Every January is Volcano Awareness Month because Kilauea Volcano’s current eruption began January 3 --- 29 years ago. But this January is special because today is also the 100th anniversary of continuous monitoring of Hawaiian volcanoes.

As the legislature prepares for its opening session later this week, the state of the economy is a focus state-wide. On the Big Island, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce has put together some ideas for economic improvements. From Kona, HPR's Sherry Bracken has more.

State Representative Denny Coffman is the Chair of the State House Energy Committee. Part of his focus for this legislative session is to try to help move the state more aggressively towards reducing its dependence on imported oil. HPR’s Sherry Bracken says that may include changing the way Hawaiian Electric is set up.

The ship captain who first encountered what’s now known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been on the Big Island for a week, talking about his experiences to heighten awareness of the problem. He talked to HPR’s Sherry Bracken.

Hawaii’s Supreme Court has thrown out the state’s 2011 reapportionment plan. The court says nonresident military and dependents and nonresident students should not be included in the count. From the Big Island, HPR’s Sherry Bracken has details.