally and internationally. Our writers and books have won recognition from schools, literary organizations and funding agencies. We are one of the oldest nonprofit, fully independent small presses in the country."

Chock, 64, just retired from teaching English composition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is looking forward to traveling. Lum was out of the country and could not be reached for comment.

Both, however, will still be involved with Bamboo Ridge, serving as mentors over the next year and continuing their work on special projects.

The 35th anniversary "Bamboo Ridge Issue #104," meanwhile, is an anthology representing the press’ transition, featuring local playwright Lee Cataluna and poet Lisa Linn Kanae as guest editors.

It features a cover by artist and weaver Ruthadell Anderson, a portfolio of poetry by Christy Passion, selections from the "Bamboo Shoots" online writing contest, and new works by Chock, Lum, Cataluna and Kanae.

Chock penned a humorous poem, "Squid Eye," while Lum offers a nostalgic, make-you-laugh "Letter to Honolulu."

A fundraiser and book launch is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Manoa Valley Theatre.

Bamboo Ridge Press, meanwhile, is growing, said Misty Sanico, a writer who just joined the staff as marketing and social media director.

"The Bamboo Ridge ohana is transitioning, but really getting bigger," she said. "Over the next year, we have a lineup of some fantastic guest editors, all educators and authors involved in the literary community."

Sanico said Bamboo Ridge will also expand its social media presence and its outreach to schools, and update its website by early next year.

In an effort to bring local literature into the classroom, the press is offering schools a discount on its books, thanks to help from the Council of Humanities. Through the BOGO (buy one, get one) deal, schools or educators that purchase Bamboo Ridge books receive, in exchange, a free workshop or reading by Bamboo Ridge authors.

Bamboo Ridge will still hold monthly writing contests, as well as Buckaloose writing workshops focusing on improvisational writing. Submissions for "Bamboo Ridge Issue #108" are also being accepted.

Bamboo Ridge Press, founded in 1978, publishes two volumes a year: a literary journal of poetry and fiction by emerging and established writers, and a book by a single author or an anthology focused on a special theme.

"From the beginning, it’s always been the idea that we have local literary talent at home," said Chock.

While he and Lum hope the press’s original mission will be carried into the future, he said, they understand the new editors will have their own perspectives.

"For Darrell and me, this has been a labor of love," he said, "and we expect that those who choose to give their time and energy to Bamboo Ridge will have to feel a personal commitment based on who they are."