Bill Dorman

Homeless Safe Zones and Sit-Lie Bans

A scandal involving one of the biggest names in corporate Japan continues to grow. The incident involves Kobe Steel, and hundreds of its corporate clients. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Food is a critical part of daily life for everybody. But when it comes to high end restaurants, one of the most powerful influences is the ratings system of the Michelin Guide. Hawai‘i restaurants are not rated by Michelin, but it’s an important designation for many establishments across Asia. And sometimes it produces surprises. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

It’s been several years since smoking was banned on beaches across Hawai‘i. Now, a popular tourist destination in Asia is trying a similar approach on a number of beaches—but with very different penalties. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

“Slut Walk” Hawaii; Biki Bike Share 3-Month Update 

The International Monetary Fund has updated its outlook for the world economy – with a more optimistic tone. Part of that is due to expectations of stronger growth in the Asia Pacific. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

More than 6,200 electric vehicles are now registered in the state of Hawai‘i—up from about 4,000 in early 2016. That’s according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which tracks the numbers.  While the use of electric cars is growing in the Aloha State, a different kind of alternative energy vehicle is in focus this week down under. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

In less than two weeks, Japanese voters will go to the polls in national elections. While Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to extend his term, the plans of the opposition are less clear. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Kaka’ako Park Closure; Queen Lili’uokalani; Talking to North Korea

China is increasing its weapons shipments to countries in Southeast Asia. Most of the dealings involve sales, but other developments are less straightforward. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Gun Violence in Hawaii; Over-Fished Reefs; Service-Based Journalism

One of the leading tourist destinations in the world has been disrupted in recent weeks by the threat of a volcanic eruption. The volcano is on the north side of Bali, but the impact has been felt across the island. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Chronicling the Rise of ISIS in Syrian and Asia; Funding the Arts

As you’ve been hearing on NPR today, President Trump traveled to Las Vegas today—a day after going to Puerto Rico. His visits to those two places of recent human tragedy have dominated the news this week. But another presidential event that received very little attention was historic in a different way. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Northwest Hawaiian Islands Coral Health; Economic Slowdown; Gender Pay Gap

This is an unusual week for Asia—it includes major holidays for at least two countries. China and South Korea have several consecutive holidays this week, and that means a lot of vacation air travel. And that highlights some research now underway in Japan. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Presidential Visit to Asia; Mural Ownership Rights; HECO Customer Scam

The United States and North Korea are now in touch about possible diplomatic moves to resolve tensions on the Korean peninsula. That word came over the weekend from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is traveling in the region. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The White House announced today that Donald Trump will make his first visit to Hawai‘i as President in November. It’s part of the president’s first official trip to the Asia Pacific. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The United Nations General Assembly in New York has captured a lot of media attention over the last week or so. But on the other side of the world, a different meeting of international leaders last week quietly produced a number of developments. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

It’s been a week with a focus on visitors as the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority wrapped up its Global Tourism Summit. One visitor market that state officials hope to cultivate is South Korea. It’s a country that’s seeing a rise in international travel with a special week of holidays coming up. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

When it comes to international visitors, Japan has long been the top market for Hawai‘i. And while this year continues to break records for tourism in Hawai‘i, it’s also an active year for tourism in Japan. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

When you use the phrase “energy crisis,” those old enough to remember might think back to the 1970’s and the Arab oil embargo. But this week in New Zealand, there’s a different kind of energy crisis—at the country’s largest airport. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

As you’ve heard on NPR, President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly today. The rest of the week will include speeches from various other world leaders, and many meetings. The event includes a large contingent from Asia, but with some notable absences this year. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

This week, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority holds its annual Global Tourism Summit. The travel industry is growing around the world, and some destinations are going to unusual lengths to attract visitors. That includes one particular spot in China. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Russian military exercises currently underway in Eastern Europe are getting close attention from the United States and its allies.  NATO officials say as many as 100,000 troops are taking part. Russian authorities say the numbers are much smaller, and they accuse the west of “whipping up hysteria” about the maneuvers. Closer to Hawai‘i, there’s another set of military exercises starting next week involving Russia and China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Recent political and security developments in the Asia Pacific have focused on North Korea. But a number of diplomatic relationships are shifting relatively quickly in the area. One example involves two of the largest democracies in the region. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

A national vote is getting underway this week in Australia. Ballots have gone out by mail in a campaign that will last nearly two months. The results will not be binding, but might lead to another vote. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

As you heard earlier on NPR, the United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed another round of trade sanctions against North Korea. The move won the support of China, which is having trade issues of another kind with SOUTH Korea. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Hawai‘i’s population is getting older. According to the latest Census figures, the percentage of the state’s residents aged 65 and over grew by 25 percent from 2011 to 2016. Many countries in Asia are facing a similar situation. And the head of the International Monetary Fund has some advice. It involves women and work. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.