As Hawaii’s legislative session approaches its end, the thoughts of some are turning to politics and elections. In Japan, the next election will operate under new rules: allowing the use of the internet. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

A new kind of U.S. naval ship has arrived in Singapore…a little over a month after stopping by Hawaii. The USS Freedom will spend the next ten months in Southeast Asia. It’s part of the Obama administration’s so-called “pivot” to Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The issue of same-sex marriage is still before the U.S. Supreme Court. In Hawaii, legislation to legalize gay marriage is not likely to pass this session. But in New Zealand, it’s a different story---one that HPR’s Bill Dorman has in today’s Asia Minute.

Hawaii gets a greater percentage of its electricity from solar power than any other state.That’s according to the annual report of the trade group the Solar Energy Industries Association. But some solar suppliers in Asia are facing a new round of trouble. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

China has signed a new trade deal. This one involves a European country, and an energy source that’s familiar to people here in Hawaii. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.