Got questions for everyone from Hawaii’s governor to business leaders to community organizers? Get them answered on HNN’s weekly interview show, “Spotlight Now,” which includes live engagement with viewers on social media.
The program is hosted by interviewers Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji, who go in-depth on critical topics impacting the islands.
Spotlight Now: Honolulu mayor on permanent rail tax extension, interim landfill plan
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins "Spotlight Now" to address the biggest issues facing the City and County of Honolulu. The mayor reveals his push to make the general excise tax surcharge for rail permanent to fund future extensions to Waikīkī and the University of Hawaiʻi, explains the city's urgent interim options as the Waimānalo Gulch landfill deadline nears, discusses police patrol reassignments to curb overtime, and shares an update on the city's bid to bring giant pandas to the Honolulu Zoo.
Then, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) economist Jacob Vuillemin breaks down a new report on Japan’s evolving economic footprint in Hawaiʻi. From shifting tourist spending patterns and exchange rates to multibillion-dollar opportunities in defense contracting, agricultural seed research, and prefabricated housing, Vuillemin explains how the bilateral relationship extends far beyond Waikīkī.
Finally, in our Community Spotlight partnership with Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Honolulu pulmonologist and critical care specialist Dr. Samuel Evans addresses Hawaiʻi’s low lung cancer screening rates. Dr. Evans explains risk factors for both smokers and non-smokers, and spotlights cutting-edge robotic bronchoscopy technology that is revolutionizing early detection right here at home.
25 Feb 2026
Spotlight Now: Health care leaders weigh in on proposed HMSA-Hawaii Pacific Health partnership
Health care leaders weigh in on the proposed HMSA-Hawaii Pacific Health partnership. Then, Aloha United Way's CEO Michelle Bartell discusses the nonprofit’s annual 211 report.
28 Jan 2026
Spotlight Now: Gov. Josh Green discusses immigration and health care in Hawaii
Gov. Josh Green sits down with Spotlight Now a day after his fourth State of the State address to discuss his top priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Amid the federal government’s immigration crackdown, Gov. Green will comment on the future of ICE enforcement in Hawaii. The governor will also share his thoughts on One Health Hawaii, the potential partnership between HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health.
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