Bill Dorman

All week, HPR News is taking a closer look at who lives here in Hawaii. It’s part of a series we’re calling “Neighbors, An Island Story.” Part of that story can be found in various census numbers that we’ll be sharing during the week. Today, HPR’s Bill Dorman has some figures about Hawaii’s population compared with national averages. 

Thailand has been drenched by three weeks of heavy monsoon flooding. Government officials say about 3-million people across the country have been affected…and the rains aren’t over yet. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

If you see more Chinese tourists than usual in the islands this week, it might be because this is China’s “Golden Week.” It’s one of the country’s semi-annual set of holidays—the other one comes in the spring. But this fall’s holidays come with a new set of rules. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Because of the government shutdown, the White House says President Obama is scaling back his travel in Asia next week. That made front page news in the region—as did the travel plans of another world leader: the president of China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

One more change because of the federal government shutdown: some adjusted travel plans by President Obama. The White House says the president still plans on leaving for Asia in several days, but the trip is now shorter than originally planned.

The start of the new month brings some changes in different locations around the world. In Singapore, if you work for the government and you gamble, you may have to tell your boss. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Lawmakers in Washington remain locked in a fight over the federal budget and raising the debt ceiling. In South Korea, budget issues of a different kind are sparking controversy. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Hawaii has the second highest concentration of millionaires in the country. Research from Phoenix Marketing International shows a little more than 7% of residents here are millionaires. Only Maryland has a higher percentage of wealth. But when it comes to millionaires on the international scene, some changes are coming. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

There’s confusion today about what exactly is happening with China’s economy. It’s an important question—because the answer will help determine the economic health of Asia. It will also have implications here in the United States. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

If you’re like most Americans, chances are good that some article of clothing you own was made in Bangladesh. Only China produces more clothing for export. And workers in the industry say it’s time for a raise. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Strawberries are not the biggest crop in Hawaii, although farmers do grow them in upcountry Maui and on the Big Island. A Japanese company better known for televisions and other electronics is now looking at strawberries as a new line of business. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

You may have spent some time over the weekend reading a book…either in print or maybe in electronic form. The Association of American Publishers says more than 20% of the books sold in the U.S. are now e-books. Sales of e-books are growing in Asia too, but with some unusual developments. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

One of the long-term concerns about that molasses spill in Honolulu harbor is the health of coral. The lingering damage of the spill on the reef ecosystem remains unclear. This week, an Australian study finds another connection between reef health and sharks. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

One of Hawaii’s top crops may be developing a new fan base. Coffee consumption has been growing in many parts of the world—in locations as diverse as India and the United Arab Emirates. But perhaps the most surprising figures are out this week from South Korea. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

If you plan to take part in this year’s Honolulu Marathon, you’re probably well into your training. That race takes place 11 weeks from Sunday. And so far, organizers have not had to deal with a behavior that’s become an unusual racing issue in Hong Kong. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Who made the phone that you carry around all day? If you’re one of the growing number of Americans who use a smart phone…chances are that at least part of the technology has something to do with Apple or Samsung. While these two technology giants battle it out around the world…events are moving especially fast in one part of Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Among all the varieties of food that you can find in Hawaii, one item you’ll never find on the menu is shark fin soup. Hawaii was the first state to ban it—back in 2010. And now a leading economy in the Asia Pacific is taking a step in the same direction. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The Chinese government is making policy changes to improve the country’s air quality. HPR’s Bill Dorman has details in today’s Asia Minute.

A dozen years ago, Miss Hawaii took part in the Miss World Pageant. This year, Miss World USA is from California—but all of the contestants are facing some unusual challenges this month in Indonesia. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Much of Japan is still celebrating Tokyo’s naming as the host city for the 2020 Summer Olympics. But further north, another Japanese city is in the news—for a very different reason. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

As the new work week begins, there are signs of slightly easing tensions between North and South Korea. The two countries have restored the military hotline that was disconnected in March. And a couple of events taking place this week may show some further progress. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

We’re still a couple of weeks away from the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. That’s a Chinese holiday that’s also celebrated by many people here in Hawaii. And one of the stars of the festival is the moon cake…which is now an unlikely target of official attention in China. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

If you spent too much of your Labor Day weekend in front of a television, you might want to hear this next story. A medical study from Singapore finds another reason to be cautious about television time. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Queen’s Hospital was the first one built in the islands…founded in 1859. That makes it older than the first hospitals in South Korea. One of those facilities is having some unusual challenges this week—concerning VIP’s. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Just last week, state officials raised their forecast for Hawaii’s economy—projecting growth of 2.6% this year. That’s a little faster than the national economy is growing, but it’s a fraction of the pace of some economies in Asia. While China remains one focus, another country with close ties to Hawaii is showing surprising strength. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Billabong is a name that’s well known in the islands. There are three stores in the state…and the Billabong Pipe Masters surf competition takes place each December at the Banzai Pipeline. But back in Australia, the company’s having some trouble. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The United States is selling half a billion dollars of helicopters to Indonesia. News of that deal comes as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel continues his travels in Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.