The State of Hawai’i said goodbye today to Congressman K. Mark Takai who passed away at age 49 last month from Pancreatic Cancer. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.
Wayne Yoshioka is an award-winning journalist who has worked in television, print and radio in Hawaiʻi. He also has been on both sides of politics as a state departmental appointee and political/government reporter. He covered Hurricane Iwa (1982) as a TV reporter; was the State Department of Defense/Civil Defense spokesperson for Hurricane Iniki (1992); and, commanded a public affairs detachment in Afghanistan (2006). He has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is a decorated combat veteran (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and 22 other commendation/service medals). He resides in Honolulu.
Following an outcry from local farmers, Gov. Josh Green announced his intention to veto a labeling bill that would have affected māmaki sold in Hawaiʻi. As part of a broader, years-long trend to protect local farmers, consumers and the “Hawai'i-grown” label, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 496 and let it sail through this year’s legislative session.
Austin Haleyalpiy is part of an advocacy organization group for Micronesian immigrants called COFA CAN. He spoke to The Conversation's DW Gibson about making sure COFA communities stay informed and prepared amid shifting immigration policies.