Biographies
Denise Moreland - Creator & Script Author
Adam Smith - Co-Author and Producer
Joe "Pekelo"
Recca
"Sista" Sherry
Clifton
Kimo Kahoano
Kumu Hula Maunalei Love
Frank "Palakiko"
Yagodich
Daniel Martinez
David "Kawika"
Kahiapo
Gordon Freitas
Kahala Moon - featuring
Mahina Souza and Kahala Mossman
Debby McGraw
Iwalani "Wahinekapu"
Tseu
Kahuna Pahia of O`ahu
Ricardo
A. Finney, Esquire
Joe "Pekelo" Recca
(Narrator and Story Teller)
Joe Recca, known as "Pekelo"
to his family and closest friends, is a member of the musical
Bright family. Growing up in an ohana (family) that is continuously
singing and dancing, Joe received a solid foundation in the art
of speaking to audiences.
A direct descendant of King Kamehameha, The Great - through his
union with Kanekapolei - Joe is filled with the knowledge of this
heritage handed down for generations. Joe's mother is pastor to
the Hawaiian church founded by his great-grandfather, thus reinforcing
Joe's awareness of Hawai`I's rich, spiritual heritage and cultural
legacies. These combined aspects make Joe the perfect male narrator
for TourTalk-O`ahu.
Through his knowledge of the Hawaiian language, Joe intertwines
his desire to "share Hawai`I's history" with his "love
of entertaining". He believes that in order to appreciate
the Hawai`I he loves so deeply, one must first understand, and
get to know, the Hawaiian people: their heart and their aloha.
TourTalk-O`ahu helps achieve that in an entertaining and informative
way. Time spent with Joe Recca is filled with song, cultural knowledge,
laughter, and of course, fun! Back
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"Sista"
Sherry Clifton
(Narrator and Story Teller)
Sista Sherry is one of Hawai‘i’s most popular morning DJ’s on
KRTR (Krater) radio. Her melodic voice and spiritual energy (mana)
permeate everything she does. From female lead in local
playwright, Lee Cataluna's comedy, “Da Mayah”, as well as a part
in Lee's “Aloha Friday”, featured on the cover of Hawai`I's
“Island Weekly” magazine, Sherry exudes the “essence of aloha.”
Born on the Island of O`ahu, Sherry was raised by a loving family
who holds strong to Hawai'I's cultural values. Those values guide
all of her activities - whether singing karaoke, raising her
son (who has been cast in his own commercial), or providing
professional voice-over work and emceeing numerous local functions.
TourTalk has nicknamed Sherry “The Smiling Voice”
for the fun, lightheartedness and deep commitment to cultural
integrity she brings to the TourTalk-O`ahu adventure. Back
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Kimo
Kahoano
(Cultural Segments: Battle of Nu'uanu Pali and Ahupua'a)
Kimo has been a Hawaiian favorite for over three decades. A
multi-talented professional, he is a well-known radio
personality and starred in several notable television shows
such as Hawaii 50, Magnum PI, and One West. He was the MC for
the TV show, "Hawaii's Stars", for several years and hosts numerous
celebrity golf tournaments throughout Hawai`I. Kimo has been
the "voice" behind the Merry Monarch Festival, Hawai`I's
annual hula competition, since its inception. To read more about
this talented performer, search the web under his name. Back
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Kumu
Hula Maunalei Love
(Cultural Segments: Tradition of Lei and Hula)
Maunalei's passion for education, as well
as the hula, is reflected in the many awards, achievements,
and acknowledgments she has received during the past three decades.
At the young age of 22, she inherited "The Ku'ulei Nani
Hula Studio" from her maternal grandmother, Ku'uleinani
Sheldon Stibbard. Maunalei trained under Eleanor Hiram Hoke.
(One of five Kumu Hula to receive recognition from the State
Foundation on Culture and the Arts) She performs regularly with
her halau at various community events, and she hosts an annual
ho'ike (dance celebration) dedicated to the kupuna (elders).
Her Hawaiian lineage dates back to King David Kalakaua and
her complete immersion in Hawai`I's culture during her upbringing
made her an exceptional expert speaker for TourTalk-O`ahu's
segments on the tradition of lei (ancient and contemporary)
and the art of hula (kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern)).
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Frank
"Palakiko" Yagodich
(Cultural Segments: Kahuna and Heiau)
As a program director of
Kapi'olani Community College's "Interpret Hawaii" program, Palakiko possesses
in-depth knowledge about Hawai`I's rich, cultural heritage. A
graduate of the University of Hawai`I's Hawaiian Studies program,
he brings to TourTalk-O`ahu a "behind the scenes"
look at some of ancient Hawai`I's most important cultural components:
the significance of Kahuna (experts of various customs and tasks),
as well as, heiau (ancient temples of worship and celebration).
Hawaiian history was passed down through chants and oral language
until the creation of a written language by the missionaries.
Palikiko offers a deeper understanding of the many interpretations
of the language - both oral and written.
Other ways in which he helps perpetuate the concepts of aloha
are through his trainings in "ho'okipa" - or hospitality.
He provides courses for Hawai`I's hospitality industry helping
staff better understand the culture, ultimately enhancing the
visitor's experience. When this Maui-born native isn't sharing
his manao (knowledge) with others, he enjoys connecting to the
‘Aina’ (land) by visiting his favorite heiau, bodysurfing,
and playing ukulele with his friends. Back
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Daniel
Martinez
(historic Segment: The Attack on Pearl Harbor)
As a Pearl Harbor historian, Daniel is an
expert in America's Pacific involvement in WWII. He has published
numerous articles on the subject.
Daniel's penchant toward cultural history makes
him a natural to share the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
He is regularly sought as a speaker at conventions, workshops,
training events, and much more. His love of history has led
him to work on numerous projects. In 2002, he was contracted
to film documentaries for the Discovery Channel.
Daniel's iteration of the Pearl Harbor attack
leaves TourTalk's listeners not only engaged, but often emotionally
involved! His presentation "takes you back in time"
so that you feel you are there...witnessing the attack for yourself!
For more information regarding Pearl Harbor and
the USS Arizona Memorial Park, click on http://www.nps.gov/usar/
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The Music of TourTalk-O`ahu
David
"Kawika" Kahiapo
Kawika's music provided much of the
background and instrumental feature pieces throughout TourTalk-O`ahu's
tour. Over the past two decades, Kawika has contributed his
musical talents to more than 28 album projects. He is often
invited to collaborate and perform with many renowned Hawaiian
artists. In 2004, destiny intervened and the melodic , 4-man
group “Kaukahi” was formed. As a new group, their knowledge of
Hawaiian music, slack key playing, and intense harmonies
garnered them 7 nominations at the prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano
Awards where they walked away with an unprecedented 4 awards!
Kawika won “Slack key musician of the year” and another award
for the title song “These Islands”!
Check out all of the music and services
Kawika offers (such as weddings and ceremonies) at www.kaukahi.com
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Gordon
Freitas
Gordon Freitas is a world traveled native Hawaiian storyteller,
recording artist, historian, and retired U.S. Navy Chief. As
a performing songwriter, he weaves his stories into award winning
songs that paint portraits of island folk. He takes great pride
in perpetuating the spirit of aloha and sharing his island culture
with the rest of the world.
Gordon wrote the lyrics to both "Aina" and "Peaceful
Arizona" - two of the songs featured in TourTalk-O`ahu.
Gordon is a multiple Hawai‘i music award
winner Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominee.
http://www.gordonfreitas.com/ Back to
Top
Kahala
Moon ~~ featuring
Mahina Souza and Kahala Mossman
Kahala Moon's debut album features a collection
of original, soulful, contemporary songs that are honest, humorous
and reflective of their island influences and musical heritage.
These young women were destined to perform and
compose music; they have music in their blood! Their grandmothers,
the late Irmgard Aluli and the late Bina Mossman, composed many
popular Hawaiian and hapa-haole songs that continue to be recorded
and played today. Mahina and Kahala pay tribute to Grandma Irmgard
Aluli by recording her cute, sassy song entitled "Kumu
Kalidadidi" on their debut album.
Their rendition of Gordon Freitas' song, “Aina,”
is truly an outstanding musical piece that fits perfectly with
TourTalk-O`ahu's story about "connection to the aina."
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TourTalk Supporters
Debby
McGraw,
Marketing & Public Relations
Ms. McGraw has over 35 years of marketing, advertising and promotional
experience in the Hawai`I market. She has worked with TourTalk
since 2000 to develop and implement marketing strategies and
establish key business relationships. Debby is directly responsible
for introducing TourTalk to two of its strategic partners, Honolulu
Publishing and Network Media. Her diverse background, varied
experience, and excellent relationship skills make her an extremely
valuable asset to TourTalk. To learn more about TourTalk's marketing,
media, and public relations efforts, contact Debby at (808)
523-3005 or by e-mail at
DebbyMcGraw@hawaii.rr.com.
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Kumu Hula Iwalani "Wahinekapu" Tseu
Ms. Tseu is renown throughout Hawai`I Nei as a kumu hula and cultural advisor. She has owned and operated "Iwalani’s School of Dance" for three decades. Throughout her stellar career, she has excelled in such areas as performer and model, entertainer, director and choreographer, judge of hula competitions, and educator of various Hawaiiana programs.
Mentored and selected as a hanai (adopted) daughter by such local greats as Uncle George Naope, co-founder of the Merrie Monarch Festival and a highly respected hula master, Iwalani was raised through Hawai`I's cultural traditions of old. As such, she has traveled around the world as an "Ambassador of Aloha" representing Hawai`I and its heartfelt ways. She is committed to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Hawai`I's history. As a Kumu Hula and Cultural Advisor, she guides others in understanding Hawaiian ways and is a speaker and cultural representative to local groups and visitors alike. Her focus is on presenting hula as a means of obtaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit because hula is considered a “living” thing that connects the dancer with all three aspects of their Being.
Ms. Tseu is listed in Hawai`i's Book of Hula Treasures and continues to be an integral part of Hawai`I's hula, wellness, and cultural communities. She has been an active participant in Hawai`I's infamous “Merrie Monarch Hula Competition” for over twenty-five years.
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Kahuna Pahia of
O`ahu
A kahuna is recognized in Hawaiian society
as an expert in a particular field of endeavor. In ancient Hawai`I,
there were over 250 kahuna comprising every task needed for
the success of the people. Steeped in Hawai`I's spiritual customs
and knowledge of old, Kahuna Pahia blessed TourTalk-Hawai`I Nei
at its inception and provided guidance in Hawaiian protocol
during the development of its first product, TourTalk-O`ahu.
This ensured its cultural authenticity and provided a deeper
foundation by which its creators developed the script. TourTalk
is honored to have Kahuna Pahia as spiritual overseer for the
company's endeavors.
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Kahu Kauila M. Clark
Native Hawaiian “Kauila Clark” embodies the Essence of Aloha & Cultural practices as he shares his mana`o (knowledge) of authentic and historic Hawai`I with others. He is a “kahu” (teacher and caretaker) of Native Hawaiian practices, such as the ancient healing arts, cultural practices, and cultural ceremonies for specific events, such as blessings, funerals, traditional Hawaiian weddings and vow renewals. He is also trained in the practice of “ho’oponopono”…a ceremony of reconciliation and to “make right again”. In addition to his cultural background, he is also a recognized artist featuring his own prints, drawings, and beautiful ceramic pieces. He takes this love of art into many of his Hawaiian cultural practices such as weaving, designing petroglyphs, and expressing Hawai`I's natural beauty through his paintings. He also expresses his love of Hawai`I through his slack key style of guitar playing.
Kauila’s genealogy can be traced into early ancient times. His lineage has long been that of healers and keepers of the sacred knowledge of Hawaiian ways. Today, Kauila knows he is called to share much of this mana`o with the world –by sharing Hawai`I's beauty and her ancient ways. This is a man who is a living example of what it means to “Be Aloha”. He now works with others in the dedication of teaching and sharing these messages of Aloha with Hawai`I's visitors.
Kauila can be contacted at:
ClarkK44@hawaii.rr.com
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Ricardo A. Finney,
Esquire
Master Photographer
Photo contributor to TourTalk-O`ahu
www.Precisionphoto1.com
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