Through the , students at Windward Community College are bringing pop culture to the Palikū Theatre. Two original one-act productions, J-Pop Demon Killaz and The Hangry Games, will run from April 24 to May 3.

Directed by Taurie Kinoshita, the productions highlight emerging student performers through fast-paced storytelling, stylized stage combat and comedic satire. These projects reflect the �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts’ commitment to hands-on learning in acting, movement and stage production.

J-Pop Demon Killaz, written by alumna Noalani Helelā, is set on Oʻahu and follows three local young women pursuing careers in the music industry while confronting supernatural challenges. The play combines humor, music and action-driven storytelling through a �鶹��ý-based perspective influenced by global pop culture.

The Hangry Games, written by alumnus Kekoa A. Shope, reimagines a dystopian competition in which survival depends on resourcefulness, resilience and determination. The production incorporates physical performance elements and topical humor that reflect current events, themes of power and scarcity.

Each production runs approximately one hour. They are recommended for audiences 14 and older due to staged violence, language and mature themes.

Performance Schedule

Fridays and Saturdays

• April 24, 25 and May 1, 2–7:30 p.m.

Thursday

• April 30–7:30 p.m.

Sundays

• April 26 and May 3–3 p.m.

Tickets may be or in person at the box office one hour prior to showtime. Student tickets are available in person only. For ticket information, contact the Palikū Theatre box office at (808) 235-7315 or paliku@hawaii.edu.

For more information about the �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts and theatre courses at Windward Community College, visit . Additional information is available from Professor Nicolas Logue at logue@hawaii.edu or (808) 236-9138.

A new exhibition honoring the life and legacy of legendary kumu hula and musician Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero opens at Windward Community College’s on January 23, 2026. The exhibition Ke Kilo Lani, reflects on Cazimero’s lifelong commitment to the continuity of Hawaiian cultural practice and knowledge.

A public reception is scheduled for 4–7 p.m. on opening day. The exhibition will be on view through May 15, 2026.

Focusing on mentorship

Ke Kilo Lani highlights the traditional foundations and evolving expressions of ʻike �鶹��ý (traditional Hawaiian knowledge), and is presented in partnership with the Wāhea Foundation.

“Ke Kilo Lani inaugurates a series of exhibitions focused on mentorship as the foundation of cultural continuity,” said Kapulani Landgraf, Gallery ʻIolani director. “I see this exhibition engaging the ongoing practice of Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero—whose innovation as a kumu hula and musician continues to shape generations—and honoring perseverance as a lifelong commitment to holding, evolving and passing forward tradition.”

Tours, talk story, performances

In conjunction with the exhibition, Gallery ʻIolani will host several events, including:

• Guided gallery tours led by Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua.
• Community talk story sessions.
• Scheduled performances in both Gallery ʻIolani and Palikū Theatre.

Gallery Information

Gallery ʻIolani is located on the Windward CC campus at 45-720 Keaʻahala Road, ����Ա�ʻ�dz��.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 1–5 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays).
• More information: and the

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Windward Community College Theatre Manager Nicole Tessier.

Tessier shared: “�鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts at Windward CC presents The Green Lady of Wahiawā and other local ghost stories, November 7–16 at .

Continue the spooky season with this world premiere! Recounting renowned local ghost stories and the tragedies behind those supernatural tales, including The Green Lady of Wahiawā, the Faceless Woman of Kahala, the Kasha of Kaimuki and more! These stories examine the concepts of fear, bias, courage and faith—spanning 1920 to present day.”

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The stage at Windward Community College’s will transform into one of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s eeriest landscapes in November, when the �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts presents The Green Lady of Wahiawā and Other Local Ghost Stories. Directed by Taurie Kinoshita, the premiere runs November 7–16.

Rooted in folklore, urban legends and historical accounts, the production reimagines some of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s most spine-tingling ghost stories—from the moss-haired Green Lady who terrifies Wahiawā gulch, to the blank-faced apparition who lurks in mirrors at Kahala Mall, to the infamous Kaimukī house haunted by a malevolent spirit.

The title tale, The Green Lady of Wahiawā, dates back to 1957 when children first reported sightings of a foul-smelling, seaweed-draped figure near Wahiawā Elementary. Over the decades, the legend became a cautionary fable meant to keep children from straying into the dangerous gulch.

The play also dramatizes The Faceless Woman, a ghost drawn from yōkai (Japanese supernatural beings) folklore and local reports from the old Waiʻalae Drive-In. Another vignette explores the Kasha of Kaimukī, a poltergeist or corpse-devouring demon said to torment those who enter its house.

Spanning the 1920s to present day, the show also incorporates stories tied to the Pali Highway and Japanese internment camps, weaving together themes of fear, bias, courage and faith. Each tale is staged in a unique style—film noir, realism, expressionism—offering audiences a theatrical journey into the supernatural side of �鶹��ý.

Performances are recommended for ages 13 and up due to adult themes, language and minor stage violence.

Showtimes:

• November 7, 8, 14, 15 (Fridays and Saturdays) at 7:30 p.m.
• November 13 (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m.
• November 9, 16 (Sundays) at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $25 General; $20 Seniors, active military, University of �鶹��ý faculty and staff, and �鶹��ý Department of Education educators; $15 Students (with ID, in person only). Purchase online at or at the box office one hour prior to showtime.

Boogie back to a time when the world seemed to be turning around, when we made more love than war, and even in the most profound grief there was humor and hope. Windward Community College’s presents William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing set in 1973, directed by Taurie Kinoshita, at April 25–May 4, 2025.

Much Ado About Nothing is a raucous comedy filled with dancing, drama, mistaken identity, decisive deceptions and hapless misunderstandings. Full of romantic liaisons and male rivalry, the verbal sparring of Benedick and the outspoken Beatrice is wildly fun and was revolutionary for its time. Subsequently, having female characters who were intellectual equals became popular on stage.

“The genius of Much Ado About Nothing is proven by nearly 500 years of continuous performance, and as one of Shakespeare’s most modern plays it’s accessible to all,” Kinoshita said. “Benedick and Beatrice are as immortal as Romeo and Juliet—but funnier, and spoiler alert: they don’t die! Disco, drag, dueling lovers and disguise-parties—what more could you want?”

In this retelling, young men are returning from the Vietnam War and negotiating civilian life while the political climate is changing radically: Roe v. Wade, Watergate, homosexuality no longer classified as a disease by the National Psychiatrics Board—it was an optimistic time. Despite events such as Kent State and the Second Wounded Knee, young people had a sense of empowerment.

Show dates and times:

• April 25, 26 and May 2, 3 (Fridays and Saturdays) 7:30 p.m.
• May 1 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m.
• April 27 and May 4 (Sundays) 3 p.m.

Ticket information:

• $25 General
• $20 Seniors (62+), active military with ID, �鶹��ýfaculty and staff, �鶹��ý Department of Education educators
• $15 Students (12+ and college students with ID). Available in person only.

Purchase tickets online at or in person at the box office one hour prior to the show. For more information call (808) 235-7315 or email paliku@hawaii.edu.

For more information about Much Ado About Nothing, contact Kinoshita at . To learn about the �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts, contact Associate Professor Nicolas Logue at logue@hawaii.edu.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Windward Community College’s Taurie Kinoshita and Nicole Tessier.

They shared: “Alten Keoki Ken Kiakona as Kaomi, Corin Kumakani Medeiros as Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) and Leleaʻe “Buffy” Kahalepuna-Wong as Queen Kaʻahumanu in Aloha Kaua at .

Aloha Kaua is a world premiere historical drama by Windward CC alumna Noalani Helelā about queer love, sacrifice and courage in a time of repression and uncertainty. As a young man, Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) fell in love with Kaomi, who rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepened, Kauikeaouli was inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality. He brought back hula, free love, drinking, games and Makahiki. Kauikeaouli eventually made Kaomi his Mōʻī kuʻi (joint king). Outraged, Hawaiian Christian chiefs resorted to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path. Hawaiian historian Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp calls this the first hate-crime in the history of �鶹��ý.”

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Photo by Brad Goda

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The brief period known as “Time of Kaomi” covering King Kamehameha III and his “joint king” is the subject of an upcoming play at Windward Community College’s .

Windward CC’s (HCPA) and the North Beach-West Maui Benefit Fund present Aloha Kaua, written by Noalani Helelā and directed by Taurie Kinoshita, February 21–March 2, 2025.

‘Joint king’

As a young man, Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) fell in love with Kaomi, a brilliant half-Tahitian and half-Hawaiian student of Hiram Bingham. Kaomi healed with his hands, diagnosed illnesses and rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepened, Kauikeaouli was inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality. He brought back hula, free love, drinking, games and Makahiki (an annual celebration).

Kauikeaouli eventually made Kaomi his Mōʻī kuʻi (joint king). Kuʻi also implies marriage, underscoring the deep love they had for each other.

Outraged, Christian chiefs (Kaikioʻewa and Kīnaʻu among them) tried to stop the young Kauikeaouli. Some resorted to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path. The “Time of Kaomi” was almost erased from history.

Kinoshita said, “We see the clash between traditional non-binary views and the rigid hierarchical world of the west. It’s a historical drama about queer love and resistance, peppered with humor and witty dialogue.”

Show dates and times:

• February 21, 22, 28 and March 1 (Fridays and Saturdays) 7:30 p.m.
• February 27 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m.
• February 23 and March 2 (Sundays) 3 p.m.

Ticket information:

• $25 General
• $20 Seniors (62+), active military (with ID), �鶹��ýfaculty and staff, DOE educators
• $15 Students (13+ and college students with ID)

Purchase tickets online at or in person at the box office one hour prior to the show. For more information call (808) 235-7315 or email paliku@hawaii.edu.

Suitable for ages 13+

First hate-crime in �鶹��ý

Helelā, the HCPA Emerging Island Artist for the 2022–23 season, revives elements of this incredible story to focus on a timeless tale of love, sacrifice and courage in a time of uncertainty. Hawaiian historian Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp calls this the first hate-crime in the history of �鶹��ý.

Corin Kumakani Medeiros (Morgan’s Corner at Windward CC) stars as Kauikeaouli, Leleaʻe “Buffy” Kahalepuna-Wong (Once On This Island at Manoa Valley Theatre) plays his mother Kaʻahumanu, and Alten Keoki Ken Kiakona (Lovey Lee at Kumu Kahua Theatre) is Kaomi.

For more information about Aloha Kaua, contact Kinoshita at taurie@hawaii.edu. To learn about the HCPA, visit or contact Associate Professor Nicolas Logue at logue@hawaii.edu. For more information about Palikū Theatre, visit .

Hawaiian vocalist Raiatea Helm, a two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards honoree, will bring her celebrated music and passion for music education to Palikū Theatre at Windward Community College on December 11, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Proceeds from the Makana Mele concert will benefit the , supporting music students at Windward CC’s .

“This scholarship from the Henry Kapono Foundation provides an opportunity to students to learn from our own excellent local talent, many who are legendary artists, it is a connecting of the generations,” said Kamuela Kimokeo, director of the �鶹��ý Music Institute. “Raiatea, one of our music lecturers for the Hawaiian music certificate, has had an incredible year, and we wanted to create a space to celebrate her achievements.”

are $30 general admission and $75 for VIP seating (includes meet and greet with the artists backstage). Online streaming tickets are $25. Students (with ID) are $15.

Preserving, sharing culture

The concert will also showcase Windward CC music lecturer Jeff Peterson and former Hawaiian music student Kapono Lopes, with performances featuring violin, steel guitar, upright bass, guitar, and ʻukulele—a tribute to the music that shaped �鶹��ý‘s cultural landscape.

“In essence, this concert will feature the music of our kūpuna to raise scholarship funds that support students dedicated to preserving and sharing this cultural legacy with future generations,” Kimokeo said.

Innovative Hawaiian music certificate

Helm, Kimokeo and Peterson are among the instructors for , an innovative one-year online Hawaiian music certificate at Windward CC. This accelerated, cohort-based program offers eight-week classes led by renowned musicians, such as Kimokeo (Hawaiian music), Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula), Peterson (slack key guitar), Helm (Hawaiian singing), and Kapena DeLima (digital music production).

“The purpose of this scholarship is to support students pursuing music education through the Hawaiian Music Certificate program, helping them improve their lives, uplift their families, and build sustainable careers in music,” said Lezlee Kaʻaihue, executive director of the Henry Kapono Foundation. “This year, we’re especially excited to have 40 teachers in the Windward CC music program. When you consider the number of students each of these teachers can impact and inspire with music, it’s clear that this scholarship is a valuable reinvestment in our community. Last year, the Windward CC music program raised nearly $200,000, allowing all 40 teachers to be in our one-year program tuition free!”

Those interested can donate directly to the to support music students.

at Windward Community College presents Morgan’s Corner—written and directed by Taurie Kinoshita—at , November 8–17. The truth behind the local horror story of Morgan’s Corner recounts the trial, retrial and eventual pardoning of James Majors and John Palakiko, two young men sentenced to hang for accidentally killing Therese Wilder in her home near Morgan’s Corner off the old Pali road.

One of the most renowned criminal cases in �鶹��ý of the 20th century, it was the Majors-Palakiko case that helped bring an end to the death penalty.

Morgan’s Corner is an original play dealing with bias, prejudice and inequity, told in five, often radically different, perspectives. Anyone with an interest in local history will want to see this suspenseful, historically based crime-drama.

Show dates and times:

• November 8, 9, 15 and 16 (Friday and Saturday), 7:30 p.m.
• November 14 (Thursday), 7:30 p.m.
• November 10 and 17 (Sunday), 3 p.m.

Ticket information:

• $25 Adults
• $20 Seniors (62+), Military (with ID), DOE Educators
• $15 Students (14+ and college students with ID)

Purchase tickets online at palikutheatre.com or in person at the box office one hour prior to the show.

Due to adult situations and themes, this play is recommended for ages 14 and older. Running time is 90 minutes.

Historic background

In 1948, two young men named John Palakiko and James Majors broke into the home of wealthy widow Therese Wilder, searching for food. They tied her up and left, and five days later her housekeeper found her dead.

The ensuing uproar over the death of this white woman was sensational. Acting prosecutor John Desha, once secretary to Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, was replaced for following the rule of law and refusing to seek the death penalty. John Palakiko was beaten by police, being forced to confess and make false statements. Evidence exonerating Majors and Palakiko from a first degree murder charge went missing, and the judge allowed unsigned documents to be entered as evidence.

Despite all these irregularities, Majors and Palakiko were sentenced to hang and lost their Supreme Court retrial case. After years of struggle and thousands of citizens writing in, Majors and Palakiko’s sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

This case highlights the disparity of justice in death penalty cases. People of different races were categorically treated differently by the criminal justice system—especially if the crime was a person of color against a white person.

Morgan’s Corner takes place in 1954 on the eve of Majors’ and Palakiko’s third scheduled execution. The story is told from five radically different perspectives: Prosecutor Hite, Detective Stevens, original Prosecutor Desha, James Majors (falsely accused of rape) and John Palakiko (beaten by Stevens into confessing).

This Rashomon-style (told from different perspectives) intellectual thriller deals with bias, politics, prejudice and the criminal justice system.

More about Windward CC’s theatre program

For more information about Morgan’s Corner, contact Director Taurie Kinoshita at 808-779-3456 or taurie@hawaii.edu. To learn more about Theatre 260 and other theatre classes offered at Windward CC, contact Associate Professor Nicolas Logue at 808-236-9138, logue@hawaii.edu or go online to . For more information about Palikū Theatre, visit .

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the Theatre Manager Nicole Tessier.

Tessier shared, “Medea/Antigone Now performs April 26–May 5 at at Windward CC. Our student employees in the IDS department created this dynamic graphic design to promote the production!”

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