Librarians engage students in projects with global reach

Disclosure No. 1: For several decades, I have been a library convention spouse — a gofer, supporter, photographer, aide-in-waiting and observer — at a multitude of presentations by island librarians and teachers when they assemble at professional conferences in cities across the nation.

Thus, I have witnessed stellar ideas shared by our educators on a national platform.

Disclosure No. 2: This year, at the American Association of School Librarians gathering, Nov. 9-11 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona, there were “aha” moments dealing with topics and themes with local and national implications. My wife, Violet Harada, a veteran librarian, author and retired University of Hawaii professor, regularly assembles Hawaii librarians to shape and share ideologies to inspire peer conversation.

Three Honolulu librarians were part of an hourlong seminar on “Place-Based Learning,” sharing projects undertaken with students at their respective schools.

Lori Chun, librarian at Kaimuki High School, discussed “History Uncovered: Japanese Internment in World War II Hawaii,” a project on which she partnered with teacher Kaleo Hanohano.

Kaimuki students were stunned to learn that 2,000 were incarcerated at Hawaii internment camps, with particular focus on the Honouliuli site on the Ewa plain. To galvanize awareness, the project adopted a quote from the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye: “The lessons learned must remain as a grave reminder of what we must not allow to happen again to any group.”

Audrey Okemura, Pearl City High School librarian, partnered with social studies teacher Jaclyn Gora-Aina to explore “Plastic Marine Debris.” On a field trip, students gathered plastic bottles, nets and other discards that plague the environment and endanger sea creatures. The project made connections with Jack Johnson, Hawaii-based entertainer, surfer and supporter of environmental causes.

Patty Louis, librarian at Kamehameha Schools’ Elementary Division, worked with fifth-grade instructors for a presentation dubbed “From Hokule‘a Malama Honua to Live on Stage: Hulihia,” recapping the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s worldwide voyage that utilized ancient navigational skills. A live show, with original music, costumes and dances, completed the project, which celebrated the historic sea journey. Nainoa Thompson, Hokule‘a skipper and PVS honcho, appeared on campus.

In short: These place-based projects help rev up awareness of vital issues beyond our shores. …

Disclosure No. 3: I visited the Laser Spine Institute in nearby Scottsdale, Ariz., to begin the process of undergoing minimally invasive surgery next year to finally address my chronic lower back pain issues. …

MEANWHILE, BACK HOME

Acclaimed hula dancer Beverly Noa, who died Oct. 19, will be remembered at a celebration of life from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Waialae Country Club.

Friends may call from 8 a.m., with a program from 9 a.m. featuring Auntie Vicky Hollinger, Kawika Hollinger and Pakala Fernandez, plus tributes from Marlene Sai and Robert Cazimero. A reception follows at 10 a.m. Noa’s eloquent “Lovely Hula Hands,” particularly in the era when she danced to her then-husband Ed Kenney’s vocals, will be her lasting hallmark. …

Johnson Enos, creator of the environmental musical “Honu by the Sea,” celebrated his mom’s birthday with tickets to Bette Midler’s “Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway. Not once, but twice! “Bette is back where she belongs,” he said upon return. “Magnificent! Stunning! The show stopped and (she drew) three standing ovations for the signature (title song) hit.” Enos has history with Midler, doing background vocals and vocal arrangement on her “Mele Kalikimaka” track on a 2006 holiday CD, “Cool Yule.” …

Aureana Tseu, the hula dancer, and husband Gerhard Rickert, a professional race car driver, recently dined with fashionistas Takeo Kobayashi and Eric Chandler at Volcano House on the Big Island. Based in Tokyo, Tseu and Rickert plan a belated wedding reception in Monaco next year. …

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.