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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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'Punish'UM Motorsports' is coming back to TV this Sunday
THE "Punish'UM Motorsports News Magazine" show will return to the airwaves, this time on commercial television, after a two-year hiatus.
The half-hour show, by executive producer Tracy Arakaki, will air at 9:30 p.m. Sunday on KFVE-TV (Channel 5).
The show features "all local motorsports for all types (of cars), import car shows, drifting, drag racing, motocross," said Arakaki. "Anything that has to do with a motor, we cover it."
The previous incarnation of "Punish'UM," which aired on public-access TV station Olelo, won three Telly awards. Also, Arakaki was part of a KHNL news team that won a regional Emmy award for a hurricane special hosted by Sharie Shima.
"Punish'UM" was Hawaii's first motorsports show, Arakaki said. He has hired former KITV news reporter Tasha Kobashigawa to host at least the first new episode.
"The thing that hooked me was that it was about cars and racing, which is what I grew up with because it's what my father's passion is," Kobashigawa said.
Producers mentioned NHRA -- the abbreviation for the National Hot Rod Association -- "and I said, OK, I'll do it,'" she laughed.
Former KHNL reporter Sharon Chen and outgoing KHNL anchor and reporter Lyle Galdeira also are involved in the production, Arakaki said.
Traffic fatalities and serious injuries that involve street racing can make auto racing a controversial topic.
"Everything we show ... is on a race track. We don't glorify any type of street racing. We don't support street racing, because it is dangerous," Arakaki said.
Certain viewers may be disappointed to learn that Kobashigawa didn't perform her hosting duties in a bikini or other hoochie-looking apparel.
"No, it wasn't cheesy at all," she laughed.
"I wore a race jersey and pants."
Hawaii has two other shows for gear-heads and the other-halves who love them.
"Ohana Road," produced by lifelong motorsports buff Bill Maloney, airs on KITV at 6 p.m. Saturdays, sometimes later in deference to sporting events. It repeats at 11:05 p.m. Sundays.
"Wheels Hawaii," hosted by Star-Bulletin automotive writer Ed Kemper, airs on OC 16 with new episodes airing at 10:30 p.m. Fridays and four repeats on Thursdays and Saturdays.
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Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com