Award-winning journalist Gary Kubota reflects on media, storytelling, journalism and culture.

Akaku: Maui Community Television (Akaku) will host Gary Kubota, Maui bureau staff writer and correspondent for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, on Friday, Aug. 29, from 6-8 p.m. at its digital lounge at 333 Dairy Road in Kahului. Independent community producers and residents will be able to ask questions and talk story with Kubota after a brief presentation on the theme: “Thinking Globally, Writing Locally.” The event is free, but interested individuals should confirm their interest, as space will be limited.

Kubota is not only recognized for his byline that accompanies a daily report of Maui events in the Honolulu newspaper, but he is also held in high esteem for documenting his 2007 voyage from Hawai‘i to the Caroline Islands on the double-hulled Hokule‘a. The crossing was in honor of the Micronesian navigator Mau Pialilug, who 30 years earlier helped preserve and proliferate the ancient art of wayfinding in a similar 4,000-mile journey on the Hokule‘a’s maiden voyage.

“Gary is not only a talented journalist, but he is also a fine storyteller,” said Sara Tekula, Akaku’s education director. “His work helps bridge the geographical divide between Hawai‘i’s islands. We are fortunate he has agreed to share with the community in our monthly Media Salon Guest Series.”

Community members will hear anecdotes about his double-life as a Hokule‘a crewmember and as an award-winning correspondent, his use of special technologies to meet his submission deadlines and ensure Hawai‘i readers get their news from Star-Bulletin first, and his insight in the industry gleaned from more than 20 years in the business.

Kubota’s editorial series, “Hokule‘a’s Voyage” earned him first place in the Hawai‘i Publishers Association 2008 Pa‘i Awards—one of 25 awards won by Star-Bulletin staff this year. He also won the Society of Professional Journalists 2001 Excellence in Journalism Award for his “Special Report – Miconia Invasion.”

The presentation is this month’s second of Akaku’s semi-monthly media salon series offered to independent community producers and county residents interested in media issues. Previous Media Salon Guest Series have included such community media voices as Kathy Collins of Mana‘o Radio and Tommy Russo of Maui Time Weekly.

To register, or for more information, call Akaku at 871-5554 or visit the studio offices.