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This week, host Chad Blair sits down with Civil Beat reporter Anita Hofschneider to discuss the three-part Kahoolawe series she did with photographer PF Bentley. Anita shares her thoughts on the project, which kicked off Monday, including the history, politics and cultural significance of the island.

Most famously known as a bombing range and training ground for the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Kahoolawe is now in the care of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission whose mission of restoring the island may be in jeopardy due to dwindling funds. Anita explains the many challenges faced by the group – from securing funding from the Hawaii Legislature, to navigating a dangerous terrain still littered with unexploded military ordinances, and even handling the growing population of feral cats.

“If you want to go to Kahoolwe you have to be willing to work, even as a member of the media,” Anita explains. “The silence was just incredible. I honestly cannot imagine what it must have sounded like when the bombing was ongoing. It felt like the silence was such a privilege and coming back to Oahu, and into town was really strange – very very jarring. It was a culture shock for sure.”

Be sure to check out part one and the entire series on Kahoolawe. Listen to the Pod Squad here and subscribe to it on or .

April Estrellon produced this week’s Civil Beat podcast.

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