Hōʻike Podcast Studio

What does it mean to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to use your voice in service of your community?

In this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, longtime Kaua‘i radio personality Ron Wiley sits down for a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation about nearly six decades in radio, finding home on Kaua‘i, love, loss, fatherhood, responsibility, and the lessons that come from speaking live to a community every day.

Ron shares how an unexpected moment at a Spanish-language radio station in 1967 changed the direction of his life, why he moved to Kaua‘i in 1989, and how meeting his wife, Laura, became one of the biggest turning points of his life.

The conversation also moves into more vulnerable territory as Ron reflects on losing his father at a young age, growing up around tuberculosis, and why he believes:

“The only thing worse than being vulnerable is not being vulnerable.”

Through humor and heartfelt stories, Ron explores the responsibility that comes with broadcasting, the importance of getting information right, and his belief that we are all here to serve one another.

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View chapters to jump between candidates.

Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Mel Rapozo, the two candidates for Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi, each sit down with Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media ahead of the November 3, 2026 General Election.

In these interviews, both candidates answer the same questions, covering why voters should choose them, the biggest issue facing Kauaʻi, the cost of living, substance use treatment, the current County administration, housing, tourism, traffic, the County budget, and County services.

This episode is part of Hōʻike’s Kauaʻi Mayoral Candidate Interviews. Each candidate was asked the same core questions and given equal time to respond. Hōʻike does not endorse candidates.

Watch the video interviews on YouTube:

ELECTION INFORMATION
 General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
 Voter registration and election info: https://elections.hawaii.gov
Bernard Carvalho Jr.: https://www.carvalhoformayor.com
Mel Rapozo: https://melformayor.org/meetmel

This series is brought to you in part by Kōkeʻe Lodge.

ABOUT HŌʻIKE
 Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media is a nonprofit providing public, educational, and government access media for the island of Kauaʻi. Learn more at https://www.hoike.org

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What does it mean to take responsibility for the future of Kaua‘i?

On this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, Mason Chock joins us for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, community responsibility, fatherhood, resilience, and the places that have shaped his life.

Moving through the four decks — Roots, Path, Truth, and Impact — Mason reflects on growing up on Kaua‘i’s South Shore, his connection to places like Poʻipū, Alakoko, and the Nāpali Coast, and his years as a firefighter and rescue team member.

He also opens up about surviving a helicopter crash, living with chronic pain, navigating difficult moments as a father, and learning to see struggle as an essential part of leadership and growth.

The conversation eventually turns toward Kaua‘i’s future: community self-determination, government, development, cultural preservation, stewardship, and the responsibility each of us carries to help create change.

As Mason puts it: “No one’s coming to fix it.”

Real change requires people to recognize their own power, participate in their communities, and think beyond themselves toward the generations still to come.

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Hear directly from all 14 candidates for Kauaʻi County Council ahead of the November 3, 2026 General Election.

In this episode, Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media sits down with each candidate to discuss the biggest issue facing Kauaʻi, the cost of living, substance use treatment, housing, tourism, traffic, and the County budget.

This episode is part of Hōʻike's Kauaʻi County Council Candidate Interviews. Each candidate was asked the same core questions and given equal time to respond. Hōʻike does not endorse candidates.

Use the chapters to jump to any candidate.

CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:38 Billy DeCosta
00:11:32 John "Scooby" Mattos
00:25:58 Umi Martin
00:39:09 Addison Bulosan
00:49:26 Taylor Shigemoto
01:03:51 Cheree Rapozo
01:14:05 Todd Ozaki
01:24:50 Fern Holland
01:32:40 Arryl Kaneshiro
01:44:43 Keola Kaiminaauao
01:55:37 Dane Smith
02:05:22 Michelle Correa
02:17:00 Mike Coots
02:23:57 Paul Applegate

Watch the video interviews: 

ELECTION INFORMATION
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Voter registration and election info: https://elections.hawaii.gov

This series is brought to you in part by Kōkeʻe Lodge.

ABOUT HŌʻIKE
Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media is a nonprofit providing public, educational, and government access media for the island of Kauaʻi. Learn more at https://www.hoike.org

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What happens when your students tell you that you should run for mayor — and you actually listen?

On this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, former Kaua‘i Mayor Maryanne Kusaka shares the remarkable story of a life shaped by education, public service, perseverance, and a deep love for the people of Kaua‘i.

Raised in Hāna, Maui, Maryanne left home for boarding school before attending college in Colorado and becoming a teacher. Eventually, life brought her to Kaua‘i, where she taught for decades — never imagining that some of her own former students would eventually encourage her to run for mayor.

They told her, “Mrs. Kusaka, you run for mayor.”

Her response? “What makes you think I can be mayor? Are you guys crazy?”

She ran — and won.

Maryanne reflects on leading Kaua‘i during the difficult years following Hurricane Iniki, when families were still rebuilding, hotels remained closed, unemployment was high, parks needed repairs, and debris remained around the island. With limited government resources, she turned to one of Kaua‘i’s greatest strengths: its people.

Volunteers became an essential part of getting things done.

She also shares the stories behind projects that many residents now take for granted, including the coastal bike path, improvements around the airport, and the first Kapa‘a bypass.

The conversation also explores civic engagement and nonpartisan government. Maryanne recounts her experience running for mayor as a Republican despite previously identifying as a conservative Democrat, and discusses Kaua‘i’s move toward nonpartisan county elections.

At 91, Maryanne remains passionate about politics, community involvement, learning, and the responsibility each generation has to participate.

Her message is simple: If you want your community to change, get involved.

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What does it mean to dedicate nearly four decades to a community—and then know when it’s time to let the next generation lead?

On this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, Sue Kanoho reflects on nearly 40 years of life and service on Kauaʻi, including 29 years of leadership with the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau. Through the cards Roots, Path, Truth, and Impact, Sue shares the experiences, relationships, and lessons that shaped her life on the island.

Sue opens up about the transition into retirement, the importance of succession planning, and why strong leaders need to create space for the next generation. She also discusses responsible tourism, destination management, housing and capacity challenges, and the responsibility that comes with caring for a place as special as Kauaʻi.

And there’s another side of Sue you may not know: before Kauaʻi, she studied martial arts, trained animals for Hollywood productions, and pursued work as a stuntwoman—including getting into the water with an alligator while working on Charlie’s Angels.

From watching Kauaʻi sunsets to navigating decades of public leadership, this conversation is about service, listening, knowing when to step forward—and knowing when to step aside.

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What does it mean to serve the place that raised you?

In this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, Fern Holland reflects on growing up on Kauaʻi and the path that took her from environmental science and activism into public service. She opens up about grief, resilience, faith, and finding purpose through loss, while sharing her passion for protecting Kauaʻi’s environment and community.

Fern also discusses collaboration in government, the value of disagreement, and some of Kauaʻi’s biggest challenges—from housing and infrastructure to biosecurity and environmental protection.

At the heart of it all is a commitment to working together and getting things done for Kauaʻi.

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What does it mean to serve your community one person at a time?

In this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, YWCA Kauaʻi Executive Director Cheryl Lum reflects on the experiences, relationships, and values that shaped her life and leadership on Kauaʻi.

Through a spontaneous card-draw conversation exploring roots, path, truth, and impact, Cheryl shares how she found her calling in social work, learned to face fear by stepping directly into it, and discovered the lasting power of community care.

She also opens up about the influence of her parents and grandmother, the loss of her father, the challenges and mental load of leadership, and her work as a resource caregiver. At the heart of the conversation is Cheryl’s belief that even one small act of service can create a ripple effect that makes Kauaʻi healthier, safer, and more connected.

This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that community is something we build together—and that sometimes, we simply have to jump in and take care of business before fear has a chance to stop us.

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What does it mean to live authentically—and to help others feel safe doing the same?

In this episode of Community Connections, we sit down with Cyenna Summers, Kauaʻi Pride 2026 Grand Marshal, for a heartfelt, funny, and honest conversation about Pride, drag, chosen family, and finding a true sense of belonging.

Cyenna opens up about her journey from feeling like a “lost soul” to becoming the confident performer and community figure she is today. She shares what Pride means to her, why visibility matters, and the freedom that comes from taking off the “mask” society sometimes asks us to wear.

We also get to know the family behind the glam—from The Babes and her role as Mother Summers, to the drag mother who inspired her, Tihani, and her husband Dane, whom Cyenna calls the mastermind behind much of the Cyenna Summers look.

Through humor, vulnerability, and plenty of personality, Cyenna reminds us that drag can be about much more than the stage. It can create visibility, education, mentorship, family, and a space for people to simply be who they are.

As Cyenna puts it:

“I don’t need your acceptance, but I will take your love.” 🌈💛

#CommunityConnections #CyennaSummers #KauaiPride #Pride #Drag #LGBTQIA #Kauai #Hawaii #ChosenFamily #HoikeMedia

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What does strength look like? Which risks are worth taking? And how do we balance service to our community with time for the people we love?

In this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, County Council Chair, Mel Rapozo reflects on growing up on Kauaʻi, the influence of his mother and former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, his years of public service, and the lessons he has learned as a father and grandfather.

Through a spontaneous draw of cards exploring roots, path, impact, and truth, Mel opens up about working hard, taking chances, navigating public criticism, owning mistakes, and reconsidering the meaning of happiness and success.

The conversation also highlights Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media’s role in creating space for local voices, community storytelling, podcasts, education, and civic engagement.

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