News Department

Tuesday, April 23 2013

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.

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Tuesday, April 23 2013

Hawai’i Opera Theatre is launching a new production of one of opera’s most thrilling treasures:  Puccini’s Tosca.  HPR’s Noe Tanigawa goes behind the scenes for a look at why this production promises to be a blockbuster. 

 

HOT poster

“Tosca” opens this Friday night at 8, with a matinee Sunday and final performance Tuesday night, April 30.   Performances are all at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. 

http://www.hawaiiopera.org/shows_and_tickets/ticket_information/Tosca/

HPR Music Director, Gene Schiller, says it's been a long time since he's heard a voice of Pupu'a's caliber.

For a sample of Ta'u Pupu'a in an early performance of "Tosca"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKHuuvitcdY

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Tuesday, April 23 2013

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...

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Monday, April 22 2013

We’ve got the full moon, Saturn, Jupiter and even Mercury among items to look for, plus we learn about a new discovery in the “habitable zone”… as Shawn Laatch at the Imiloa Astronomy Center speaks with HPR’s Dave Lawrence for this week’s Stargazer.

 

Stargazer with HPR's Dave Lawrence

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Monday, April 22 2013

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.

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Monday, April 22 2013

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.

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Monday, April 22 2013

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.

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Monday, April 22 2013

More than one billion people in 192 countries were expected to participate in Earth Day activities today, marking the 43rd year of focusing on environmental awareness. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka accompanied a group of hikers yesterday, who celebrate Earth Day more than once a year.

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Friday, April 19 2013

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 band photo (courtesy of Bampproject.com)

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.

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Friday, April 19 2013

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.

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Friday, April 19 2013

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.

Ghostbuster and historic warrior at the Geek Meet

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.

 antennas and telescopes at the Hawai'i Geek Meet

 

 

 

 

 

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

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Thursday, April 18 2013

Tourism has been growing on all islands across the state, but in some places, there's more room to grow.  That's certainly the case on the Big Island of Hawaii.  HPR"s Sherry Bracken has more from Kona.

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Thursday, April 18 2013

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.

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Thursday, April 18 2013

The state legislature commemorated the 20th anniversary of Hawai’i’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan last week. As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, Taiwanese dignitaries visited the State Capitol to promote future cultural and economic partnerships.

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Wednesday, April 17 2013

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. 

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Wednesday, April 17 2013

Next Monday is Earth Day. And while there will be various celebrations around the state, the event will also be marked in an ancient rainforest on the island of Molokai. Catherine Cluett has more from the Molokai Dispatch.

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Wednesday, April 17 2013

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.

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Wednesday, April 17 2013

The Honolulu City Council passed a bill yesterday aimed at clearing public sidewalks.  The unanimous vote by the 9-member Council advances the measure to the Mayor who is expected to sign it into law.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports  …

         

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Tuesday, April 16 2013

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.

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Tuesday, April 16 2013

After over a century of persecution, the Ainu people were recognized as the indigenous people of Japan in 2008.  By that time, assimilation policies had nearly extinguished the Ainu language.  Population counts range from 25 thousand to over 200 thousand, as many do not acknowledge their ancestry. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa reports on the first international exhibit by the Hokkaido University Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, on view at the East West Center Gallery.

Ainu Treasures exhibit at the East West Center Gallery

“Ainu Treasures:  Living Tradition in Northern Japan”  continues at the East West Center Gallery through May 5th.  Guest curator Koji Yamasaki, will discuss his work with the Ainu community on May 5th, 2pm at the gallery. 

Ainu traditional wood shaving techniques

For more on the exhibition:

http://www.arts-ewc.org/

More on Sarah Strong's translation of Chiri Yukie's collection of Ainu songs, "Ainu Spirits Singing"

http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/p-7532-9780824835125.aspx

More on Ainu cultural expert, Chiri Yukie:

http://www.japanfocus.org/-Kyoko-Selden/3026

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