Click on the various Forum titles below to visit that Forum page for more information and the video for that Forum…
November 22, 2019
Moderator
Speakers

Director, Department of Environmental Management, Hawai'i County

House, District 6
Hawaii County recently made changes to its recycling program. Learn about what items you can still recycle, ways you can reduce your own waste, and what plans, if any, the county has to mitigate the inevitable impacts these changes will have on our environment.
October 24, 2019
Moderator
Speakers

Hawaii Ant Lab, Hilo Office

Hawaii Ant Lab, Kona Office

Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

House, District 6
This community forum will focus on one of the world’s top 100 most invasive species, the Little Fire Ant (LFA). These cryptic ants are very small, slow moving and reddish-orange in color. You may be living with them and not even know until you are rained on by falling ants which can sting you and […]
May 23, 2019
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

Hawaii County

Hawaii County

Hawaii County

Hawaii County

Hawaii County
April 10, 2019
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

House, District 6

House, District 5
March 29, 2019
Kilauea Volcano Update & Post Eruption Recovery Efforts
Moderator

Community Enterprises
Speakers

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

County of Hawaii

Civil Defense Agency, County of Hawaii
November 8, 2018
Speakers

Maunakea Board Management

Office of Mauna Kea Management

Office of Mauna Kea Management

Office of Mauna Kea Management

Office of Mauna Kea Management
October 3, 2018
Decision 2018: Constitutional Amendment Forum Oct 3rd
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

1st Senatorial District Hawaii

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

County of Hawaii Dept. of Finance

Hawaii State Teacher's Association

Tax Foundation Hawaii
September 20, 2018
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers
July 10, 2018
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers
July 3, 2018
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers
June 15, 2018
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers
Moderator: Sherry Bracken Lieutenant Governor Candidates: Josh Green, MD Will Espero Bernard Carvalho Kim Coco Iwamoto Jeremy Low Gubernatorial Candidates: David Ige Colleen Hanabusa John Carroll Andria Tupola
May 24, 2018
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

County of Hawaii

Department of Finance

Department of Parks and Recreation

Mass Transit Agency

Department of Public Works

Director, Department of Environmental Management, Hawai'i County
Join us this Thursday evening, May 24th to hear the details of Mayor Harry Kim’s County Budget for FY 2019 at West Hawaii Civic Center from 6-8 PM. Here is the video link for this past forum: http://youtu.be/wChbat1lfEk
March 15, 2018
Active Shooter Awareness, Preparedness & Response
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

Hawaii Police Department

Konawaena High School
Join us this Thursday, March 15th, from 6-8 PM at West Hawaii Civic Center for the latest Community Forum featuring an informative session about active shooter awareness, preparedness and response. This session will feature Lt. Thomas Shopay (Hawaii Police Department) and Shawn Suzuki (Konawaena High School principal). Forum will be moderated by Ms. Sherry Bracken. […]
February 15, 2018
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

U.S. Geological Survey's Volcano Science Center

Civil Defense Agency, County of Hawaii

President of Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO)

Hawaii Red Cross Disaster Services
Community Forums will sponsor an update on Mauna Loa and Hualalai Volcanoes on Thursday, February 15 at West Hawaii Civic Center Council Chambers from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The primary speaker will be Geologist Frank Trusdell from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, who has studied our Hawaii Island volcanoes for decades. With the alert level for […]
November 16, 2017
How Prepared is Hawai’i for a Major Emergency or Crisis?
Moderator

Community Enterprises
Speakers

Department of Research and Development, County of Hawai`i

Paniolo Power

President of Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO)

Kohala Center

Civil Defense Agency, County of Hawaii
The November 16th West Hawai’i Community Forum will explore the connected subjects of “Preparedness, Self-Sufficiency, and Sustainability” in Hawai’i, as experts discuss the fragility of island living, its vulnerabilities to emergencies, disasters, and supply-chain disruptions, and current state-wide response plans to restoring daily island life norms for Hawai’i residents and its economy after a major […]
September 21, 2017
Hawaii’s Healthcare Options: Doctor Shortages, High Costs …No Access!
Speakers

Senate, District 3

House, District 5

HMSA, Director, Strategic Network Relations
– the State of Healthcare on Hawai’i Island – 500 doctors short! Living in a ”paradise” and in a first-world economy belies Hawaii’s limited outer island medical options — limitations that could be hazardous to your health. If you’re lucky enough to have a family doctor, will he or she be there for you […]
July 20, 2017
Department of Water Supply Apologizes …questions remain
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting

Community Forums
Speakers

Department of Water Supply

Department of Water Supply

Department of Water Supply

Department of Water Supply

Mayor of Hawai'i County
…“the current conditions are critical and we need to act now to prevent a potential catastrophe.” State Senator Josh Green “Vital infrastructure that is poorly administered is a public hazard. When it’s our water system, that hazard is not to be taken lightly.” West Hawaii Today, Editorial, July 20th. SPECIALLY SCHEDULED FORUM ~ Due […]
June 15, 2017
Moderator

Community Forums
Speakers

Attorney, EarthJustice, Mid-Pacific Office

Paniolo Power

Life of the Land

SunRun

Big Island Electric Vehicle Association
Why does a transition to clean energy matter to Hawaii’s economy and environment? Studies on the emerging global clean energy economy project the addition of millions of related jobs by 2030. Renewable energy now employs nearly 10 million people worldwide, according to a new report. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said Wednesday in its […]
May 25, 2017
New Mayor, New County Budget Priorities, Higher Taxes!
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

Director of Public Works, Hawai'i County

Director of Parks and Recreation, Hawaii County

Mayor of Hawai'i County

Director of Finance, Hawaii County

Department of Finance

Director of Planning, Hawai'i County
AUDIENCE COMMENTS & FEEDBACK ON THIS FORUM “Great moderating trying to get presenters to focus on the topic and asking tough questions.” — “The County Presenters should have been more prepared.” — “Departments heads did not answer the question as to what possible cuts in for departments”– “Too little about budget. Too much about what we do.” […]
April 20, 2017
Hawai’i Island’s Wastewater — Problems, Plans, Clean Water?
Moderator

Community Forums
Speakers

Director, Department of Environmental Management, Hawai'i County

President, Rick Gaffney & Associates, Inc.
Is Hawaii County violating the U.S. Clean Water Act, polluting West Hawaii’s marine and reef environments? A 2008 U.S. Geological Survey report found Kealakehe effluent seeping into Honokohau Harbor and surrounding coastal areas. Near Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Honokohau Harbor, surrounded by reddish brown lava rock and a chain link fence, is a County sign “Do […]
March 30, 2017
Moderator

Community Forums
Speakers

House, District 6

Senate, District 3

Senate District 4

House District 7

House, District 5
Join us and hear the priorities your state representatives have set for the upcoming 2017 legislative session. This West Hawai’i Forum is your opportunity to speak directly with your State and West Hawaii County representatives… Share your thoughts on the issues and priorities for Hawai’i that’s important to you, your family, and the Community. Various […]
February 16, 2017
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting

Community Forums
Speakers

Hawaii State Dept. of Health (HEER Office)

U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu
This forum will explore the health consequences of long term exposure to volcanic emissions, how topography and trade winds direct Vog and create pollution pockets in West Hawaii; how best to live with Vog; and new multi-agency Vog monitoring and reporting tools now available on-line to the public. Living on Hawai’i island with its active […]
November 17, 2016
Moderator

Director, Department of Research and Development

Community Forums
Speakers

DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)

Community Forums

State of Hawaiʻi Office of Environmental Quality Control

Pacific Islands Climate Science Center (PICSC)
How prepared is Hawai’i for the climate changes now underway that affect our daily lives — the environment on which we depend and an economy based on historic assumptions that may no longer work. The Earth is warming rapidly, following 2015, this year is on track to be the hottest year on record. Hawai’i is […]
October 13, 2016
Moderator

Community Enterprises
Speakers

Hawaii's Highways Division

Department of public Works, Hawai'i

Hawaii County Highway Safety Counsel
This important Forum topic that affects every resident of the County – our island’s roads. This West Hawaii Community Forum will focus on the state of the County’s roads, the maintenance, development priorities, plans and funding of our road system. Hawai’i recently sold more than $200 million in State highways revenue bonds. Over $22 million […]
September 15, 2016
What’s Ahead for HELCO and Hawaii’s Clean Energy Future?
Moderator

IlIlana Media
Speakers

Attorney, EarthJustice, Mid-Pacific Office

Hawai'i Island Energy Cooperative

President of Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO)
On July 15th, 2016 Hawaii’s Public Utility Commission announced its rejection of Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3 billion take-over bid of Hawaiian Electric Co. (HEI). What are HELCO’s energy plans and options for Hawaii County now that NextEra is no longer in the picture? What role will HELCO serve in Hawaii’s clean and independent energy […]
June 22, 2016
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers

Papaikou

Hilo

Kurtistown

Papaaloa

Community Enterprises

Kamuela

Hilo

Kailua-KONA
NEWS UPDATE: Mayor-elect Harry Kim was elected to office in a record low Hawai’i county voter turn-out during the August 2016 primary. In a crowded field of 13 mayoral candidates, Kim won with 51% margin over his nearest rival, Wally Lau. But less than 15% of the County’s registered voters placed their ballot check mark […]
May 12, 2016
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers
Learn how your hard earned tax dollars will be applied to County-established budgetary priorities for the fiscal year of 2016-17. Mayor Billy Kenoi and members of his cabinet will explain the new County budget and spending priorities for Hawai`i County. Joining the Mayor will be Department of Finance Director Deanna Sako, along with Susan Akiyama – […]
April 21, 2016
Soil and Water Management Challenges in Southwest Hawaii County
Speakers

Kona Soil and Water Conservation District

Hawai'i Farmers Union United
Southwest coastal areas of Hawai’i County face unique watershed and soil management issues. Experts will explore the problems and potential solutions for area residents and the surrounding agricultural community. The Big Island, being geologically very young, is without many defined waterways. As a result, some drainage areas throughout the Island often overflow during rainstorms. […]
March 10, 2016
Moderator

Hawaii Public Radio & New West Broadcasting
Speakers
Hawai’i County’s General Plan, approved in 2005 by the County Council represents the County government’s overall plans and policy direction for Hawai’i Island. Under the General Plan, the County engages in a process of revising and adopting a Community Development Plan (CDP), most recently in 2015 that will affect communities throughout our island home. Hawai’i County’s CDP […]
February 11, 2016
Blue Zones and Beyond, Healthy Living in Hawai’i
Speakers

Blue Zones Project, Hawaii

Healthy Seminar Series

Maya Parish Yoga

County of Hawai‘i

PATH
Hawai’i County is one of more than 20 communities across the U.S. now taking part in the Blue Zones movement of well-being, one that promises a healthier life for all. Hear from healthy living experts from both in and outside the Blue Zones who will discuss lifestyle and nutritional changes, and techniques that offer […]
November 19, 2015
Speakers

Senate, District 3

House, District 6

House, District 5

House District 7
Join us and hear the priorities your state representatives have set for the upcoming 2016 legislative session. This West Hawai’i Forum is your opportunity to speak directly with your State and West Hawaii County representatives… Share your thoughts on the issues and priorities for Hawai’i that’s important to you, your family , and the Community. […]
October 15, 2015
Speakers

HOPE Services Hawaii

Mental Health Kokua

County of Hawaii

County of Hawaii

HOPE Services
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Point in Time 2015 Survey Results indicate an overall 30% increase in homelessness in Hawai’i County from 2014. Hear experts discuss the problem, challenges, and solutions for homeless individuals and families in our community.
September 17, 2015
Moderator

IlIlana Media
Speakers

SunRun

Solar City

House, District 6

Blue Planet Research

County of Hawai'i
In the second part of the West Hawaii Forum series on Energy hear from experts and professionals who are making a difference in Hawaii’s transition to clean and homegrown energy independence. Presenters will explore the prospects and opportunities of this fundamental energy transition. OPENING REMARKS: Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, Vice Chair, Energy and Environmental Protection […]
June 18, 2015
Speakers

Life of the Land

President of Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO)

Hawai'i Island Energy Cooperative
We use it around the clock and complain about its cost. We all need electricity. What will NextEra’s $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaii’s multi-island private electric utility, Hawaii Electric Inc., mean to the state’s clean energy future and to the utility’s customers of Hawai’i County?
May 13, 2015
Update on the UH system has made to improve opportunities for residents of West Hawaii to receive higher education services from the UH System. Speakers David Lassner, UH President John Morton, VP for Community Colleges UH Hilo and UH Community College officials
April 19, 2015
Information about the current and future plans by the State Department of Transportation in West Hawaii which includes a status report on existing projects and concerns. Speaker Ford Fuchigami, State DOT director
March 12, 2015
Money in Politics: Corporate Political Power in America
Explore the role of money in politics and how that affects our public policies and, ultimately, democracy in America. Speakers Gary Hooser, Kauai councilman and former State Senator Marvin Feldman, economist Louise Feldman, educator Una Greenwell, farmer
January 15, 2015
Legislative Briefing by West Hawaii State Legislators
Legislators will discuss Committee assignments and their priorities for legislation affecting the State and West Hawaii in particular. Speakers Rep. Nicole Lowen Rep. Richard Creagan Rep. Cindy Evans Senator Josh Green
November 11, 2014
Higher Education in West Hawaii: The Palamanui Center
Discuss post-high school education opportunities in West Hawaii with a particular focus on the role of the facilities at Palamanui. Speakers Dr. Sandra Scarr Dr. Walter Kunitake Dr. Marty Fletcher Pete Hoffman
October 16, 2014
Focus on Hawaii County Real Property Taxation and highlight the work of the Hawaii County Real Property Taxation Task Force. Speakers Stan Sitko, Hawaii County Real Property Tax Manager Councilmember Margaret Wille Councilmember Karen Eoff
October 15, 2014
Earthquakes in Hawaii: What we should all know and do
An overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawaii, including current theories on where and why they occur and what you can do to keep you and your family safe. Speaker Wes Thelen, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Seismologist.
September 8, 2014
What’s being done to improve our roads? Speakers Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director, State DOT Warren Lee, Director of the Hawaii County Public Works Dept.
May 13, 2014
To learn more about the State activities and projects affecting West Hawaii. To provide update of current educational opportunities and potential future programs at the upcoming Palamanui Campus. Speakers Representatives Richard Creagan, Nicole Lowen and Senator Malama Solomon Dr. Marty Fletcher, West Hawaii Director for the University of Hawaii programs.
April 8, 2014
County Update by Mayor Billy Kenoi and cabinet
To learn more about current activities and projects of our county. Update on issues before the Hawaii County Council. Speakers Mayor Billy Kenoi Councilman Dru Kanuha
March 11, 2014
Virtual trip from Ka’u to North Kona, recounting the volcanic history and stories of lava flows along Highways 11 and 190. Speakers Jim Kauahikaua, USGS scientist Janet Babb, USGS scientist
January 13, 2014
West Hawaii Legislators and County Council Report
To learn what the State legislators will be working on during the upcoming legislative session and for the county council to report and discuss county activities Speakers Representatives Nicole Lowen, Cindy Evans and Richard Creagan
October 15, 2013
Focus on the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act Speakers Tom Matsuda, Implementation manager of the Affordable Health Care Act in Hawaii Coral Andrews, executive director of the Hawaii Health Connector Joan Danielly of Kaiser Permanente Senator Dr. Josh Green
September 7, 2013
Focus on critical health issues in West Hawaii and specific actions that are being taken by West Hawaii health providers to address them. Speakers Dr. Sharon Vitousek, former director of North Hawaii Outcome Project Susan Hunt, director of Hawaii Island Beacon Project Jay Kreuzer, CEO of Kona Community Hospital Richard Taaffe, executive director of the […]
June 23, 2013
Speakers Michael Matsukawa, attorney and CE board member Ken Melrose, chairman of the Action Committee for KCDP Margaret Wille, Councilwoman, District 9 Nancy Pisicchio, KCDP Steering Committee facilitator Bo Kahui, executive director for Laiopua 2020
Moderator
Speakers

HOPE Services
A panel of experts will discuss the current state of homelessness in our community and the steps being taken to find short and long term solutions.