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.
The Conversation's Catherine Cruz talked with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero during a gathering of Pacific leaders and U.S. State Department officials this week.
Local Hawaiʻi politicians and University of Hawaiʻi political scientist Colin Moore offer their thoughts and reactions to President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address.