Live Events
Monday, June 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Shihan Rusty Titus
Shihan Rusty Titus is a highly accomplished martial artist with over 30 years of experience in karate. He holds an 8th Degree Black Belt and is a 5th Dan with the USA National Karate-do Federation. In addition to his karate expertise, he is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kobudo through the Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai. Shihan Rusty is also a certified National and Pan-American Kata and Kumite referee, reflecting his deep knowledge and leadership within the martial arts community.
Shihan Rusty Titus is an instructor at the Japan International Karate Center in Pearl City. Learn more by visiting their website!
Monday, June 8 2026 10:00 a.m.
Jon Murakami
Jon Murakami is a freelance artist and comic book creator. Born and raised in Hawaii, Jon is known for his "local kine" greeting cards, comics and gecko books that depict humorous occasions and holidays in Hawaii.
See Jon Murakami's artwork on his website. Look at his characters. What adventures do you think they have?
Monday, June 15 2026 2:00 p.m.
Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Kiera Wright-Ruiz is an author and recipe developer. She has written for publications like The New York Times, Food52, Serious Eats and The Kitchn. Her work explores the diversity of food and amplifies underrepresented communities.
Her picture book, I Want to be Spaghetti, won the Gosling Award: Hawaii's Children's Choice award for picture books. She also wrote a cookbook
Read I Want to be Spaghetti in Sora
Monday, June 22, 2026 10:00 a.m.
Your Story Matters!
What books have you read this summer?
What books would you recommend to peers?
Bring the book to hold up to the camera or just tell us the title and author.
Be ready to share a quick sentence that explains what the book is about and why you recommend it, but don't give away the ending!
If you've been logging your minutes in Beanstack, you can scroll through your Recent Titles to choose your favorites!
Remember to log your minutes in Beanstack!
Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Kate Righter
Kate Righter is a Hawaiʻi-based artist, writer, and educator who has shared the joy of nature journaling with people of all ages. She is the author of a self-published book of poetry and essays titled, "What Remains," and plans to publish an illustrated version for younger readers in 2027.
In this interactive presentation, Kate will introduce fun, simple ways for your whole ʻohana to build observation skills and connect more deeply with the places you love. All you need to bring is a pencil, some paper, and your curiosity!
Learn more about Kate at her website. You can see her artwork, read her poetry & more. She also runs the Hawaii Nature Journal Club website and will lead workshops for children this summer. Take a peek at these opportunities!
Wednesday, July 8, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Stacey Hayashi
Stacey Hayashi is an author, filmmaker, software engineer, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Her graphic novel, Journey of Heroes, chronicles the sacrifices and bravery of the 100th Battalion and 442nd RCT. Stacey's work preserves and honors the story of Japanese American WWII Veterans.
Journey of Heroes
The Journey of Heroes chronicles the WWII experiences of Japanese American soldiers, focusing on their loyalty, perseverance, and courage while their families were unjustly interned. It highlights the bravery of these soldiers, who became some of the most decorated in U.S. military history.
The Story of Lucy
This true story tells the adventures Lucy had with the 442nd Combat Regime during WWII after her adoption in 1944.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Join us as we celebrate our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge!
Find out who met the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, which schools logged the most reading minutes and recommend your best reads of the summer.