Wayne Yoshioka is an award-winning journalist who has worked in television, print and radio in Hawaiʻi. He also has been on both sides of politics as a state departmental appointee and political/government reporter. He covered Hurricane Iwa (1982) as a TV reporter; was the State Department of Defense/Civil Defense spokesperson for Hurricane Iniki (1992); and, commanded a public affairs detachment in Afghanistan (2006). He has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is a decorated combat veteran (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and 22 other commendation/service medals). He resides in Honolulu.
State lawmakers are moving along a measure to ban police from enforcing current jaywalking laws. Still, many agree that jaywalking enforcement is problematic.
This year's ballot could ask voters about separating ocean safety services from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Services. Lifeguards would have a new department similar to those for police and firefighters. The chief of ocean safety estimated about 10 new administrative positions would be needed. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.