Island Insider - HPR's weekly news newsletter

Michael Titterton, who served as president and general manager of Hawaiʻi Public Radio from 1999 to 2016, has died at his home in Honolulu. Titterton not only masterminded and executed the roll-out of a statewide network of transmitters and translators, he was also well-known for his trademark performances of joyful exuberance during live pledge drives to raise money for the station.

Molokaʻi will once again host the world championships of paddling this weekend. The men’s event, the Molokaʻi Hoe, is a grueling 41-mile race across the Kaiwi Channel to O’ahu. It follows the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai women's race. As HPRʻs Catherine Cluett Pactol reports from Molokaʻi, while the history of the races is a bit different, they both share a rich cultural tradition.

After weeks of public forums, the UH Board of Regents will interview the two final candidates behind closed doors. However, public interest attorneys say those meetings should take place in public, citing a 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that barred boards and commissions from holding closed meetings unless they prove they are protecting a privacy interest. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.

Under the leadership of Ryan Andrews, Aloha Stadium has returned to 90% of its pre-pandemic revenue — back when it hosted football games and large concerts. The stadium itself has been closed to events for years, but the parking lot has become a hub for community events. The Conversation's Maddie Bender has more.

Two well-known candidates are competing for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-large seat in the upcoming general election. In the crowded primary, incumbent Keliʻi Akina was the top vote-getter with former trustee Lei Ahu Isa trailing behind. HPR’s Cassie Ordonio breaks down the issues at hand.

Dozens of palm trees along Oʻahu’s shoreline have been cut down to prevent further damage caused by invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. A city spokesperson said the situation will get worse before it gets better. As HPR's Mark Ladao learned, an infestation of one or a handful of trees results in an issue for an entire neighborhood.

Part of the Filipino diaspora met over the summer in Northern California with Indigenous music and dance masters from the Philippines. The three days were a return to sounds and roots. HPR contributor Jia Jung reports on a music camp like no other.