RADIO
MIKE BURLEY / MBURLEY@STARBULLETIN.COM
HPR's Beth Ann Kozlovich interviews Jim Shon during Thursday's broadcast of "Town Square," on topics including the importance of getting youths involved in politics.
|
|
Hawaii Public Radio pumps up coverage for election season
Can't get enough politics? Hawaii Public Radio is serving up a double helping. In addition to the Thursday evening "Town Square" call-in show, HPR has added "On Politics" on Tuesdays. These shows, plus some live radio debates, will run through October.
"We started the debates around 2006 and realized it was not enough," said HPR News Director Kayla Rosenfeld. "'On Politics' is a complementary program and presents the issues in more depth."
"On Politics" airs 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays on KIPO, 89.3 FM, hosted by producer Beth Ann Kozlovich, aided by political reporter Wayne Yoshioka. Kozlovich continues to host "Town Square" from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays on KIPO.
The debates are live productions from the station's Atherton Performing Arts Studio, moderated by Yoshioka, with an audience. The audience can submit written questions right up to the start of the debate. Reservations needed: 955-8821.
The debates are simulcast on KHPR 88.1 Honolulu, KKUA 90.7 Wailuku and KANO 91.1 Hilo and can also be picked up online at www.hawaiipublicradio.org.
"Listeners can phone in any time to the talk shows, at 941-3689," said Rosenfeld. "It's a conversation, not a debate. It's an interesting year for politics -- from Barack Obama running for president to what's going on in our own communities."
Although the schedule is subject to change, here's what's scheduled so far:
'On Politics'
Tomorrow: The Waipahu Community Association and Aiea/Pearl City Business Association will address community and economic issues, including the rail project. Other guests are Richard Oshiro and Larry Veray of the Waipahu and Pearl City neighborhood boards.
Aug. 26: Guests include the Hawaii Community Development Association -- Rick Egged of the Waikiki Improvement Association as well as Francis Blanco, Bob Oda and Lou Erteschik -- addressing the Kakaako Improvement Association and Waikiki Neighborhood Board.
Sept. 9: The topic is "Older Politicians and the Changes They've Seen or Feel Are Needed." Also, Ira Rohter, Neal Milner and Chris McNally will discuss the two-party system.
Sept. 16: Roger Takabayashi of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto and charter schools representative Reshela Dupuis will discuss public-education needs.
Sept. 23: Kevin Cronin, Jerry Burris and Dan Boylan will discuss the results of the primary election and changing demographics.
Sept. 30: Eric Takamura of the city Department of Environmental Services and homeless advocate Alice Greenwood will talk about homelessness. Other guests will be Patty Teruya of the Maile/Nanakuli Neighborhood Board, Maeda Timson of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale board and Georgette Jordan of Waianae, on Leeward issues.
Oct. 7: Lyla Berg discusses the Kids' Vote program; Willes Lee and Brian Schatz talk about first-time voters.
Oct. 21: The topic is mass transit with guests including Cliff Slater and Doug Carlson.
Note: Sept. 2 and Oct. 14 guests have not been set.
Debates
All debates begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Tomorrow: Senate District 18 (Waipahu, Pearl City, CrestView), with Sen. Clarence Nishihara and Rep. Alex Sonson; and House District 35 (Pearl City, Waipahu), with Steven Antonio, Henry James Aquino, Constante Domingo, Ilalo Parayno, I. Perreira Rahman and Dante Verdadero.
Aug. 26: Senate District 12 (Iwilei, Chinatown, Downtown, Kakaako, Ala Moana, Waikiki), with Sen. Gordon Trimble, Brickwood Galuteria and Carlton Middleton.
Sept. 2: Big Island mayoral candidates.
Sept. 23: First pre-general election debate and the Honolulu City Council race.
Sept. 30 and Oct. 21: Second and third pre-general election debate.
'Town Square'
Thursday: A discussion on the second Constitutional Convention, focusing on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.