Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins "Spotlight Now" to address the biggest issues facing the City and County of Honolulu. The mayor reveals his push to make the general excise tax surcharge for rail permanent to fund future extensions to Waikīkī and the University of Hawaiʻi, explains the city's urgent interim options as the Waimānalo Gulch landfill deadline nears, discusses police patrol reassignments to curb overtime, and shares an update on the city's bid to bring giant pandas to the Honolulu Zoo.

Then, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) economist Jacob Vuillemin breaks down a new report on Japan’s evolving economic footprint in Hawaiʻi. From shifting tourist spending patterns and exchange rates to multibillion-dollar opportunities in defense contracting, agricultural seed research, and prefabricated housing, Vuillemin explains how the bilateral relationship extends far beyond Waikīkī.

Finally, in our Community Spotlight partnership with Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Honolulu pulmonologist and critical care specialist Dr. Samuel Evans addresses Hawaiʻi’s low lung cancer screening rates. Dr. Evans explains risk factors for both smokers and non-smokers, and spotlights cutting-edge robotic bronchoscopy technology that is revolutionizing early detection right here at home.