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Episode 1: Who belongs in Waipiʻo Valley?

The home of high chiefs, kalo farms, and a black sand beach — Waipiʻo Valley is one of the most sacred places on Hawaiʻi Island. But when the county suddenly closed the only road to get there, deep rifts among the people of the island began to emerge.

For decades, Waipiʻo residents have voiced concerns of over-use, not just of the road, but of the valley itself. The area is considered sacred, home to taro fields and heiau. But it's also a top tourist destination.

Host Russell Subiono talked story with locals who spend their days fighting for what they believe is right — while also learning more about himself along the way.

Read and listen to the full story here.


This Is Our Hawaiʻi is produced by Hawaiʻi Public Radio, a member of the NPR Podcast Network, with support from PRX and is made possible in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

This podcast is hosted by Russell Subiono and produced by Savannah Harriman-Pote, with assistance from HPR staff: Ananddev BanerjeeTaylor Nāhulukeaokalani CozloffBill DormanSylvia FloresCasey HarlowSophia McCulloughLiberty PeraltaKrista RadosEmily Tom and Jason Ubay.

Mahalo to PRX's Mike Russo for his continued support. Logo design by Kristin Lipman.

This Is Our Hawaiʻi was made possible with financial support from HPR members. Consider making a contribution today.

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Russell Subiono is the executive producer of <i>The Conversation</i> and host of HPR's <i>This Is Our Hawaiʻi </i>podcast. Born in Honolulu and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, he’s spent the last decade working in local film, television and radio. Contact him at talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org.
Savannah Harriman-Pote is the energy and climate change reporter. She is also the lead producer of HPR's "This Is Our Hawaiʻi" podcast. Contact her at sharrimanpote@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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