At Island Scene, we find joy working on magazine articles, blog posts, and videos about health and well-being. We do our job to help inform and inspire HMSA members and all our readers so they can live their best lives.
Our work is meaningful and gives us purpose. We don’t do it to win awards. But when we do, it’s gratifying knowing that we’re doing our job well.
Such was the case when the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter awarded Island Scene for five articles and videos. Submissions are judged by other chapters, and Hawaii entries were judged by SPJ chapters in Louisville, Kentucky, for work we did in 2023. The awards were given out at the annual Hawaii SPJ Excellence in Journalism Contest dinner in July at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili. Awardees included local media organizations such as television and radio stations, newspapers, online blogs, and magazines. SPJ is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.
Whether for our quarterly print magazine or online posts, our small local team of writers, editors, graphic designers, and videographers will continue to tell stories we’re passionate about. And if we win an award along the way, that makes it even more rewarding. We love what we do and hope you love it, too.
Island Scene team (left to right): Craig DeSilva, Lynn Shibuya, Michelle Liu, Courtney Takabayashi, and Marvin Buenconsejo
Here are the stories that were recognized, including a brief description, judges’ comments, and reaction from our Island Scene team. In case you missed it the first time, click on the links.
depo market: made with aloha
First Place – Opinion
Michelle Liu (writer)
Read how a family business on Maui is helping people with disabilities.
Judge’s comment: “Inspiring and kind story. This one had a lot of heart.”
holoholo with barefoot adventures
Second Place – Opinion
Courtney Takabayashi (writer)
A Hawaii man becomes a cultural ambassador by showing visitors some of his favorite hidden spots.
Here’s what Takabayashi had to say about why she thinks this is a meaningful story: “Years from now, I imagine young people asking me, ‘What was it like living through a pandemic?’. The short answer is, ‘We did what we needed to do to survive.’ While this sounds dramatic, the world did change and many people had to pivot in order to provide for their families. One of those people is Keith Uehara. I admire Uehara’s grit and ability to adapt. He’s an inspiration!”
heart smart
Craig DeSilva (writer) and Marvin Buenconsejo (videographer)
For National Heart Month, HMSA health educator Gene Corpuz recalls how talking to his doctor about his chest pains helped save his life.
Watch the video.
Judge’s comment: “The video about Gene surviving his heart condition has vital information and I’m glad he talked to his doctor about his circumstance.”
The common thread that runs through the videos selected by SPJ is the inspiring stories of the people we featured,” says Buenconsejo. “Inspiration matters. The hope is that these individuals have now planted the seeds in all of us to make positive changes in our own lives and in the lives of others.”
adaptive cycling on oahu
Second place – General Information
Marvin Buenconsejo (videographer) and Lynn Shibuya (writer)
Riding a bicycle can be challenging for those with an injury or disability. Adaptive cycling gives them the opportunity to ride to strengthen their body and soul.
Watch the video.
Judge’s comment: “The cycling story was shot really well, the videography made me feel like I was there.”
“As a former SPJ Hawaii chapter intern, it was an especially nice surprise to be recognized for the adaptive cycling video story,” Shibuya says. “It was also a great experience working with a seasoned journalist, Marvin Buenconsejo, who helped me record a voice over for the story. But perhaps best of all was connecting with people at the event, including an HMSA member who is a spinal cord injury survivor who said riding an adaptive bike is like catching a wave for the first time in a long time. What an inspiring and beautiful sentiment about the value of these events and resources for the community.”
breast cancer awareness month
Third place – General Information
Courtney Takabayashi (writer) and Marvin Buenconsejo (videographer)
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, HMSA senior program manager Michelle Stefanov takes us through her journey from diagnosis to recovery in hopes of inspiring other women to beat cancer.
Watch the video.
Judge’s comment: “The reminder to get a mammogram is extremely useful, and her story of survival was wonderful to hear about.”
“I wanted to share my story to encourage women to get their breast cancer screenings,” says Stefanov. “I’m incredibly grateful that we detected the cancer early for early treatment. All because I went in for my annual mammogram. Hopefully, my story also provides hope for women currently going through breast cancer treatment and shows them that they’re not alone.”
Here’s what Takabayashi had to say about working on the article: “Hearing Michelle Stefanov’s breast cancer journey had a profound effect on me. We’re actually the same age and we both have young children. Breast cancer didn’t run in her immediate family and it doesn’t run in mine, either. While I’ve been encouraged to get a mammogram by my doctors throughout the years, I was confused by all the changes to the recommended age so I continually put it off. However, our similarities were enough to convince me to get a mammogram. I wanted to write an article about Michelle’s experience because I was sure that her story would encourage others to get a mammogram as well. She was so honest and raw about her experience that I just hoped I’d be able to do her story justice.”
