Spotlight Now

Spotlight Now sits down with Hawaii Department of Transportation director Ed Sniffen to discuss the evacuations on July 29 during a tsunami warning. Then, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Kai Kahele is in the hot seat to defend OHA's budget process amid criticism. He also discussed priorities for the office, including the development of Kakaako Makai.

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Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Governor Josh Green about everything from the Hawaii Tourism Board to national news.

We also hear Gov. Green’s reaction to the senate's decision to pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” and how this affects Hawaii.

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Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Dr. Kamanaʻopono Crabbe, David Sun Miyashiro, executive director of Hawaii Kids Can and Mele Kānealiʻi Hawai’i State Youth Commissioner on the Rediscovering Hawaii’s Soul movement.

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Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation deputy executive director Mike O’Keefe and project director Vance Tsuda. Then we’re joined by City and County of Honolulu deputy director of Transportation Services Jon Nouchi.

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Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to leaders of local nonprofit organizations about how they’re navigating federal funding cuts, and how the state might be stepping in to help: Michelle Bartell, Aloha United Way CEO; Amanda Pump, Child and Family Service CEO; and Amy Miller, Hawaii Foodbank CEO.

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On today’s episode of Spotlight Now, we’re joined by Gov. Josh Green to go over the bills he plans to veto from this past legislative session. Then we interview Keith Regan, state comptroller and head of Hawaii’s Department of Accounting and General Services.

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On this episode of Spotlight Now, we're joined by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, for the latest out of Washington, D.C. Then we sit down with Carl Bonham, University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization executive director, for a check on Hawaii's economic outlook.

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Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura join us for a look back at the legislative session.

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On this episode of Spotlight Now, we’re exploring how changes to the U.S. Department of Education and its dismantling are affecting schools and public education in Hawaii.

Here to shed light on the impacts are: Keith Hayashi, Schools Superintendent; Logan Okita, Hawaii State Teachers Association Vice President and Nimitz Elementary teacher; and Karen Lee, Honolulu Community College chancellor.

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On this episode of Spotlight Now, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’s still pushing forward with a proposed landfill in Central Oahu. He also addresses affordable housing, Honolulu’s rail project, and staffing challenges at the city. As for the University of Hawaii’s search for a new athletics director, Blangardi says it's a job he would seek himself, if he were not mayor.

Up next, we’re joined by Ted Hayden, deputy director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation. He says the city’s public spaces are a priority for residents, and the department is focusing on creating equity across the island. Vandalism is an issue at public park facilities, and costs the city between $300,000 and $400,000 a year, not including fires or severe destruction, he said.

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