Have you ever wondered why just thinking about certain foods literally makes your mouth water? Mouth-watering isn’t just a cliché, there’s a real science behind it.
It is actually a reflex controlled by our brain. When we smell, see or even think about food, our brain tells our body what it needs to do to help us digest what we’re about to eat. While I can think of at least a dozen dishes that can trigger that effect in me, only one food makes it feel like a fire hydrant just exploded in my mouth: crack seed! Just typing those two words on my laptop does the trick.
Whether it’s pre-packaged or scooped out of a big glass jar, we all have our go-to seed choice. For some, it’s li hing mango or rock salt plum. Others prefer sweet li hing mui or lemon peel. But for me, it has been and will ALWAYS BE seedless li hing cherry. That’s all I need.
I can’t tell you how many times I drove down Koko Head Avenue over the years to visit Mr. Young at his Crack Seed Store in Kaimukī. I was one of his many loyal customers. As soon as I walked in, he’d head straight for the li hing cherry jar.
Kon Ping Young retired in 2019 after 41 mouth-watering years of making people happy.
In this month’s ‘ONO! Hawaiʻi’s Food Culture, we tantalize your taste buds with a digital exclusive story on Hawaiʻi’s rich crack seed history. This episode, releasing January 30, along with other ‘ONO! offerings is available at pbshawaii.org or on our YouTube playlist.
So, pucker up and get ready to drool. I promise. It will be a mouth-watering walk down memory lane.
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With aloha and gratitude,
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Ron Mizutani
President and CEO
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Kalany Omengkar & Tassho Pearce
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Meet two groundbreaking local creatives who use their art to honor heritage, strengthen their connection to home and push the boundaries of their fields in a new episode of Home is Here. Painter Kalany Omengkar reconnects with his Palauan heritage and expresses stories rooted in tradition, memory and place through his work. Rapper Tassho Pearce used hip-hop as a foundation to build his artistic identity. He became one of the first rappers from Hawaiʻi to gain traction beyond the islands.
Though their mediums differ, both artists draw deeply from identity and place, transforming personal stories into work that resonates across the Pacific and reflect the power of art to reclaim identity, uplift community and chart new pathways forward.
Join us for a new episode of Home is Here Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 pm on PBS Hawaiʻi and on pbshawaii.org.
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KĀKOU: Hawaiʻi’s Town Hall
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Hawaiʻi voters have the right to propose and approve changes to the state constitution, a right that has only been exercised twice since statehood, once in 1968 and again in 1978.
Following the Constitutional Convention, called a ConCon, in 1978, voters approved all 34 changes proposed by convention delegates. The list included the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, making ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi an official state language, the right to privacy, setting term limits for the governor, creating the state water commission and more.
On the next KĀKOU: Hawaiʻi’s Town Hall, PBS Hawaiʻi is inviting residents from across the state to discuss Is It Time For a Constitutional Convention?
Join the live conversation Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 pm on PBS Hawaiʻi and streaming live at pbshawaii.org.
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INSIGHTS on PBS Hawaiʻi returns with two new episodes. Heading into this election year, what are the big issues before state lawmakers as they convene for the next legislative session? Join us for a 2026 Legislative Preview on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 pm.
Then, Honolulu is moving ahead with plans to build an interim racetrack in West Oʻahu. It would be the first such facility in 20 years. What are the details and why did it take so long? Join us on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 pm to learn more about Honolulu’s New Racetrack and be part of the discussion.
Watch Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi and streaming live at pbshawaii.org.
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National Program Highlights
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This month, two beloved MASTERPIECE series return. Find your way back to Darrowby in All Creature Great and Small Season 6, which finds James juggling vet work and his busy family. Miss Scarlet Season 6 has Eliza’s business thriving, but her personal life enters new territory. And catch Bookish, a cozy new mystery series full of intrigue set in post-WWII London.
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The final episode of PBS News Weekend will air on Sunday, January 11 at 6:30 pm. Beginning January 17, PBS News correspondent William Brangham will host HORIZONS FROM PBS NEWS Saturdays at 6:30 pm. The program will dive into issues like Artificial Intelligence, advances in medicine and the latest developments in climate science and more.
COMPASS POINTS FROM PBS NEWS makes its debut Sunday, January 18 at 6:30 pm. Hosted by PBS News correspondent Nick Schifrin, the program will focus on prominent international topics and provide timely analysis with a panel of experts.
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Finding Your Roots is back for Season 12, as Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the surprises and revelations hidden in family trees. Among this seasons guests: America Ferrera (pictured with Dr. Gates), Kristin Chenoweth, Darren Criss, Rhiannon Giddens, Spike Lee, Delroy Lindo and Chris Paul.
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On Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire, NOVA uncovers the lost secrets of the seat of the Khmer Empire, once the biggest city in the world. Now, cutting-edge technology and new discoveries are finally revealing how this empire rose to global prominence and what could have led to its devastating collapse.
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Hawai’i-born rapper, actor and entrepreneur Jordan “I.A.” Salud began rapping in high school while living in San Diego. He eventually moved back to the islands where he refined his signature island hip-hop sound and created local anthems like “Yeah You” and “Zubland” for the community.
Watch episodes at pbshawaii.org or check out our YouTube playlist.
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Crack seed stores are a core memory for many. From the mention of Yick Lung to rows of glass jars filled with sweet and savory seed to original ICEE treats, these stores are now few and far between. We stroll the aisles with the people keeping this tasty island tradition alive.
Watch episodes at pbshawaii.org or check out our YouTube playlist.
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Note to our over-the-air and Dish Network viewers:
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Stream your favorite PBS shows and create your perfect watchlist by downloading the free PBS App. Looking for early access or to catch up on a previous season? Become a PBS Hawaiʻi member with a gift of $5 a month and get more with your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport.
And if you are already eligible and haven’t yet, activate your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport today!
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