Hawaii County's emergency medical responders have some unique challenges because of the size of the biggest island in the state and long distances to hospitals.  Hawaii Fire Department has the only combined fire-rescue-hazardous materials-medical response in the state, and they get high praise for their work.  From Hawaii Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us more.

Hawaii County has more crash fatalities per capita due to impaired driving than any other county in the state.  And the problem seems to be growing.  HPR's Sherry Bracken talked with a physician who's been studying the issues.

One of the most exciting recurring events in Hawaii is the arrival of those seasonal visitors, the humpback whales.  But the large number of whales can lead to unexpected encounters with boats.  Just last week there were three.  HPR's Sherry Bracken talked to a marine mammal expert on Hawaii Island to learn more.

Hawaii Island, and the state, lost an outspoken, dedicated legislator and community member over the weekend.  HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us about this remarkable woman.

After more than two years of discussions and meetings, Kulani Prison is now on its way to being re-opened. The state closed the prison in 2009 to save money, but now that process is on the verge of being reversed. From Hawaii Island, HPR’s Sherry Bracken has the story…