HI HR185

Honors Robert Lopaka Kapanui as one of Hawaii's foremost storytellers for his 20-year dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture, history, language, and folklore through storytelling.

Recognizes Kapanui as a native Hawaiian storyteller, writer, actor, kumu hula, and cultural practitioner who learned legends and ghost stories from his kupuna and continues the oral tradition of mo'olelo.

Acknowledges Kapanui's mentorship under Glen Grant in 1994, who taught him to research and document Hawaiian ghost stories and cultural narratives with rigorous accuracy.

Commends Kapanui's work through Mysteries of Hawaii in perpetuating Hawaii's rich history and honoring his mentor Glen Grant's legacy of preserving Hawaiian cultural knowledge.

Recognizes Kapanui's community contributions through support for Special Olympics, Project Graduation, storytelling at schools and libraries for literacy, and sharing at Camp 'Anuenue cancer program.