Jul 07, 2014 8 Questions With: Sarah Honda
I first met Sarah Honda in NYC, when she was in the music industry at Payday Records and Empire Management, primarily working with hip-hop legends Gang Starr (Guru and DJ Premier). In the meantime, she’s made a major life change, and moved back to Hawaii – to be closer to family and get more surfing in, both admirable goals. By day, Sarah is the Editorial Director at Oahu Publications, and she’s also involved in some fascinating extracurricular activities such as her work at Interisland Terminal which is mostly focused on their Kaka’ako Agora project lately. Two years in the making, the project has just opened with June Kaboom – a month of free arts programing in the dynamic space. Keep up with Sarah at her personal blog Daily Operation. With Kaka’ako Agora just opening, we thought it was the perfect time to catch up with Sarah again!
What are you currently working on?
Our non-profit group Interisland Terminal launched Kaka’ako Agora, a new public space for Honolulu. It’s a 21st century “park”—an indoor pavilion, accessible community gathering space designed by Tokyo-based firm Atelier Bow-Wow where we hope collaboration and creativity will live and breathe.
How would you describe your job?
Our work at Interisland Terminal can be best described as content and project producers. Our mission is to present international contemporary art, design and film programs in Honolulu, and through those programs advance the role of the arts in innovation. In addition to the Kaka’ako Agora, we have created and curated pop-up gallery spaces, ran an independent bookstore/coffeeshop, produced speaker series events and presented mini film festivals.
What does your average work day look like?
Because Interisland Terminal is not the primary job or any of the principals, our work happens off hours and a lot of times virtually.
For the 5 years that we’ve been an organized collective, we’ve never taken any salaries. All of our fundraising goes directly to our programs.
What’s the best thing about living and working in Hawaii?
The lifestyle—the weather is perfect year-round, the beach is always 10 minutes away and the outdoor activities are endless. Not to mention, the people are incredibly kind. Aloha is real. And poke bowls.
Where do you find inspiration?
In everything—I love learning about things and experiencing new things. I have a strong love for music which always inspires me, and collaborating with others is an important part of our projects and our organization.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t have strong memories of wanting to have a specific job. And I still don’t know what I want to be.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Possibilities by Kaui Hart Hemmings
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Going to the movies. I like to see everything!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more Imprint content!