We love what we do here at Island Scene. We’re incredibly grateful and honored that you trust us with your stories and as a health and wellness resource. Island Scene has been a pillar in Hawaii for nearly 35 years, and we’re committed to continue bringing you in-depth, well-researched, and inspiring stories that help shape your health and wellness journeys, so that you can live your best lives.
Island Scene was recently recognized at the Hawaii Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual Excellence in Journalism ceremony, where we received six awards for articles and videos published in 2024.
We wouldn’t be where we are without your support, so we want to give you a heartfelt mahalo for letting us into your homes, families, and communities. We do what we do because we want to help inform and inspire the people of Hawaii to care for themselves and each other.
Read below for the stories that were recognized, along with a description, reaction from the Island Scene team, and judges’ comments.
General Information
First Place:
hmsa presents dear evan hansen at manoa valley theater
(Marvin Buenconsejo and Courtney Takabayashi)
Emotional well-being and taking care of your mental health is important for everyone. To help raise awareness about this sensitive subject, HMSA sponsored Tony Award-winner Dear Evan Hansen at Manoa Valley Theatre. See how this powerful musical addresses anxiety, grief, and loneliness through the story of Evan Hansen, a teenager dealing with social anxiety and depression.
“It was an honor and joy to cover this story,” says Buenconsejo. “It’s no surprise that the show’s stunning visuals and powerful message really resonated with our viewers.”
As a lifelong fan of plays and musicals, Takabayashi was excited to see and write about Dear Evan Hansen. “The show is a great conversation starter,” she says. “If someone watching is in pain or sees a friend in need, hopefully they’ll be inspired to reach out.”
Judges’ comments: “Excellent editing and use of soundbites throughout the piece to keep the viewer interested. Good information on an important topic for young people to use with engaging material.”
Second Place:
hmsa is with you during your time of need
(Kevin Allen, Jay Corsilles, Courtney Takabayashi)
HMSA is here with you through all of life’s changes. Our Case Management program offers personalized support to help you understand and manage your health conditions and get access to the care you need. After Joan Wylie’s husband passed away, she felt lost and alone. But thanks to HMSA care manager and registered nurse Sharlene Cabuhat, Wylie got the support she needed and made a new lifelong friend.
“They had such a heartwarming story,” says Corsilles. “The connection that Sharlene and Joan had was special. I’m grateful to witness them meeting for the first time and continuing their friendship beyond health.”
Takabayashi agrees. “Connections are what life is all about,” she says. “I’m glad Joan and Sharlene were willing to share their experience because they really are an inspiration.”
Allen is thankful for the opportunity to deliver a video with such a positive message. “Being able to share stories like this is why I get up in the morning,” he says. “I hope that after watching the video, our members are inspired to take advantage of benefits like the Case Management program that HMSA has to offer.”
Third Place:
health tips for dancers … and all humans
(Anna Koethe Pavao and Kevin Allen)
Watching a graceful ballet dancer sweeping across a theater stage is truly awe-inspiring. The athleticism required of dancers is more challenging than meets the eye. The perfect posture, hypnotic turns, and soaring leaps often result in a stunning performance. But the impact to a dancer’s body can be extreme at any skill level. Learn more about physical and mental health tips that dancers (and all humans) can use to improve their quality of life.
Koethe Pavao loves the fact that anyone can benefit from the tips provided. “It was a joy to work on a story that could provide readers with a glimpse into the world of dance while sharing practical physical and mental health practices we can all use,” she says. “With all of life’s busy moments, this article was a way to remind myself and others that small, incremental changes can lead to significant results and a happy and healthy life.”
Allen found the tips, like shopping at the perimeter of the grocery store to find fresh food and paying attention to the color of his urine, very useful. “If the tips can help me, I’m sure they can help others, too,” he says.
Feature Information
First Place:
how actor stephen hill is living aloha
(Michelle Liu)
Stephen Hill’s co-workers on Magnum, P.I. were just the first members of his growing community in Hawaii. We sat down with the actor to chat about his role on the show and how he’s made Hawaii his home.
“What stood out to me about Stephen was his genuine care for giving back and for our state: the people, land, culture, and community,” says Liu. “He came here to do a job, but he ended up making such a profound impact. He truly embraced the meaning of aloha, and I hope his story inspires others to do the same.”
Judges’ comments: “What a great story! Such a great reminder to embrace volunteer opportunities and to make the most out of every situation. It’s so special that he encouraged a student to do well at school and then rewarded them with a fun opportunity as an extra!”
Second Place:
hula at the royal palace
(Craig DeSilva)
Interested in learning hula but not sure where to start? Learn about Kumu hula Nalani Keale’s auana (modern hula) class at the Queen Emma Summer Palace, which offers an ideal opportunity to experience the physical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of this cherished Hawaiian dance.
“Dancing hula changed my life for the better,” DeSilva says. “I think there are a lot of people who want to learn, but don’t know where to start. Queen Emma Summer Palace is the perfect place to start.”
Opinion
First Place:
inside scoop on your poop
(Craig DeSilva)
Do you look before you flush? If not, you should get into the habit of monitoring your deposits. Your poop can tell you a lot about your health and provide some important insight.
After going to the bathroom, DeSliva says that what he saw often left him with questions about the color and texture. “Since I was wondering if I was normal, I figured others might be wondering the same thing,” he says. “So, I decided to get ‘da scoops’ and turn it into an article for Island Scene. Many people have told me that they read the magazine in the bathroom anyway, so I thought the subject was fitting.”
Judges’ comments: “Clear information that’s easy to read. Engaging true/false style is conversational and helpful.”
More award-winning content
This isn’t the first year Team HMSA won SPJ awards! Check out the following articles that resonated with judges and readers alike:
