Shihan Rusty Titus
Shihan Rusty Titus is a highly accomplished martial artist with 40 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.
Missed the Live Session?
Shihan Rusty Titus is an instructor at the Japan International Karate Center in Pearl City. Learn more by visiting their website!
Jon J. Murakami
Jon J. 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.
Missed the Live Session?
See Jon Murakami's artwork on his website. Look at his characters. What adventures do you think they have?
Kiera Wright-Ruiz is an author and recipe developer. She has written for publications like The New York Times, Food52, Serious Eats and The Kitchen. 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.
Missed the Live Session?
Read I Want to be Spaghetti in Sora
Terry Holck is a resource teacher from the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design - Digital Design Team. She runs the State’s Digital Fabrication Lab and is a dedicated educator who is passionate about helping teachers bring creative ideas to life through innovative technologies and hands-on learning experiences. She supports students and educators in designing and producing custom projects using tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, sublimation printers, heat presses, stickers and poster makers, empowering them to enhance engagement and learning.
As an administrator for the State Distance Learning Program, I have the privilege of overseeing our Virtual Fabrication Lab. Over my 30-year career as an educator, my core mission has remained the same: helping students discover, create, and learn. I am a firm believer that we are never too old to learn something new, and I model this life-long learning in my own life. When I’m not exploring new educational technologies, you can usually find me with a book in hand, reading to stretch my imagination and expand my horizons.
Missed the Live Session?
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!
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.
Commemorate the Spirit of America as we join people across our nation reading the Declaration of Independence. It will be the 250th anniversary of its first public reading. Summer Reading Challenge Librarians, Michelle Panida & Dori Seatriz will broadcast the live reading through a special live session. Represent Hawaii & add your family's location to the map!
Visit the Hawaii America250 site to remember the historical events that led up to the Declaration of Independence, to Live Aloha & see how the commission is spreading "a little aloha around the world." Add some local America's 250th celebrations to your family's calendar! Join us as we tune in to the reading of the Declaration of Independence!
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.
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!