Roy Kimura leads a meaningful career as a visual storyteller here in Hawaii. In this episode, he talks about his experience working as a director, writer and videographer, highlighting some of the pivotol moments that have influenced his professional path. Roy's stories are rooted in appreciation for the mentors who have contributed to his growth and learning. Most recently, Pono Shim played a key role in shaping his perspective as he experienced first-hand what it was like to be on the receiving end of connection, not correction. This, in turn, encouraged him to make more intentional decisions that prioritize people over task, despite operating in a fast-paced industry. One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation was his call to action to listeners to record the stories of their loved ones: now is the time. Please see the podcast notes to enjoy the videos that showcase Roy's capacity to create stories that empower and uplift, several of which are mentioned in the episode. Mahalo nui!

Videos by Roy Kimura

• Helping Hands Hawaii 
• Stories of Pono - Robbie Alm - "Start Now"
• Stories of Pono - Robbie Alm - "Watch For The Connection"
• Stories of Pono - Rachel Alm - "Ponoʻs Eulogy"
• Keolamau Yee 
• Stories of Pono - Molly Mamaril - "We Give Attention"
• Hawaiiʻs Food & Farmers - Hawaii Food Bank
• Hawaiiʻs Food & Farmers - Hauula Tomatoes
• Hawaiiʻs Food & Farmers - Sweet Land Farms
• The Wisdom of Hawaiiʻs Elders - Oswald Stender
• The Wisdom of Hawaiiʻs Elders - Eileen Lum

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.