Born and raised in Kona, Tianna Morimoto graduated from Konawaena High School in 2015. She obtained her BA in Communication Studies with a Broadcast Journalism minor at Chapman University and an MA in Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2020.
“It was a pleasure to speak with Apo and learn why he continues to keep the art of fishnet making alive for the younger generation,” Tianna shares.
While working as a journalist at Arizona’s Family (3TV & CBS5) in Phoenix, she also writes about her hometown. “I started working for Kona Coast Magazine because I wanted a way to stay connected to Hawai’i, and there was no better way to do it than telling stories of the community I love,” she says.
Hawaiian culture has a strong visual and oral tradition, yet Tianna believes the written word plays a crucial role in its heritage. “Once something is written, it can last forever and can’t be edited or updated unless another version is printed. This helps preserve culture and keep original versions of documents, languages, and lessons alive in today’s world.”
Tianna loves telling other people’s stories and being the voice for an individual or community. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can help readers gain a new perspective on a subject or issue. “It’s essential for more communicators to come out of Hawai’i to represent where they’re from. They can bring a different perspective to any environment they’re in, which can be beneficial in opening the minds and eyes of those around us.”
“I’m thankful to have a loving and encouraging family who supported me in anything I wanted to do. They helped me find what I’m passionate about and learn how to excel in it,” Tianna says.
Connect with her at LinkedIn.com/in/TiannaMorimoto
I’m thankful to have a loving and encouraging family who supported me in anything I wanted to do — Tianna Morimoto