Spotlight Now: Sex trafficking in Hawaii — what families need to know

Spotlight Now examines sex trafficking in Hawaii: how predators reach kids online, what warning signs to watch for, and how survivor services and trained hospitality workers can help prevent exploitation and reduce demand. Jessica Munoz, founder, Hoʻōla Nā Pua, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing…

Spotlight Now: Kauai mayor talks bid for lieutenant governor

Today on “Spotlight Now,” Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami discusses his decision to run for lieutenant governor. Then Civil Beat politics editor Chad Blair joins us to offer analysis on this and other key political races. Star Dahl-Thurston is in our Community Spotlight to talk about a new website to su…

Spotlight Now: Water, debris cleanup, power critical to Oahu’s flood recovery

Today on “Spotlight Now,” we’re looking at how Oahu is recovering after back-to-back Kona low storms caused severe flooding — from a North Shore boil water notice tied to a power shutoff, to debris removal and volunteer efforts across the island. Hear from Board of Water Supply chief engineer Ernie…

Spotlight Now: Tackling hunger in Hawaii

Food insecurity remains a growing concern across Hawaii. On this episode of “Spotlight Now,” we'll look at what the latest data says, and what families are facing. Here to guide the conversation are: Hawaii Foodbank CEO Amy Miller, who shares striking findings from the Foodbank’s recent report on f…

Spotlight Now: Progress on Hawaiian homes and the push to make housing affordable in Hawaii

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is making significant progress in getting Native Hawaiian beneficiaries into housing. Chair Kali Watson says his agency is awarding about 2,600 leases this year, a substantial increase from years past.  He also says the department is working on commercial proj…

Spotlight Now: Gov. Josh Green on the future of his lieutenant governor

On today’s episode, we catch up with Gov. Josh Green, who’s been fielding a lot of questions about his lieutenant governor. During Spotlight Now, Green explains why he wants to maintain neutrality in the matter, addresses political rumblings about challengers in the lieutenant governor race, and h…

Spotlight Now: Funding for University of Hawaii at Manoa athletics, academics

On today’s episode, dive into funding for the University of Hawaii at Manoa with athletics director Matt Elliott and interim provost Vassilis Syrmos. Elliott breaks down the university's ask to lawmakers for millions in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding. Syrmos explains the university's cre…

Spotlight Now: City leaders address pressing issues in Honolulu

Today on Spotlight Now, Honolulu City Council chair Tommy Waters and charter commissioner Jacob Aki discuss the city’s top issues.

Spotlight Now: Green Fee Advisory Council on where $100M+ should go

On this edition of Spotlight Now, Green Fee Advisory Council members Eric Co and Dr. Chip Fletcher discuss spending priorities for the estimated $100+ million fund. The council made public its recommendations to the governor. The governor will submit his plan to the legislature for approval.

Spotlight Now: Gov. Josh Green discusses immigration and health care in Hawaii

Fresh off his State of the State address, Gov. Josh Green discusses his top priorities for the 2026 legislative session. The governor covered a wide range of topics, including the proposed partnership between Hawaii Pacific Health and HMSA. Green also said he plans to support legislation to prevent…