June 2026 Gleanings
BIPC celebrates our 2026 scholarship winners, unveils our new website, urges you to hop on a committee or find another way to contribute and alerts you to save the date for our Nov. 21 Torch of Light annual membership meeting in Hilo.
All the things! We’re featuring a plethora of photos from our May 28 scholarship reception so you can spot yourself and your colleagues.
Our monthly board meetings are held at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of every month via Zoom, and all BIPC members can attend our next one at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, by using this link: https://zoom.us/j/93755775071
Questions? Contact info@bigislandpressclub.org
Don’t forget your dues! Only $25 annually and just $5 for students. Our simplified sign in process is available on our new, improved BIPC website (bigislandpressclub.org ). You’ll also find updated content such as our history and an easy‐to‐find Gleanings archive.
But there’s more! Read on for details. Questions/corrections for Gleanings? Contact Gleanings Editor Nancy Cook Lauer at nclauer@gmail.com.
Scholarship reception honors two local students
The Big Island Press Club announced its 2026 scholarship recipients during the annual Scholarship Dinner Reception, May 28, at the Hilo Yacht Club.
Scholarship winners Rianne Angelique Kealohaokalani Kalama Empaynado and Mari Iwata received $1,500 and $1,000, respectively, as the first and second place winners.
Empaynado is a Hilo High School alumna and freshman at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, majoring in Communications. Throughout her school career, Empaynado’s passion for digital media manifested in contributions to KVIKS Spotlight, the Hilo High Yearbook, Ke Kalahea, and several award-winning PSA animations, including Ōlelo Youth XChange 2024, Nā Leo Youth Challenge, and SHOOTS Hawaiʻi 2024–2025.
Alongside her graphic design work, Empaynado led KVIKS Media, Hilo High School’s communications and creative media program, for two consecutive years, developing both technical and leadership skills.
"The Big Island Press Club scholarship has been a tremendous help in supporting my college education. As a Communications major focused on graphic design and creative media, this scholarship helps me pursue my goal of funding my education through scholarships and my own work while continuing to use storytelling and communication to serve my community."
Mari Iwata is a Waiākea High School alumna pursuing screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. “I took a big leap to pursue my passion, but I knew my real purpose was storytelling,” Iwata noted in a previously submitted biography.
“Being awarded the Big Island Press Club scholarship has helped fund my journey through college as a screenwriter. It ensures that the insider voice is heard and something worth writing for.”
Keynote speaker Daniel Ikaika Ito
Thank you to Daniel Ikaika Ito, Hilo-born Kānaka Maoli surf journalist and communications and marketing professional, who delivered the keynote address during the dinner reception.
More than just a press club
We are the independent watchdog for Hawaiʻi Island. From professional journalists to everyday citizens, our members are united by a single mission: to protect your right to access the truth. Whether through our annual Torch of Light awards, educational seminars, or legislative advocacy, BIPC ensures that government remains open and the press remains free.
Working behind the scenes
BIPC is connecting with professional networks and tapping into sources to update our accounting practices and improve our website and outreach.
BIPC contracted with Laila Nöelle Antoinette Moiré-Selvage of Coconut City Creative (currently serving as an adjunct board member) to create a seamless transition to a new website that better responds to the needs of our members. Be sure to check it out! And while you're there, click the easy-to-use button to renew your membership and pay your dues.
2026 Big Island Press Club Board
Please feel free to contact any board members with your suggestions, or if you wish to volunteer!
President: Maya-Lin Green, education and communications team member, Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (maya-lin@bigislandpressclub.org)
Vice President: Kevin Dayton, Civil Beat reporter, formerly with Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaii Tribune-Herald (kdayton@civilbeat.org)
Secretary: John Burnett, journalist, 20 years with the Hawaii Tribune-Herald (jburnett@hawaiitribuneherald.com)
Treasurer: Nancy Cook Lauer, retired journalist, UHH student publications advisor, blogger All Hawaii News (nclauer@gmail.com)
Immediate Past President: Tiffany Edwards Hunt, former journalist, middle school teacher teaching media classes (newswoman@mac.com)
Director: Patsy Iwasaki, professor, University of Hawaii-Hilo, teaching newswriting classes (piwasaki@hawaii.edu)
Director: John Atwell, former CIA Senior Operations Officer, University of Hawaii-Hilo instructor, columnist, editor (jno.p.atwell@gmail.com)
Director: Peter Serafin, Journalist/writer/broadcaster at Golden Angel Studio, former editor of Hawaii Island Journal (peter@goldenangel.org)
Director: Ross Wilson, PR, Current Events (rossw@current-events.com)
Director Emeritus: Robert Duerr, filmmaker and journalist, Hawaii Fishing News (surf77@me.com)
Board Adjunct: Laila Moiré-Selvage, Founder/Manager at Coconut City Creative, Media Director at Action For Nature (laila@bigislandpressclub.org)
