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Spotlight Now

by Hawaii News Now

Got questions for everyone from Hawaii’s governor to business leaders to community organizers? Get them answered on HNN’s new 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.

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Episodes

  1. 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.

  2. 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...

  3. Spotlight Now: Hawaii County mayor, cesspool-to-sewer conversions

    On this episode of Spotlight Now, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda sits down to talk about the pressing challenges facing the Big Island and potential pay raises for all county workers. He also provides an update on a bus crash that sent 22 people to the hospital. Then Stuart Coleman, executive...

  4. Spotlight Now: Examining Hawaii’s relationship with the military

    Spotlight Now welcomes two guests to explore Hawaii's relationship with the military when it comes to water and land leases. The Board of Water Supply is suing the U.S. Navy for $1.2 billion to help clean up the 2021 Red Hill fuel spill. BWS manager and chief engineer Ernie Lau says he has been...

  5. Spotlight Now (Sept. 16, 2025)

    Aloha Stadium is just weeks away from demolition day. On this episode of Spotlight Now, we sit down with the lead developer and the governor’s senior advisor on the project to discuss the project's next phase, including what fans can expect from the new build, and how school and housing plans tie...

  6. Spotlight Now: Gov. Green on e-bikes, land leases, Kamehameha Schools

    Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday on Spotlight Now that he plans to sign an executive order within a week regulating e-bike safety across the islands. This comes during a sharp rise in traffic deaths, along with e-bike and motorcycle crashes. Green also discusses specific requests he has for the...

  7. Spotlight Now: Hawaii nonprofits sound alarm over federal funding cuts

    Hawaii nonprofits are losing millions of dollars in federal funding. Local organizations are sounding the alarm about programs that could be cut and the impacts that can have on our community and the economy. Joining us on Spotlight Now to explain are: Shawn Kanaiaupuni, Partners in Development…

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  8. Spotlight Now: Honolulu's mayor, council chair discuss key issues (Aug. 26, 2025)

    Spotlight Now welcomed Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to discuss key city issues, including the Wahiawa landfill site and efforts to retain police officers. Then City Council chair Tommy Waters discusses the recent shakeup in leadership at Honolulu Hale and the future of his political career. See...

  9. Spotlight Now: Gov. Josh Green outlines priorities for land deals, state economy

    In this episode, Gov. Josh Green has an update on negotiations with the military regarding expiring land leases, and his wish list. Plus, he shares his frustrations on the slow, costly development of Aloha Stadium, and touches on other state priorities and potential revenue streams, including the...

  10. Spotlight Now (August 12, 2025)

    Spotlight Now sits down with Hawaii Department of Transportation director Ed Sniffen to discuss the evacuations on July 29 during a tsunami warning. Then, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Kai Kahele is in the hot seat to defend OHA's budget process amid criticism. He also discussed priorities...

  11. Spotlight Now (July 1, 2025)

    Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Governor Josh Green about everything from the Hawaii Tourism Board to national news. We also hear Gov. Green’s reaction to the senate's decision to pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” and how this affects Hawaii. See…

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  12. Spotlight Now (June 24, 2025)

    Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Dr. Kamanaʻopono Crabbe, David Sun Miyashiro, executive director of Hawaii Kids Can and Mele Kānealiʻi Hawai’i State Youth Commissioner on the Rediscovering Hawaii’s Soul movement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  13. Spotlight Now: Rail executives share the latest on Honolulu’s Skyline

    Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation deputy executive director Mike O’Keefe and project director Vance Tsuda. Then we’re joined by City and County of Honolulu deputy director of Transportation Services Jon Nouchi. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

  14. Spotlight Now: How Hawaii nonprofits are navigating federal funding cuts

    Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking to leaders of local nonprofit organizations about how they’re navigating federal funding cuts, and how the state might be stepping in to help: Michelle Bartell, Aloha United Way CEO; Amanda Pump, Child and Family Service CEO; and Amy Miller, Hawaii Foodbank...

  15. Spotlight Now: Gov. Green and state comptroller Keith Regan

    On today’s episode of Spotlight Now, we’re joined by Gov. Josh Green to go over the bills he plans to veto from this past legislative session. Then we interview Keith Regan, state comptroller and head of Hawaii’s Department of Accounting and General Services. See omnystudio.com/listener for…

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  16. Spotlight Now: U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and UHERO’s Carl Bonham

    On this episode of Spotlight Now, we're joined by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, for the latest out of Washington, D.C. Then we sit down with Carl Bonham, University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization executive director, for a check on Hawaii's economic outlook. See…

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  17. Spotlight Now (May 6, 2025)

    Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura join us for a look back at the legislative session. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  18. Spotlight Now: How federal changes are impacting Hawaii’s public education

    On this episode of Spotlight Now, we’re exploring how changes to the U.S. Department of Education and its dismantling are affecting schools and public education in Hawaii. Here to shed light on the impacts are: Keith Hayashi, Schools Superintendent; Logan Okita, Hawaii State Teachers Association...

  19. Spotlight Now: Honolulu’s mayor, and parks and recreation deputy director

    On this episode of Spotlight Now, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’s still pushing forward with a proposed landfill in Central Oahu. He also addresses affordable housing, Honolulu’s rail project, and staffing challenges at the city. As for the University of Hawaii’s search for a new…

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  20. Spotlight Now: The future of Oahu’s next landfill

    On this episode of Spotlight Now, we’re talking about the future of Oahu’s next landfill. Joining us for the discussion are Department of Environmental Services director Roger Babcock, Honolulu City Council member Matt Weyer, and Sierra Club of Hawaii director Wayne Tanaka. See...

  21. Spotlight Now: Gov. Josh Green confirms measles case in Hawaii

    Gov. Josh Green is fresh off a press conference where he confirmed a travel-related case of measles in a child under the age of 5 on Oahu. Plus he discusses economic impacts to the state from President Trump's tariffs and the stock market. And meet his new dog, Boba! She's named after both the...

  22. Spotlight Now: Kamehameha Schools Maui (April 1, 2025)

    In this special edition of Spotlight Now, students from Kamehameha Schools Maui roll up their sleeves – literally – taking action to help restore Hawaiʻi’s lands and cultural practices. The first half of the show highlights work to replant native species in Kuʻia, demonstrating how revitalizing…

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  23. Spotlight Now (March 25, 2025)

    On today’s episode of Spotlight Now, we’re joined by Hawaii Emergency Services Department (HESD) director Jim Ireland, and Institute for Human Services (IHS) executive director Connie Mitchell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  24. Spotlight Now: Gov. Josh Green and Hawaii DBEDT director

    Gov. Josh Green joins today’s episode of “Spotlight Now.” Plus, we sit down with James Tokioka, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  25. Spotlight Now (March 4, 2025)

    Today’s episode of “Spotlight Now” features the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Tourism officials have a preview their spring tourism update, which will be released Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  26. Spotlight Now (Feb. 25, 2025)

    Rediscovering Hawaii’s Soul is a collective effort that requires urgency and commitment from all who call Hawaii home. In this special episode of Spotlight Now, Hawaiian Electric and Central Pacific Bank collaborate with the Lahaina Advisory Team to rediscover Hawaii’s soul as the town rebuilds...

  27. Spotlight Now (Feb. 18, 2025)

    On this special episode of Spotlight Now, students from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus discuss cultural repatriation and regenerative tourism.Plus alumni share valuable manaʻo on protecting cultural treasures while paving the way for a more sustainable future. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

  28. Spotlight Now (Feb. 4, 2025)

    Governor Josh Green talks about President Trump's impacts to Hawaii on 'Spotlight Now.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  29. Spotlight Now (Jan. 28, 2025)

    On today's episode of 'Spotlight Now,' several Hawaii nonprofits discussed the impacts of President Trump's funding freeze. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  30. Spotlight Now (1/21/2025)

    Today on Spotlight Now, we sit down with Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan and Maj. Mike Lambert, the governor’s nominee to become the next director of the state Department of Law Enforcement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  31. Spotlight Now (Jan. 14, 2025)

    On today's episode of Spotlight Now, we caught up with Governor Josh Green, who spoke about how the devastating wildfires in California could impact Hawaii residents in an already inflated insurance industry. Plus, we spoke to Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen, who gave us a…

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  32. Spotlight Now (Jan. 7, 2024)

    A developer joins "Spotlight Now" to discuss plans to reinvent downtown Honolulu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  33. Spotlight Now (Dec. 31, 2024)

    In this episode of "Spotlight Now," we take a look at the big headlines from 2024 and what to expect in 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  34. Spotlight Now (Dec. 24, 2024)

    On today's episode of "Spotlight Now," we take a look at Hawaii's film industry and new steps being taken to uplift this part of the economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  35. Spotlight Now (Dec. 17, 2024)

    City officials join "Spotlight Now" to discuss plans for Oahu's next landfill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  36. Spotlight Now (Dec. 10, 2024)

    Kai Kahele addresses the Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans on "Spotlight Now." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  37. Spotlight Now (Dec. 3, 2024)

    It's been one year since the announcement by Hawaiian and Alaska airlines to merge together as one entity. Today, CEO Joe Sprague says the airlines will be announcing some new routes to and from Hawaii, and hiring and firings will occur in the months ahead. We also caught up with Hawaii Tourism...

  38. Spotlight Now (Nov. 26, 2024)

    On this 'Spotlight Now,' we focus in on homelessness. City leaders join us to talk about some innovative solutions to address this ongoing issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  39. Spotlight Now (Nov. 19, 2024)

    'Spotlight Now' focuses on the economy and catches up with DBEDT Director Jimmy Tokioka. Plus, talking about the latest on the redevelopment of Aloha Stadium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  40. Spotlight Now (Nov. 12, 2024)

    Local policy and banking experts join "Spotlight Now" to discuss housing in Hawaii. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  41. Spotlight Now (Nov. 5, 2024)

    Gov. Josh Green joins "Spotlight Now" to discuss Election Day races, budget priorities and other issues facing Hawaii. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  42. Spotlight Now (Oct., 29, 2024)

    Kamehameha Schools students take over "Spotlight Now," discussing outmigration and other issues affecting Hawaii. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  43. Spotlight Now (Oct. 22, 2024)

    Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami addresses his political future, plus community efforts to curb the recent rise of domestic violence in Hawaii. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  44. Spotlight Now (Oct. 8, 2024)

    "Spotlight Now" focuses on how Hawaii families are dealing with stress and mental health struggles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  45. Spotlight Now (Oct. 1, 2024)

    Visitor industry leaders join "Spotlight Now" as the Hawaii Tourism conference gets underway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  46. Spotlight Now (Sept. 24, 2024)

    Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation CEO Lori Kahikina discusses her new contract and the rail project's final, over-budget leg, plus the latest on Hawaiian Electric's wildfire mitigation program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  47. Spotlight Now (Sept. 17, 2024)

    Gov. Josh Green joins "Spotlight Now" to discuss the nurses lockout, state leadership shakeup and West Oahu crime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  48. Spotlight Now (Sept. 10, 2024)

    'Spotlight Now' focuses on Hawaii Island issues, including a discussion with Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz and CNHA officials on the Native Hawaiian Convention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  49. Spotlight Now (Sept. 3, 2024)

    "Spotlight Now" interviews newly-elected state Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto along with members from Hawaii's Republican and Democratic parties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  50. Spotlight Now (Aug. 27, 2024)

    "Spotlight Now" explores the unique relationship between Hawaii and the military and what it looks like moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Got questions for everyone from Hawaii’s governor to business leaders to community organizers? Get them answered on HNN’s new 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.

HOSTED BY

Hawaii News Now

CATEGORIES

news government

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Spotlight Now have?

Spotlight Now currently has 99 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Spotlight Now about?

Got questions for everyone from Hawaii’s governor to business leaders to community organizers? Get them answered on HNN’s new 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...

How often does Spotlight Now release new episodes?

Spotlight Now has 99 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Spotlight Now?

You can listen to Spotlight Now on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Spotlight Now?

Spotlight Now is created and hosted by Hawaii News Now.
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