Petroglyph Press: 60 Years of Sharing Local Culture, History, and Storytelling

Petroglyph Press

60 Years of Sharing Local Culture, History, and Storytelling

By Nancy S. Kahalewai

For six decades, the Reed family has been

busy printing and publishing in downtown Hilo. Petroglyph Press, Ltd. owners David and Christine Reed are now celebrating the 60th anniversary of the business that David’s parents, Steve and Frances Reed, opened in September 1962. It was early 1958—while the Hawaiian Islands were known as the “Territory of Hawaii”—when the Reed family moved to Hilo after a three-year stay in California. They had left behind their farming business in Pennsylvania when Steve Reed accepted an engineering position with Pittsburgh Steel. From there he was recruited as an engineer for Hilo Sugar Company. They arrived in time to endure two Big Island volcanic eruptions (Kīlauea Iki and Kapoho) and the 1960 Hilo tsunami, all within two years’ time.

A Deep Fascination with Hawaiian Culture

Frances Reed became the children’s librarian at Hilo Library in 1958. A natural storyteller, she and her eldest son, Stephen, a skilled photographer, became interested in Hawaiian petroglyphs and their possible meanings. At that time, the entire leeward coastline between Kawaihae and the Kona airport was a remote lava field, consisting of many untouched acres abundant with Hawaiian petroglyphs, springs, fishponds, cultural artifacts, and stories of the past. The family often camped out, spending countless hours exploring what is now the Mauna Lani resort area, reflecting on the fact that this was

the only form of graphic communication left by the ancient Hawaiians. As a young teenager, David helped document and map the Puako petroglyphs with Dr. Bonk, a University of Hawai‘i professor, and his college students. It didn’t take too long for Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit to inspire him to leave his plantation position and launch a family business. David was a student at Hilo Intermediate School when his father flew to Honolulu one day, bought a printing press, and took a one-week crash course on how to operate it. At that time, Reed family upon arrival to Hawai‘i in 1958—Judy, Frances, Steve, David, and Stephen. the only other local printing operations in Hilo were the Tribune Herald and Hilo Printers. Steve opened shop in the Goo Building on the corner of Haili and Kino‘ole streets, and began offering business and personal printing services to the Hilo community. Inspired by Hawai‘i Island’s ancient rock carvings, the family chose to name the business Petroglyph Press. In addition to the offset press that produced most of the printing jobs, Steve acquired an old castiron letterpress for specialty jobs that represented an earlier method of printing, more like the presses that produced the early Hawaiian language materials 200 years ago.

Early Days in Hilo

Eventually, Steve and Frances became the managers of the Goo Building. They moved the presses to the sub-basement in 1968, which had bay doors that let in fresh air and sunlight.

They later expanded the business to a street-level storefront, and included publishing some culturally important out-of-print books such as Hilo Legends, Ghosts of the Hilo Hills, and Kona Legends, as well as retailing books by other publishers. Christine Reed recalls the history of some of Petroglyph Press’s early titles. “One of the first books created by Petroglyph Press in 1969 was Maui, Mischievous Hero by Barbara Baldwin Lyons, from a collection of stories previously printed in island newspapers. After a decade of passionate and popular storytelling, Frances retired as the children’s librarian in 1968. Following four years of prep school in Pennsylvania and a year at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, David returned to Hilo in 1970, where he helped in the family business.” About her own arrival in Hawai‘i, Christine continues, “It was September of 1972 when I arrived in Hilo from San Francisco looking for adventure, new experiences, and a new life,” she remembers. David was living upstairs in the Goo Building, and within a year, “the bookloving girl and the book-making boy found each other, fell in love, and created a partnership in life and business that is still going strong.” Christine brought her background in photography and design, and her avid curiosity to the business. By 1974 the elder Reeds retired, passing management of Petroglyph Press to David, who brought experience as well as meticulous craftsmanship to the business. David and Christine were married in 1976 at the home they had built in the ‘ōhia forest of Fern Acres. While the printing operation remained in the basement, a new retail arm was created in 1985 named Basically Books. It showcased Hawai‘i-themed books, maps, music, and gifts, and remains part of the parent company of Petroglyph Press, Ltd. By 1997, both Basically Books and Petroglyph Press relocated to a large shared space on Kamehameha Avenue facing scenic Hilo Bay. At this point in time, digital printing and technology had evolved. Both of their businesses endured, sharing culturally rich stories to a local and global market.

Persevering in Downtown Hilo

By then, both David and Christine were deeply involved with promoting Hilo as a worthy destination. David volunteered as the promotion chairman for several years and served a term as president of the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association (DIA). He has also been a board member of Destination Hilo, while Christine was active in organizing and supporting downtown events. “Basically Books became a popular downtown gathering place during Merrie Monarch Festivals, Black & White Nights, First Fridays, and other holidays,” Christine explains. “We also hosted many talented authors, artists, crafters, and musicians, and provided the community a place to interact and exchange ideas.” An outstanding highlight occurred during their 40th year when Petroglyph Press and Basically Books received the Hawaii Retail Merchant Association’s Ho‘okela Award as the Big Island Retailer of the Year in 2002. “We were also honored among the Pacific Business News ‘Fastest 50’ in 2004 and 2005. Thanks to our customers, beginning in 2011 Basically Books has been voted the Hawai‘i Tribune Herald’s Best Bookstore of East Hawai‘i every year since,” Christine shared. When reflecting on their relationship with the late Dietrich Varez, she was grateful. “Our 20-year-long collaboration with Varez, a beloved Hawai‘i Island Stacey, David, and Christine Reed among the children’s books at their previous location near Keaukahua in 2019. artist, resulted in illustrations for three original books: Hina, The Goddess; Pele and Hiiaka; and an award-winning children’s book about Iwa, The Hawaiian Legend, as well as illustrations for three other titles: Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes, Legends of Maui, and Pele, Volcano Goddess of Hawaii.” She has dozens of other memories with many very-missed late artists and authors they have known and worked with over the years. A dedication to perpetuating literacy and Hawaiian culture, combined with successfully navigating decades of changes, has required a lot of work, David Reed admits. “As a family-run small business, sometimes life meant ‘all hands on deck.’ Our children, Alex and Stacey, grew up involved in the business,

Custom mural painted by Kathleen Kam in 2018, at their former location near Keaukaha. The mural has become an iconic landmark for the business.

and helped in supporting the family legacy while caring for their aging grandparents. In 2015, we invested in modern digital equipment that gave us the ability to do all the printing in-house, including color illustrations inside the books as well as the covers.” In 2017, on the cusp of the 55th anniversary of Petroglyph Press, State Senator Lorraine Inouye presented them with a Senate Proclamation honoring their years in business.

Post-Pandemic Changes

“Then the year 2020 brought many changes,” Christine reflects. “The pandemic forced the shutting of Hilo businesses. But the guiding hand of the third generation, our daughter Stacey Reed, facilitated the leap into new computerized avenues of commerce and online marketing.” With assistance from the Small Business Administration and County loans and grants, Petroglyph Press purchased new bindery equipment and relocated to a more manageable space.

Senator Lorraine Inouye presents a Senate Proclamation to the Reeds at the 55th anniversary of Petroglyph Press.

Steve’s original century-old cast iron letterpress was common in the early days of printing.

What also saved the business was a Survive to Thrive grant from the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC). A new high-speed printer, paperback bookbinder, and hydraulic paper cutter have now streamlined production of their own titles and kept them afloat. What a technical contrast to the early days of printing! In October 2021, Basically Books returned to downtown Hilo, less than five blocks from where it all began. Newly located across from Ben Franklin Crafts on Kilauea, the bookstore continues to serve local readers and visitors with an eclectic mix of books, maps, music, toys, and gifts. Christine shares, “In response to a growing availability and demand, our selection of books in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i [the Hawaiian language] continues to expand as interest in the language reaches new heights.” It’s a great time to celebrate a well-earned anniversary! Today they continue perpetuating literacy and storytelling in their new location that still delivers a curated array of unique specialty items. Basically Books is now 37 years old. Over the past 60 years, Petroglyph Press has published 50 titles, with 20 currently in print. Online ordering and several new projects are in the works, including a book of Hawaiian proverbs and riddles, more folktales, a classic book of ancient prayers, and a coloring book. Petroglyph Press creates, prints, binds, and distributes its books to bookstores, gift shops, and distributors throughout Hawai‘i and beyond—every aspect of production still accomplished right here in downtown Hilo! 

All photos courtesy of the Reed family collection

For more information: petroglyphpress.com basicallybooks.com

Featured Artist: Trish Helms Kimball

Trish Helms Kimball grew up on Hawai‘i Island and has lived here for most of her adult life. Her family’s home was in Hilo, and they often spent weekends and summers at their beach house in Kona. Asked about this issue’s cover image, Trish says, “I was captivated by this little girl’s face. Her expression was one of quiet but intense curiosity.” Trish rendered the model who is from French Polynesia in celebratory dress and adds, “I titled the piece Mohea which means beautiful princess in Tahitian.” Trish’s passion for the visual arts began early in her youth. For several years, Trish and her siblings studied art with artist Kay K. Yamamoto after school in Hilo. She learned the basic skills of pencil drawing, charcoal, and later, oil painting. Summer art lessons in watercolor and other mediums were taken with Carol and Bob Rogers at the Kona Art Center. College studies began at Coe in Iowa, then New York City for independent study, University of California at Santa Cruz, and back to Hawai‘i where she graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in drawing and painting from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Trish shares, “My career path meandered into advertising, kitchen design, architecture, architectural renewal, consulting, and eventually into teaching.” When Trish retired in 2013, she was finally able to return to her original fine art pursuits. Up to this time, she’d had experience in all painting mediums except pastel. Trish explains, “It was in 2014 that an artist friend shared her pastels with me and I realized I had found my perfect medium, which complements my strengths in drawing and shading. Of all the painting mediums, pastel has the least amount of binder and therefore yields the most saturated and intense colors. Since making a commitment to work solely in pastel, I have been able to study with several master pastel artists. I owe all of what I know about pastel portraiture to local master pastel artist Kathy Long. She took me under her tutelage for about two years. My art currently encompasses representational landscapes, florals, and portraits. I hope to continue to paint, that my art attracts a bigger audience and is regarded as an expression of a world we need to preserve and care for.” Trish finds inspiration all around, saying, “It’s in the seeing and the capturing of the details.” She currently resides with her husband and family in Waimea. Her work can be viewed at the Big Island Art Fair venues currently held in Waimea and by appointment at her studio.

For more information: trishhelmskimballart.com

Table of Contents Photographer: Susanna Anderson

Susanna Anderson’s love for photography began in high school, then was rekindled 10 years later, after giving birth to her daughter at home and having a birth photographer present. The pictures encouraged her to believe in herself, just as she had during her home birth, and she pursued her long-lost dreams of making photography her career. Every year since her daughter’s birth has marked a different stage in her photography, growing from an interest in birth, motherhood, and family photography, to jungle boudoir portraiture, and most recently couples and elopements. Susanna has lived on Hawai‘i Island eight years, and says, “As any photographer on this island knows, there are endless sources of inspiration to be had here, but the lava rock tide pools and green lush jungle vibes of the east side have my heart. Also, going out with my girlfriends for a fun photoshoot together always fills my creative cup. My favorite type of people to photograph are those who want to make something special together. That doesn’t mean you have to be confident, or photogenic, or know how to model, it just means you are willing to show up and trust the process, let go of control, and see yourself for the masterpiece you are.”

Talk Story with an Advertiser

Keauhou Shopping Center, “Kona’s Legendary Gathering Place,” has a great selection of merchants and incredible community events that draws both vistors and residents. It is the centerpiece of Keauhou Resort, a modern getaway surrounded by rich Hawaiian history. Once the birthplace and playground of kings, the convenient location along Ali‘i Drive offers an incredible shopping experience, and the chance to learn about the heritage of the Kona coast through special entertainment and educational programs. The Keauhou Kahalu‘u Heritage Center is part of the shopping center. Plan a visit (admission is complimentary) and learn why Keauhou has a significant place in Hawaiian history. Keauhou Shopping Center offers a great mix of shops, restaurants, professional services, and a state-of-the-art multi-plex theatre., General Manager Colene DeMello says, “We are able to ensure events are truly ‘legendary’ by treating each event as an opportunity to provide an authentic and credible learning opportunity about how special this place is.” Owned by Kamehameha Schools, and managed by Washington Prime Group, the center provides services, shopping, and fun for everyone in one location. And there’s plenty of free parking! The shopping center is also a stop for the Kona Trolley, making it convenient for those without transportation. Colene joined the property one year ago, and has initiated many exciting activities for the center, such as a monthly KidX event for keiki. KidX Club supports the growing hearts and minds of children ages 4–11 by offering programs that foster their development through thoughtful, relevant, and fun activities and events. Other activities include a hula show every Friday from 6pm–7pm, and signature events such as May Day and Kamehameha Day. The center also collaborates with the Keauhou Farmers’ Market farmers every Saturday from 8am–12pm. All these events are free. Colene’s vision for Keauhou Shopping Center is that it continues to be the one stop for everyone’s needs in the Kona community. “Ever since I started in property management, I have loved watching a thriving gathering place, such as our center, with retail, eateries, and many services. It truly is about providing a sense of place and community.” Keauhou Shopping Center is a big participant and sponsor of the Get Ready Hawai‘i Back-To-School supply drive. Colene says, “Come and visit us! Stop in and say aloha! We have many wonderful merchants offering great things!”

Keauhou Shopping Center 78-6831 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona 808.322.3000 Keauhoushoppingcenter.com

Talk Story with an Advertiser

The Event Center at Arc of Hilo offers customers a spacious, modern venue for wedding receptions, graduations, birthday parties, conferences, and celebrations of life. The Arc of Hilo started in 1954, serving youth and adults with disabilities. Their event center was built in 2015 with state and foundation funding, intended to be a job creation center for people with disabilities. It’s fulfilling its purpose as a premier event center, with over 4,000 guests served so far in 2022, and eight individuals with developmental disabilities working in various support roles, including event set-up, parking support, and security. After more than two years of pandemic restrictions being lifted, the staff has quickly learned how to create memorable events, including partnering with a catering company, Pacific Mix Catering. They also offer all-day access, and use of their commercial kitchen to every customer. Their add-on packages include a new high-end sound system, as well as a dinnerware package that includes a fancy-folded linen napkin. Robert Efford, Chief Executive Officer shares, “We believe the Event Center at Arc of Hilo is the only nonprofit event venue supported by youth and adults with developmental disabilities in Hawai‘i. We are inspired by organizations like Pride Industries in California, creating thousands of jobs for people with disabilities by creatively running diverse social enterprises, and finding new ways for people with disabilities to find meaningful work outside of traditional options, such as janitorial work.” The Event Center at the Arc of Hilo strives to be the premier destination venue in East Hawai‘i. Offering a full range of onsite services, including event live-streaming and recording, lighting, and event coordination services provides diverse job opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities, and helps train them in all aspects of venue services. Robert shares, “Ultimately, Arc of Hilo would like to partner with Hawai‘i Community College to offer a joint certificate program in hospitality, where their transitioning students will be able to gain work experience that is also credit-worthy, and will lead to long term careers, not just here at the Arc of Hilo, but in hotels and other outside venues across the state and mainland.” Robert’s goal is to fill the event center during the week with conferences and meetings, which is why they have a range of high-end technology support. He says, “The biggest obstacle is staffing back-to-back weekend and evening events, which is why we want more people to know it’s available for weekday use. The staff appreciates the generous support of the community toward the Arc of Hilo and its mission!

Event Center at Arc of Hilo 1099 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo 808.464.6111 arcofhilo.org/reservation-center

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