Hawaii Island

  Health care for military veterans is a continuing issue: both nationally and here in Hawaii.  A report out on Monday shows veterans in the state have the longest wait in the nation to get their first appointment with a primary care physician. Last week, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard stopped in several locations around the state to get the perspective of local vets. HPR’s Sherry Bracken spoke with Gabbard when she was in Kona.

  The field of candidates is set for this year's election cycle.  The filing deadline was earlier this week.  On the Big Island, the first candidate forum of the primary season is this evening.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has a preview

  Late spring has brought pounding rains to several areas of the state.  This week, both Kaua'i and Oahu have had flash flooding.  And on parts of the Big Island, the rain patterns have been a bit different from usual.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story from Kona.

  A group on Hawaii Island called "PISCES" supports space exploration.  The name stands for the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems.  But what it means these days is a new goal, having to do with education and jobs.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  University of Hawaii at Hilo recently received an unexpected gift, a $500 thousand dollar endowment from a Hilo dentist who also teaches at UH Manoa.  The endowment is in honor of her former history professor.  And it is the first endowed chair in UH Hilo's history.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  The Voyaging Canoe Hokule'a is preparing to leave Hilo for Tahiti, along with its sister ship Hikianalia.   The two vessels will depart Hilo on Tuesday, wind and weather permitting, for a 26-country, multi-year journey around the world.   One of the second generation navigators talked with HPR's Sherry Bracken about the importance of a safe return.

  It's a scenario that happens all too frequently in this country.  Someone becomes violent in a public place, and sometimes a gun is involved.   On Hawaii Island, police have put together a special presentation to help educate residents about how to react. HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  Hawaii Island is known for its ranching and farming, part of its longtime paniolo culture.  One event marking that connection is underway on the Hamakua Coast--Honoka'a Western Week.  It features activities in town every day and also underlines some local family history.  HPR's Sherry Bracken is on Hawaii Island and has the story.

  Hawaii's natural beauty includes some areas of danger.  Most people are cautious abut the risks in the ocean, or along hiking trails.  But many people are surprised that even taking care of trees can also be hazardous!  HPR's Sherry Bracken reports.

  Each year, farmers across Hawaii Island grow coffee on more than six thousand acres, around the island.  Statewide, Hawaii produces more than 8 million pounds of coffee a year, a crop worth more than $30 million dollars.  One of the industry's biggest challenges remains the same as a year ago:  the coffee berry borer.  From the Big Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken has an update on how the fight is going.

  The oldest public conversion charter school in the state has had a very good month, both academically and financially. The school is located on Hawaii Island and is one of the few charter schools that accepts all students who want to attend.  HPR's Sherry Bracken spoke with the school's principal.

  The Hawaii Island School Garden Network has a goal of exposing students around the island to the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Generally that means the kids grow food in the school garden.  But the Garden Network is looking at bringing in local fruits and vegetables another way, too.   From Hawaii Island, Sherry Bracken has the story.

Hawai'i Island is known for its coffee.  More than half of the six thousand acres of the island's coffee is in the Kona Districts.  But the Ka'u District to the south is stepping up and being recognized internationally for its good tasting coffee.  HPR's Sherry Bracken reports.

 A 2011 study by Columbia University says teen drug users are at significantly higher risk of developing an addictive disorder compared to adults, and the earlier they began using, the higher their risk. That's one reason why Hawaii County Police work with middle schoolers in the DARE program.  HPR's Sherry Bracken talked to a detective who says the program is about way more than just saying no to drugs.

  Among the many ideas for Hawaii's future is the possibility of playing a bigger role in the commercial space launch industry.  It's been under consideration for years, to compete with other states wanting to attract new industries.  As for a location, the leading contender appears to be the Kona International Airport.  HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us more.

  Hawaii Island is famous for a number of local products.  There's coffee, and macadamia nuts...and spelling champions.  And the latest of these is heading for the nationals next month.  Sherry Bracken has her story from Kona

   The battle against invasive species is one that takes place on all islands across the state.  But federal law enforcement officials in Hawaii are focusing on an invasive species of a different kind--it's a computer virus.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  The world's most prestigious hula festival begins this coming Sunday with a week's worth of hula and craft fairs that will bring thousands of people to Hilo.  HPR's Sherry Bracken talked with the festival's director to learn what to expect in the fifty first Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

   Climate change is a critical development for anyone living on an island.  On Hawaii Island, it's not just a matter of concern, it's a topic of study.  And that will be highlighted as part of an upcoming television series.  From the Big Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  When it comes to the local economy, the focus is often on tourism.  That's true across the state, including on Hawaii Island.  But there's a new program on the Big Island that's stretching into another area:  entertainment--that's film, games, comic books, digital publishing, and more.  HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us more.

  Hawaii's diverse population reflects its status as the only state in the country to have an Asian plurality.  That diversity is only part of the story of a museum exhibit that has made its way all the way to the east side of the Big Island from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  The Democratic Party on the Big Island is in the process of refining the procedures for replacing midterm vanacies in the State House and State Senate.  This follows some controversy about the selection of the replacement for State House Rep Denny Coffman when he resigned.  HPR's Sherry Bracken was a media observer at a recent meeting of the Democratic Party District 5 as they elected new officers.

  Next month, several hundred people involved in early childhood education from around the state will get together on the Big Island.  This is the seventh annual conference that focuses on how best to inspire young learners.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has the story.

  The Big Island is home to the state's most active volcanoes.  Today marks a significant anniversary for the island's biggest volcano and the world's most active volcano.  HPR's Sherry Bracken has an update.

  Hawaii County and Kaua'i are the two counties in the state that are restricting the use of genetically modified organisms in food crops.  But they're doing it in different ways.  On Hawaii Island, those already growing GMO crops can continue--but they must register.  As we continue our series this week, "Genetically Engineered:  Beyond Emotion"  HPR"s Sherry Bracken spoke with Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi.

   Hawaii Island traditionally lags behind the rest of the state in its economic growth.  HPR's Sherry Bracken recently talked with an economist who says the Big Island's economic path is looking up, but with challenges.

  Big Island farmers planting genetically modified crops will not have to register with the County,  at least not yet.  That's the result of a court ruling last week...but the situation will undergo further judicial review.  HPR's Sherry Bracken reports.

  Hawaii Island's judiciary has several specialized courts in addition to the standard court system.  That includes teen court and both adult and juvenile drug courts.  Now, the island's chief judge is planning to add another.  From Hawaii Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken reports.

  A modern courthouse is equipped with a number of team members.  They include a judge, a jury, law enforcement, and legal teams.  And on Hawaii Island, they will soon also include courthouse dogs.  HPR's Sherry Bracken explains.

  The State Department of Health has introduced new, more stringent regulations for food safety in commercial establishments.  Under the old rules, low income and homeless feeding programs were exempted from some of the provisions.  But that's changing, and it will have a direct impact on Hawaii Island.  HPR's Sherry Bracken explains.