Hōʻike Podcast Studio

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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In this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, Hawaiʻi State Representative Luke Evslin reflects on the places, relationships, and life-changing experiences that have shaped him.

Representing House District 16 and serving as Chair of the Hawaiʻi House Committee on Housing, Rep. Evslin discusses resilience, family, affordable housing, public service, and his hope that future generations will be able to build a life on Kaua‘i.

From canoe paddling on the Huleʻia River and sunrise foil sessions at Kalapakī to reading with his children each night, Luke shares how a quieter, more grounded life has changed his definition of success.

He also recounts the near-fatal canoe racing accident that redirected his life, deepened his sense of gratitude, and strengthened his commitment to community service. The conversation explores resilience, anxiety, family, affordable housing, public service, and the importance of believing that everyday people can make Kaua‘i a better place.

Luke also discusses his hope that future generations—including teachers, families, and his own children—will be able to afford to live and build a life on Kaua‘i.

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As part of Hōʻike Community Media's commitment to community engagement and public access, we are providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi.

This episode contains the complete 2026 Kauaʻi Mayor Candidate Interview Series. Each participating candidate was offered the opportunity to participate in a one-hour recorded interview and was asked the same ten core questions using the same interview format.

Use the chapter markers in your podcast app or media player to jump directly to the interview you'd like to hear.

If the scheduled one-hour interview time was reached while a candidate was responding, they were permitted to complete their sentence before the interview concluded.

We encourage listeners to hear from each candidate before casting their vote.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:01:52 – Bernard Carvalho Jr.
• 00:37:56 – Megeso-William Denis
• 01:38:10 – Felicia Cowden
• 02:33:50 – Laura Andaya-Lindsey
• 02:59:55 – Mel Rapozo
• 03:33:30 – Michaela B. Widener

Learn more about Hōʻike Community Media: https://hoike.org 

Hōʻike Community Media is a nonpartisan community media organization. The views expressed in these interviews are those of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views of Hōʻike Community Media, its Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, or sponsors.

#Kauai #KauaiMayor #Election2026 #HoikeCommunityMedia

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Host Max Richardson sits down with Kauaʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like to discuss criminal justice, addiction recovery, public safety, rehabilitation, and the changing role of prosecution. From drug court and reentry programs to AI and the future of the justice system, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how accountability and compassion work together to build safer communities.

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In this pilot episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, each conversation begins with the draw of a card — moving through roots, path, truth, and impact. Allegra sits down with Addison Bulosan for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply grounded conversation about fatherhood, failure, health, community, and what Kaua‘i needs most right now.

Addison shares how his two-year-old son Kilaʻa brings him peace, why “done is better than perfect” has shaped his life, and how learning the hard way led him from music into chiropractic care. The conversation also explores what makes Kaua‘i unique, from growing up after Hurricane ʻIniki to the island’s ability to rally together in times of crisis.

Together, they reflect on the hard truth that “no one is going to save us” — and why that is not a message of hopelessness, but a call to take action, show up whole, and rebuild connection in real life.

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