Melvin Yanos

Melvin Yanos

Melvin Yanos tells us the history of the Filipino plantation worker and speaks about his own family that migrated from the Philippines to work on the sugar plantation. He traces his life from growing up in Kohala, to college at Cornell University, and his journey working in hospitality that eventually brought him back to Kohala to live and work. Always at the core is the value of education, which the Filipino culture holds dear. As he has lived in Kohala over his lifetime, Melvin also shares his observations on how Kohala has changed over time.

Interview Clips

The Value of Education in the Filipino Culture

Plantation Life for the Filipinos

Changing Community Values Over Time

From Cornell to a Career in Hospitality and Back to Kohala

Introduction

The Kohala Oral History Project engages community, illuminates history, and promotes the notion that every person makes history.

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