About Hawai‘i History Moments
In early 1994, Henry Hawai‘i Broadcasting, Inc., proposed that the Hawaiian Historical Society participate in a program to provide historical information in a way that would appeal to the listening public. The program, modeled after a similar one the company had instituted in Fresno, California, which had enjoyed much success, would consist of a series of short descriptive essays on items of historical interest prepared under the auspices of the Hawaiian Historical Society.
Society President Thomas K. Lalakea perceived an opportunity for the public to enjoy some of the extensive historical research that has been conducted by the many contributors to The Hawaiian Journal of History. Other contributions would also be welcomed. With the endorsement of the Board of Trustees, the Hawaiian Historical Society agreed to provide an initial contribution of 30 essays and to continue if sufficient material was provided by volunteer authors.
Dr. Helen G. Chapin, former editor of The Hawaiian Journal of History, undertook to adapt previously published articles to a brief, lively, and descriptive format. Bob Schmitt, retired statistician, author, and researcher of Hawaiian history, generously contributed many of his Hawai‘i "firsts” for use in the program. Their contributions and those of the other authors made it possible to broadcast a total of 118 radio spots.
Beginning in June 1994, the one-minute radio spots were broadcast over a period of approximately six months. Titled a Hawai‘i History Moment, they were featured twice daily, at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Radio Station KHVH, Honolulu.
This radio program was a new medium for The Hawaiian Historical Society in its mission to promote an understanding of and interest in Hawai‘i’s history, and it is grateful to those who participated in the effort.