The Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee advanced a bill today to establish a fee for the use of County roads and highways. But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, there are many unanswered questions that need to be addressed in the coming months.

The Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association expects another year of growth for car sales in Hawaii—forecasting a rise of 6.5% from last year. Last month, attendance was up at the auto show in Honolulu. This week, a much bigger auto show is taking place in Shanghai. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The Governor signed the Compassionate Care Bill into law yesterday, which provides female sexual assault victims access to emergency contraception upon request. The measure was the top priority for women lawmakers this session, but there are more bills they want passed in the final days before adjournment May 2nd. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports...

A group on Molokai is taking a new step to fight child hunger. It’s working with the island’s elementary schools to feed dozens of keiki.  Catherine Cluett reports from The Molokai Dispatch.

It’s no secret that Hawaii loves food. And an upcoming culinary event at the Japanese Cultural Center explores some of the history behind some island favorites. HPR’s Molly Solomon spoke with a local food author who takes a look at the roots of Hawaii cuisine.

For more information, check out the JCCH's website.

The global success of the suburban Washington, DC reggae band SOJA is itself a remarkable story. Digging deeper in a hotel interview we recorded during their last visit to the islands, band leader Jacob Hemphill shared with HPR’s Dave Lawrence some of his own international experience, and explained how the group’s sound developed.

SOJA play the MACC in Kahului Friday, Saturday they’re at Kaka`ako Waterfront Park in Honolulu, and Sunday at Kilohana Plantation on Kaua`i. See video of the interview and hear the radio feature below.

This Sunday at Magic Island, you’re invited to a convivial gathering of people who make things.   Digital, virtual, physical, whatever your medium, if you’re really into it, the 6th Annual Geek Meet welcomes you with open arms.  HPR’s Noe Tanigawa reports.

The 6th Annual Hawaii Geek Meet will be held from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Magic Island (Picnic Area #40).  Bring your family, your friends, your coworkers, and your favorite tools and toys... bring some food and stories to share... and enjoy some fresh air, new ideas, and great conversation.

You can find more information on Geek Meet online.
 
For more on the Schola St. George, visit their website.

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.

College seniors are beginning to prepare for next month’s graduation --- and for one UH medical student, the event holds a particularly special meaning. HPR’s Molly Solomon caught up with a senior at the John A. Burns School of Medicine whose long journey to becoming a doctor is finally within reach.