A long-awaited highway construction project in West Hawaii may be closer to to finally getting underway. The State Department of Transportation has provided no official updates since September, 2012. So HPR's Sherry Bracken talked with Governor Neil Abercrombie about the status of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.

Auto companies around the world are increasing their production of more environmentally friendly vehicles. And one country in southeast Asia is taking steps to become a center for factories producing “green” cars HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Downbeat Diner and Lounge on Hotel Street attracts an eclectic crowd day and night, thanks to its blend of American diner and vegan food options.  HPR’s Noe Tanigawa found a great reason to check out Tuesdays there: all original singer/songwriter nights.

TrueTone Tuesdays continue next week at Downbeat Lounge with special guests, Mike Piranha and Ryan Bradley.  Check the HPR website for information.

For more information email James Mccarthy at tonenation27@gmail.com

http://downbeatdiner.com/index2.html

For most Chamorro people living in Hawai`i, hearing the language of their ancestors is a rare thing. But, as HPR’s Molly Solomon reports, members in the Pacific Island community are working to revitalize the language and keep it alive for generations to come.

(Credit Molly Solomon)

Kenneth Gofigan Kuper (center) goes over Chamorro sentence structure with students Alex San Nicolas (left) and Francine Naputi (right).

The Chamorro language class meets weekly at Kaka'ako Kitchen, every Saturday at 10 am.

For more information on the class, contact Kenneth Gofigan Kuper at kennethkuper@gmail.com or the Marianas Club at marianas@hawaii.edu.

There’s been another development this week in the relationship between western clothing companies and the southeast Asian factories that often produce their merchandise. This time the company is Nike, and the location is Cambodia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

A recent study found the state of Hawaii needs hundreds of additional doctors to meet the needs of residents. The problem is particularly severe on the neighbor islands. But a group of military reservists is teaming up with local agencies to provide a dose of short-term relief for Maui and Hawaii County. From the Big Island, Sherry Bracken tells us more.

An international group is moving closer to an agreement that would restrict world wide trade in sharks. But one country in Asia is resisting — and it’s not China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Heading to Kaua’i  anytime soon?  There’s a new restaurant guide out for Kaua’i, one that focuses on tasty food, made from scratch using local ingredients whenever possible.  HPR’s Noe Tanigawa reports.

Tasting Kaua’i:  Restaurants is available as a kindle download online.  You can download the kindle app and use it on any device.  Check it out on the website:

http://www.tastingkauai.com/

Thailand has become the latest country in Asia to cut interest rates. Central banks in the region are concerned about falling exports and a slowing Chinese economy. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.