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Hawaii Matters

Hawaii Matters

By Pacific Media Group Hawaii

“Hawaii Matters” delivers awareness by addressing topics and issues affecting our community.

The 30-minute radio show airs on Sundays from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM on all Pacific Media Group radio stations. Each radio show addresses a single topic or issue in a ‘question-and-answer’ format interview with a local expert in the field.

“Hawaii Matters” airs weekly on Hi93 (KQMQ-FM), 94.7 KUMU (KUMU-FM), 102.7 Da Bomb (KDDB-FM) and 105.9 The Wave (KPOI-FM).

*We upload our episodes either the same day or the next day, so keep checking back for the most recent interviews*
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Special Edition Hawaii Matters: Black Lives Matter

Hawaii MattersJun 14, 2020

00:00
01:49:16
Hawaii Matters - Homelessness in Hawaii

Hawaii Matters - Homelessness in Hawaii

Today's guests are John Mizuno (State) and Sam Moku (City), the two coordinators of homelessness for their respective levels of government. They talk about causes, solutions, and how the state and city are collaborating to solve this problem in our islands. Kathy with a K is your host.

Mar 24, 202429:47
Hawaii Matters - Drug-Free Hawaii

Hawaii Matters - Drug-Free Hawaii

Today's episode features Greg Tjapkes, the Executive Director of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii. Devon and Greg talk about the prevalence of drugs in Hawaii, the programs CDFH offers, the importance of communication in the family, and lots more.

Mar 17, 202429:36
Hawaii Matters - Fishing in Hawaii

Hawaii Matters - Fishing in Hawaii

In this episode of Hawaii Matters, Devon talks to Josh DeMello (fishing analyst) and Gil Kualii (advisory panel) from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. They tell us what the WPFMC is all about and some of the issues they oversee in Hawaii's fishing industry. Topics include working with local fishers, commercial fishing, managing the supply of fish in Hawaii's waters, technology, and much more.

Mar 10, 202429:21
Hawaii Matters - Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan

Hawaii Matters - Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan

On this episode of Hawaii Matters, we sit down with Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan. He talks about his unique background, what he brings to HPD, morale, crime, drugs, recruitment, and more.

Mar 03, 202428:58
Hawaii Matters - The Sweet Lies Campaign

Hawaii Matters - The Sweet Lies Campaign

In this episode, Devon talks to Colin Willis, the Public Health Nutrition Coordinator for the Hawaii State Dept. of Health. Colin talks about how he and why he got involved in nutrition. And he stresses the importance of reading labels and making sure Hawaii's keiki don't consume too much sugar.

Feb 25, 202428:07
Hawaii Matters-The 40th Great Aloha Run

Hawaii Matters-The 40th Great Aloha Run

Even though the event has passed, this is an informative, fun interview with the founder of the Great Aloha Run, Carole Kai, and the GAR Event Coordinator, Claire Nakamura Roshon. They talk about the history, the reason behind the run, some of the charity details, and lots more. And with Carole Kai, it's always a fun interview.

Feb 24, 202428:45
Hawaii Matters - Making Sense of Medicare

Hawaii Matters - Making Sense of Medicare

Hawaii Matters host Devon Nekoba talks to Tati Guzman from HMSA about the ins and outs and complexities of Medicare.

Jan 17, 202429:42
Hawaii Matters | Hawaii MADD-Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Hawaii Matters | Hawaii MADD-Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Devon is joined by Therese Paulette and Alice Liu of Hawaii Mothers Against Drunk Driving, also known as Hawaii MADD. Together, they discuss the upcoming Hawaii Walk like MADD event!

Hawaii Walk like MADD is MADD’s annual fundraiser being held on September 16, 2023, at Kaka’ako Waterfront Park. It’s a morning 5K walk/jog/run that welcomes families, kids and co-workers to raise monies for grief counseling, education programs, and more ways to remind people not to drive while impaired.

Theresa Paulette is a mom whose teenage son was killed by a driver who had six DUI arrests prior to that summer evening over 30 years ago. Alice Liu’s mother was struck by a driver under the influence of alcohol. The message: When you drink, don’t drive.


Sep 10, 202330:30
Hawaii Matters | Sustainability in Hawaii

Hawaii Matters | Sustainability in Hawaii

Listen to Devon and special guest, Sustainability Coordinator, Danielle Bass of the State of Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development)!

The importance of every neighborhood, big and small, is equal though it may not feel that way all the time. During emergencies and when life in our islands seems quiet and moving along, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development work with various agencies to work, to balance and to grow, to maintain, and continue a feasible and healthy Hawaii.


Sep 03, 202330:18
Hawaii Matters | DOH Prepare Now

Hawaii Matters | DOH Prepare Now

Devon talks with Emily Gordon, a Public Health Coordinator! Listen to learn more about public health in Hawaii and how to be prepared for different emergency events in Hawaii.

Aug 13, 202329:52
 Hawaii Matters | Kaikeha

Hawaii Matters | Kaikeha

Devon talks story with Jeff Hubbard from Kaikeha, a non-profit with the purpose to engage the youth of Hawai’i in water sports activities! Listen to learn more about what they do!

Aug 06, 202329:30
Hawaii Matters | Escape the Vape

Hawaii Matters | Escape the Vape

Devon talks with Jill Tamashiro, Public Health Educator with Tobacco Prevention and Education for the Hawaii State Department of Health. Listen as we talk about vaping in Hawaii and what to do to escape it.

Jul 30, 202331:57
Hawaii Matters | Big Brother Big Sister

Hawaii Matters | Big Brother Big Sister

Devon talks with Dennis Brown, the CEO of Big Brother Big Sister Hawaii. Listen as we talk more about Big Brother Big Sister and how it benefits the Hawaii community.

Jul 23, 202330:05
Hawaii Matters | Back-to-School Physicals

Hawaii Matters | Back-to-School Physicals

Devon talks with Dr. Monica Nayakwadi-Singer from Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Listen as we talk about the physical needed for back-to-school!

Jul 16, 202331:30
Hawaii Matters | Hawaii OSHA Trenching Safety

Hawaii Matters | Hawaii OSHA Trenching Safety

Devon talks with Bronson Louis, the Safety Branch Manager of Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Safety. Listen more about HIOSH and how to stay safe in construction settings, specifically, trenching.

Jul 02, 202331:20
Hawaii Matters | Prepare for Hurricane Season in Hawaii

Hawaii Matters | Prepare for Hurricane Season in Hawaii

Devon talks with the CEO of Hawaii Red Cross, Diane Peters-Nguyen! Listen along as we talk about how to be prepared for hurricane season in Hawaii.

Jun 02, 202329:46
Hawaii Matters | National Missing Children Day

Hawaii Matters | National Missing Children Day

Devon talks with Amanda Leonard of Missing Children Center Hawaii and Seargent Chris Kim of Hawaii Crime Stoppers. Listen along and learn more about what Hawaii does in the case of missing children and what you can do to help.

May 28, 202329:48
Hawaii Matters | Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation

Hawaii Matters | Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation

Devon talks with his longtime friend, Ken Hiraki of the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation.

Listen along to learn what PSHF is and what it does for public schools in Hawaii.

May 21, 202329:28
Hawaii Matters | Asthma in Hawaii

Hawaii Matters | Asthma in Hawaii

Devon talks story with Jordan Fuhrmeister of the Hawaii State Department of Health Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division, Chronic Disease Management Branch, and Hawaii State Asthma Control Progam. Along with Adelaine Klein, a nurse practitioner with Hawaii keiki!


Listen along to learn more about asthma in Hawaii and how it affects our keiki.

Apr 09, 202329:41
Hawaii Matters | USAID

Hawaii Matters | USAID

Devon talks story with Creighton Lee, the Outreach & Marketing Coordinator at USAID! Learn about USAID--United States Agency for International Development.

Mar 12, 202327:50
Hawaii Matters | Heart Health

Hawaii Matters | Heart Health

Devon talks story with Dr. Debleena Pain Dutt, the Director of Heart Failure at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Listen along as we talk about heart health and how to keep it pumping!

Feb 19, 202328:45
Hawaii Matters | Genealogy

Hawaii Matters | Genealogy

Devon talks with his friend Kahi Kamohalii, a genealogist! Listen as we talk about what being a genealogist is and the genealogy of Hawaii.

Feb 05, 202329:56
Hawaii Matters | H.O.M.E Project

Hawaii Matters | H.O.M.E Project

Devon talks story with Dr. Jill Omori, the Executive Directory of the H.O.M.E Project with two of her students, Eli Park and Vasant Patwardhan.


H.O.M.E stands for Houseless Outreach & Medical Education that aims to improve quality and access to health care for individuals in Hawaii.

Jan 15, 202334:31
Hawaii Matters | Congressman Ed Case

Hawaii Matters | Congressman Ed Case

Devon talks story with Congressman Ed Case and what he hopes to do in Congress in his 5th full term.

Jan 08, 202329:19
Hawaii Matters | Suicide Prevention

Hawaii Matters | Suicide Prevention

Devon talks story with his good friend, Mandy Armstrong of LivingWorks Hawaii, a suicide prevention training organization.


If you or anyone you know has thoughts or is thinking about suicidal, please know that you are not alone and that there are people and resources out there to help.


Resources: https://health.hawaii.gov/emsipsb/injury-prevention/suicide-prevention/

Resources for suicide prevention training: https://www.livingworks.net/resources

Dec 18, 202229:39
Hawaii Matters | Tridemic

Hawaii Matters | Tridemic

Devon talks with Dr. Sharyl NT Shultz from Kaiser Permanente Hawaii! Listen as they talk about what the "Tridemic" is and how you can stay safe.

Dec 11, 202229:33
Hawaii Matters | Kaiser Medicare

Hawaii Matters | Kaiser Medicare

Devon talks with Brandy Ching, Senior Medicare Sales Executive at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii! Learn more about Medicare and what it can do for you.

Oct 30, 202229:48
Hawaii Matters | Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Hawaii Matters | Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Devons talks with Nanci Kreidman, the CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Hawaii Matters wants to shed light on the growing community issue and what it looks like in Hawaii.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please visit https://domesticviolenceactioncenter.org for more resources. Clear your history and digital footprint if you are in this situation.

Recorded on October 21, 2022.

Oct 21, 202229:33
Hawaii Matters | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hawaii Matters | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Devon talks with Dr. Jennifer F Carney, the chief of the Hematology-Oncology Department at HPMG. We talk about the importance and types of mammograms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


Recorded on October 16, 2022

Oct 16, 202230:14
Hawaii Matters | Alzheimer's Association

Hawaii Matters | Alzheimer's Association

Devon talks story with LJ Duenas, the executive director of the Alzheimer's Association in Hawaii. Learn more about what Alzheimer's is and the resources that can help.


Recorded on October 1, 2022

Oct 01, 202229:09
Hawaii Matters | Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

Hawaii Matters | Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

Devon talks with Lila Johnson, the Section Supervisor and Program Manager for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, which includes the Tobacco Quit Line.


Recorded on September 17, 2022

Sep 17, 202228:50
Hawaii Matters | Palliative Care

Hawaii Matters | Palliative Care

Devon talks story with Dr. Carolin Hubbard from Kaiser Permanente, who specializes in palliative care!

Recorded on August 28, 2022

Aug 27, 202228:35
Hawaii Matters-August 7, 2022

Hawaii Matters-August 7, 2022

Devon talks to Alan Yamamoto from the Hawaii Occupational Health & Safety Administration about workplace safety. They focus on the efforts of HI-OSH to prevent accidents with the implementation of consultation and training services. 

Aug 10, 202229:29
KUMU Kokua Mar 25, 2022

KUMU Kokua Mar 25, 2022

Devon & Sunway talk to the Lt. Gov. of Hawaii in what might be his final update on COVID-19 in Hawaii. Topics include the ending of restrictions statewide, the effect of the Safe Travels program ending, long COVID, the BA-2 variant, planning for the future, and more.

Mar 25, 202226:58
KUMU Kokua Feb 25, 2022

KUMU Kokua Feb 25, 2022

Devon & Sunway talk to Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green on a variety of issues. The LG updates us on COVID in Hawaii. He talks about the declining numbers, the loosening of restrictions, and best practices as Hawaii gets back to normal. They also touch on the attack on Ukraine by Russia and what that means for Hawaii. 

Feb 25, 202220:20
KUMU Kokua Feb 11, 2021

KUMU Kokua Feb 11, 2021

Hawaii's Lt. Gov. Josh Green joins Devon & Sunway to update us on COVID in Hawaii, the declining numbers, restrictions on local business, mental health, and lots more.

Feb 11, 202225:42
KUMU Kokua Jan 21, 2022

KUMU Kokua Jan 21, 2022

Devon & Sunway talk to the Lt. Gov. of Hawaii, Dr. Josh Green. He gives us an update on COVID in Hawaii, especially the challenges tackling the omicron variant, the challenges of travel, vaccines and reproductive health, and lots more. 

Jan 21, 202228:02
KUMU Kokua Jan 14, 2022

KUMU Kokua Jan 14, 2022

Devon & Sunway talk to Lt. Gov. Josh Green and get his perspective on the rising numbers of Covid cases, what this means for schools, hospitals, and the rest of us. The LG also chimes in about the water safety issue on Red Hill.

Jan 15, 202228:27
KUMU Kokua Dec 17, 2021

KUMU Kokua Dec 17, 2021

Devon & Esme check in with the Lt. Gov. of Hawaii, Josh Green. It's been a while since we've gotten an update on COVID in Hawaii. The LG discusses the omicron variant, booster shots, holiday gatherings, and more. 

Dec 17, 202128:28
KUMU Kokua Nov 12, 2021

KUMU Kokua Nov 12, 2021

Devon & Esme catch up with Lt. Gov. Josh Green and get an update on COVID-19 in Hawaii. They cover the latest statistics, vaccines for children, booster shots, and lots more.

Nov 12, 202128:21
KUMU Kokua Oct 22, 2021

KUMU Kokua Oct 22, 2021

Devon & Esme get another COVID-19 update from Lt. Gov. Josh Green. They talk about the safety of the vaccines for children ages 5-11, the further loosening of restrictions in Hawaii, travel to and from the islands, and more. 

Oct 22, 202128:48
KUMU Kokua Oct 15, 2021

KUMU Kokua Oct 15, 2021

Once again, Hawaii's COVID numbers are dropping. We also talk about booster shots, vaccines, long COVID, and lots more. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green is our guest. Your hosts are Esme Infante and Real Deal Reed (sitting in for Devon Nekoba). 

Oct 15, 202128:51
KUMU Kokua Oct 8, 2021

KUMU Kokua Oct 8, 2021

Hawaii's Lt. Gov. Josh Green talks about the anticipation of the relaxing of COVID restrictions in Hawaii, he gives an update on our statistics, and he talks about the children 5 to 11 years old getting the vaccine.

Oct 08, 202129:30
KUMU Kokua Oct 1, 2021

KUMU Kokua Oct 1, 2021

Devon & Esme talk to Lt. Gov., Josh Green and get an update on COVID-19 in Hawaii. The LG talks about Hawaii's declining numbers and the reasons behind it, getting the tourists back and the challenge that presents, loosening of restrictions, the recommendation on the vaccine for pregnant women, and lots more.

Oct 01, 202128:47
KUMU Kokua Sept 24, 2021

KUMU Kokua Sept 24, 2021

It's your weekly COVID-19 update straight from Hawaii's Lt. Gov. Josh Green. This week Devon & Esme ask him about booster shots, the recent drop in Hawaii's case counts, the effect of COVID on the Native Hawaiian population, and lots more. 

Sep 24, 202128:59
KUMU Kokua Sept 17, 2021

KUMU Kokua Sept 17, 2021

Devon & Esme talk to Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green again on the state of COVID-19 in Hawaii. They talk about the recent plateau of COVID numbers in the state, vaccinations, Nikki Minaj’s bad info tweet, and lots more.

Sep 17, 202128:49
KUMU Kokua Sept 10, 2021

KUMU Kokua Sept 10, 2021

We check in with Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green on the state of COVID in Hawaii. Topics for this show include the anticipated surge from Labor Day; restaurants and the use of Canadian vaccination cards; improvements the state can make at the schools; how the Los Angeles vaccine mandate for students might impact Hawaii’s decisions; the segment of the population that might be at increased risk because of underlying conditions; pediatric hospitalizations of COVID cases; the use or request for Ivermectin as a treatment for COVID; the Oahu Safe Access program; how to treat those who have had COVID-19; the recommended process for those who have had COVID; the federal mandate for vaccinations and how they affect private employers; the concern for other variants besides the Delta variant; the flu season and the timing of flu shots relative to COVID vaccination.

Sep 10, 202128:46
KUMU Kokua Sept 3, 2021

KUMU Kokua Sept 3, 2021

The Lt. Gov. of Hawaii, Dr. Josh Green updates everyone on COVID-19 in Hawaii. The LT. Gov. covers: the state’s stand over the Labor Day weekend; efforts to curb gatherings; the current stress on the hospitals; the long lines at testing locations; his thoughts on the upcoming Safe Access program being instituted by the City; what parents need to do if and when their child has a close contact with a COVID-positive person; the trend in pediatric cases in Hawaii compared to the mainland; the possibility of more restrictions by the state; the use and promotion of Ivermectin and similar drugs in the treatment of COVID-19; the state’s efforts against fake vaccination cards; the picture of a dying COVID-19 patient.

Sep 09, 202129:31
May 21, 2021 - COVID Update w/ Lt. Gov Josh Green

May 21, 2021 - COVID Update w/ Lt. Gov Josh Green

We continue our coverage of the coronavirus in Hawaii. The guest is the Lt. Gov. of Hawaii, Dr. Josh Green. Subjects this week include: the effect of the virus on the male reproductive system; the resistance to getting vaccinated; Hawaii’s case count not dropping; the state mask mandate and when it might be loosened or eliminated; standardizing the process of traveling between the islands; Hawaii’s schools (including the University of Hawaii) opening this coming fall; an update on large events (theater, concerts) continuing.

May 21, 202129:30
May 14, 2021 - COVID Update w/ Lt. Gov. Josh Green

May 14, 2021 - COVID Update w/ Lt. Gov. Josh Green

Lt. Gov. Josh Green gives us an update on the state’s effort against the coronavirus. The LG talks about: the latest CDC guidance on mask wearing; opening up youth sports; an update on COVID numbers in Hawaii; the progress on vaccinating youth; mask wearing in private businesses; travel in and around Hawaii; herd immunity in Hawaii.

May 17, 202128:60