Let's talk about money. Specifically, personal finance-saving, spending, debt, budgets, and more. Today our guest is Bryan Yucoco. He's a Financial Wellness Manager at Hawaii USA FCU. Bryan has a passion for educating people about their finances. We'll also hear about Hawaii USA's efforts to educate Hawaii's youth about the basics of money management. Michael T is your host.

The state of Hawaii's Dept. of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) is a massive organization that few people are knowledgable about. In today's episode of Hawaii Matters, we talk to the top two at DBEDT to find out what they do and how they help Hawaii's businesses and industries. Our guests are James Tokioka (Director) and Dane Wicker (Deputy Director). In addition to the basics of DBEDT, we delve into the tourism and film industries. We learn about some of DBEDT's activities in these two important sectors of Hawaii's economy. Michael T is your host.

The Pacific Ocean is home to many, humans and marine life too. Today we talk to Devon Stapleton from the Hawaii State Dept. of Land and Natural Resources. She's a specialist in endangered marine species. Devon tells us why caring for these animals is important and what we should do when we encounter them. Some of the marine life she highlights are false killer whales, sharks, seals, rays, and more. Kathy With a K is your host.

Medicare is one of the most confusing topics for anyone, especially our seniors who need to consider it as they turn 65. Today, to help explain the ins and outs of Medicare, we talk to Tati Guzman from HMSA. She goes into detail about the different parts (A, B, C, and D), who needs what, who's eligible for Medicare, and how to make good decisions. Michael T is your host.

What is Medicaid? Who is it for? Do I qualify? How can it help me? So many questions. Health care can be confusing. Today, we tackle one aspect of health care-Medicaid. To help us navigate the ins and outs, we've invited Jerome Janicek and Kashmira Reid from AlohaCare to answer our questions and help us understand the basics. Michael T is your host.

The Institute for Human Services (IHS) is one of the state's larger relief organizations trying to lend a hand with Hawaii's homeless situation. In this episode, Michael T chats with IHS Executive Director Connie Mitchell. They discuss the history of IHS, the different causes and contributors to homelessness in Hawaii, and the multifaceted approach IHS uses to help the homeless population.

This week Kathy With a K talks to champion bodyboarder Jeff Hubbard about the Hubb Keiki Fest, a bodyboarding competition for Hawaii's youth. He also stresses the importance of ocean safety and how the ocean is so much a part of the Hawaiian culture.

The second half of the show is an excerpt from our interview with Trini Kaopuiki Clark, the President and CEO of Make A Wish Hawaii from April 2024. Trini talks about the power of wish-granting and the wish-granting process. Michael T is your host.

On today's episode, we tackle two important topics. First Michael T talks to Emily Gordon from the Dept. of Health. She reminds us to prepare for emergencies from a health and wellness perspective. Surviving in an emergency situation is more than food, water, and shelter. There are a lot more things to remember. There's medication, refrigeration, kids activities, radios, and lots more.

Then, Kathy With a K visits with Chanda Park, the co-founder of Safe Ride Hawaii. They want to keep Hawaii's roads free of drunk drivers, especially during and after major events. SRH provides transportation for you and your vehicle when you're impaired.

Today's guest is Elia Titiimaea. He's the Program Coordinator for the Hawaii Dept. of Health Diabetes Prevention Program. Diabetes can lead to serious health problems including kidney failure and amputation. We'll learn what diabetes is, its symptoms, how to battle it, and more. We'll also talk to Lei Jardine-Kanahele, a recent participant in the Diabetes Prevention Program. She tells us how the program works and how she succeeded. Michael T is your host.

This episode of Hawaii Matters focuses on your mouth and everything in it. We welcome Dr. Diane Paloma to the mic. Dr. Paloma is a local lady who ascended to be President and CEO of Hawaii Dental Service (HDS). We talk about the history of HDS, the mission, the importance of oral health, and more. Plus we touch on some of the initiatives that the HDS Foundation is promoting. Michael T is your host.