Focus on Windward Oahu

Presented by Kailua Historical Society, Kailua's Kaui Hart Hemmings (third from left), author of the novel 'The Descendants,' now an Oscar-nominated movie, shares her connection with her book and answers questions about some of the characters in the film, which stars George Clooney, in a panel discussion, 'Descending Stories: How Shall We Tell Them?' Feb. 12 with (from left) musician and cultural activist Manu Boyd, filmmaker and author Tom Coffman, and Native Books' Maile Meyer at Trinity Church in Mauanwili. The group discussed the challenges and opportunities for Hawaii's contemporary writers, especially involving historical subjects. Lawrence Tabudlo photo, ltabudlo@midweek.com.