Island Conversations

Dr. Rick Bennett has been in heated conversations with heads of the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management for years, concerned about the wastewater treatment plants around the island.  For years he--and others-- have been urging the County to upgrade the plants.   Kona side, the partially treated sewage is discharged into a hole in the ground by the Kona Police station.  He says it's 1 to 2 million gallons per day, and because water flows downhill, it flows the mile or less towards the coast.  Hilo side, the wastewater goes a few miles out into Hilo Bay, and that Bay has been affected.   In addition, the County is under EPA mandates to provide wastewater treatment plants in some island areas because of pollution issues. Dr. Bennett had the chance to work with two other water experts (Rick Gaffney, Steve Holmes) and help Mayor Mitch Roth find candidates for the all-important post of Director of the Department of Environmental Management. In a conversation with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken, in her final podcast for New West Broadcasting, Dr. Bennett talks about watersheds, wastewater plants, the newly-appointed head of the County Department of Environmental Management (Ramzi Monsour) and why he is the "right guy," and more. Photo of Dr. Rick Bennett courtesy Dr. Bennett.

Dr. Rick Bennett, PhD, is a Kona Coast Waterkeeper, a title bestowed on him by The Water Keeper Alliance, International, which has been in operation since the 1970s.   He and Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken talk about bacteria in the Big Island's ocean water, how it's monitored, and the impact of sun.  And the need for people who live along Ali'i Drive, especially, consider allowing having a weather monitoring station on their property to monitor the amount of ultraviolet light, which helps keep tabs on the ocean. Air date:  Dec. 30, 2020 Photo of Dr. Bennett courtesy Dave Corrigan, Big Island Video News.

As I record my final Sunday Island Conversations, after nearly 17 years in radio,  I want to express my gratitude to everybody on this island--and elsewhere--who have been so supportive of the work that I do, whether it's news, the weekly interviews, forum moderation, or whatever.  This is a trying time, and I asked several people to share the source of their gratitude as they face challenges--with work, personally, with health.  I talked with 3 Mayors, 1 US Senator, the head of the Hawaii Food Basket, the Director of Imiloa Astronomy, the head of Canada France Hawaii Telescope, and Chris Leonard, General Manager of New West Broadcasting.  There will be two additional podcasts posted, all about water...so look for them, even though I retire Dec. 31, 2020.  And thank YOU for your support -- I am grateful to you, and to this island.  I'm not going anywhere, so I hope to continue serving our Big Island community (once I clean off my desk at home). With aloha, Sherry Bracken

Dental care is an integral part of overall medical care.  But there's much less discussion about dental care than general health care.  Questions like, what kind of toothbrush is best,  when should you start cleaning your keiki's teeth and when should they first see a dentist, why flouridated water or toothpaste, are electric or manual brushes better, what kinds of health conditions affect the mouth and vice versa, can a dentist see medical problems before we're aware of them?  Can a dentist tell if a woman is hapai (pregnant) because of her teeth?  Can you still see the dentist in the time of COVID?  Dr. Steven Pine, DDS, and Dr. John Gawlick, a pediatric dentist, both with West Hawaii Community Health Center, address that and more in a discussion with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken. Air date:  Dec. 20, 2020 Attached photo courtesy American Dental Association, photos below of Dr. Steven Pine (l) and Dr. John Gawlick (r) provided by West Hawaii Community Health Center                                                                                                                                                               

West Hawaii Community Health Center is one of three Federally Qualified Health Centers on the island.  CEO Richard Taaffe, who is the only Chief Executive there has been since WHCHC opened in 2005, talks about capabilities, employees, patients, COVID-19, and more.  **Note, WHCHC offers dental care, too, and following this there will be a podcast only Island Conversations with general dentist Dr. Steven Pine and Pediatric Dentist Dr. John Gawlick. Air date:  Dec. 20, 2020

We air the rest of the conversation with Mayor Mitch Roth, who was sworn in Dec. 7, 2020, and with whom Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken spoke in advance of his swearing in.  Guest 2 is Lt. Gov. Josh Green, M.D., an emergency room physician who talks about the COVID-19 vaccines and what Hawaii's plan is around vaccinations.  Part 1 of the discussion with Mayor Roth aired Dec. 6 and may be found as a podcast. Air date:  Dec. 13, 2020 Attached photo is Mayor Mitch Roth at his swearing in (nobody else close at the time of this photo, which is why he is maskless) and below is Lt. Gov. Josh Green, M.D., at a state press conference.

The week before being sworn in as Mayor, Mitch Roth talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about some of his cabinet appointments and plans.  Mayor-elect Roth had much to say, including that he's excited and hopeful about the future.  This week, Part 1 of the discussion airs.  Part 2 will air next week.  These are two of the last four Island Conversations programs that will air on KWXX, B97/B93, and KPUA 670 AM in Hilo. Air date:  Dec. 6, 2020  

The Big Island is subject to lots of hazards, including tsunami.  Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken talks with Dr. Walter Dudley, a professor emeritus from UH Hilo and author of many books on tsunami (including two new ones coming out in the spring), and Darryl Oliveira, former Hawaii County Fire Chief and former Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator, about tsunami in general and the 1975 Halape quake/tsunami as well.  Darryl Oliveira has a personal connection story -- it was his Boy Scout troop that was camping at Halape the morning of the event. For a fascinating report on the Halape earthquake, tsunami, and landslide, on Nov. 29, 1975, click here. Air date:  Nov. 29, 2020 Dr. Walter Dudley: Darryl Oliveira: Attached photo is courtesy USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The Big Island has three acute care hospitals, including one in Waimea.  Queen's North Hawaii Community Hospital President Cindy Kamikawa talks with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about the hospital's capacities, capabilities, clinics, and COVID-19 response. Air date:  Nov. 22, 2020

Mitch Roth will be inaugurated as the Hawaii County Mayor on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.  He has now announced the names of some of those he will bring to the Hawaii County Council for confirmation as the new Mayor's Cabinet--Managing Director Lee Lord, Deputy Managing Director Bobby Command, Elizabeth Strance as Corporation Counsel,  Finance Director Deanna Sako of Keaau, Parks and Recreation Director Maurice C. Messina of Mountain View, Information Technology Director Scott Uehara of Hilo and Housing Administrator Susan K. Kunz of Hilo. Roth talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about some of the key things on which he expects his cabinet members to focus and about the interview and selection process.   He also said he's still in the process of confirming a number of positions.  He expects those people who live closer to the West Hawaii Civic Center than to the Hilo County Building to work out of West Hawaii.  He also talked about the transition from current Mayor Harry Kim to the new administration. Roth will be inaugurated at noon on Dec. 7. Air date:  Nov. 19, 2020

What's up with Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Loihi, and Mauna Kea?  David Phillips, Acting Scientist in Charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, talks with Island Conversations host about the status of all the island's active volcanoes. Photo is David Phillips with wife Francine Coloma, who also has worked in the past at HVO. Air date:  Nov. 15, 2020

In the Nov. 3, 2020 election, Kai Kahele (currently a Hawaii State Senator representing Hilo) was elected to be the United States Representative to Congress representing all the neighbor islands plus rural O'ahu. Host Sherry Bracken spoke with an excited US Rep-elect Kahele on Wednesday, Nov. 4, about his personal and work plans. Air date:  Nov. 8, 2020      

In a bonus podcast of Island Conversations, host Sherry Bracken lists some key races decided in the Nov. 3 election--County Council 1 (Heather Kimball) and County Council 5 (Matt Kaneali'i Kleinfelder), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (Hawaii Island trustee Keola Lindsey, Moloka'i trustee Luana Alapa, at-large trustee Keali'i Akina), and talks with Hawaii County Mayor-Elect Mitch Roth.  Roth talks about the race against Ikaika Marzo, about his plans and what he needs to get done in the next month before the Dec. 7, 2020 inauguration, and expresses his appreciation to everybody who voted and to Mr. Marzo and his team. Air date:  Nov. 4, 2020

Travelers are being welcomed back to the state and the island--but there are requirements--pre-travel test, post-travel test, masks, etc.  Ross Birch of the Hawaii Island Visitor Bureau gives us an update, including his own "returning from the mainland" story which includes helpful hints about how to make finding a test site and scheduling a test easier.  He and Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken talk about how the process works on returning, what questions HIVB is getting, and what's coming up. Air date:  Nov. 1, 2020

In this time of COVID, more people are thinking about their important end-of-life and healthcare documents--such as who will make decisions if you cannot?  This week, Dr. Norm Goody and attorney Darl Gleed talk mostly about the health documents--a followup to last week's Part 1.  This is a repeat of an August, 2019 discussion. Air date:  Oct. 25, 2020

What is 5G?  There is a lot of talk about it, but how much do we know about it?  (Spoiler alert:  5G means Fifth Generation)  Ryan Ozawa, who recently wrote a column in the Honolulu Star Advertiser about 5G, talked with host Sherry Bracken--who did not understand-- to explain more.

Wills, trusts, HIPPA releases, Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Finances--it can be overwhelming.  Kona attorney Darl Gleed and Dr. Norm Goody decode things for us:  what do we need to know, what does it all mean?  This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken, which first aired in August, 2019.  With all that's going on in the world today--this is very useful information.   Part 1 airs Oct. 18, Part 2 airs Oct. 25. Air Date:  Oct. 18, 2020

There are two candidates running for Hawaii County Council District 1, a slice of Waimea down the Hamakua Coast into North Hilo to the Singing Bridge.  This week, candidate Dominic Yagong shares his thoughts.  Last week, candidate Heather Kimball talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken. Air date:  Oct. 11, 2020

Hawaii County Council District 1, a slice of Waimea down the Hamakua Coast to the "Singing Bridge" that goes into Hilo, has no incumbent County Council candidate, as incumbent Valerie Poindexter has timed out.  Candidate Heather Kimball talks with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about her plans should she win the seat in the election.  Next week:  the other candidate, Dominic Yagong. Air date:  Oct. 4, 2020

Hawaii County voters will have 16 Charter Amendments on which to vote in the upcoming election.  League of Women Voters members Sue Dursin, Toni Withington, and Donna Oba walk us through what they are and what supporters and opponents think, in a conversation with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken. Air date:  Sept. 27, 2020

The Hawaii County Charter Commission's Chair, Doug Adams, talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken in March, 2019, about the process the Charter Commission was following, who was on the Charter Commission, why some specific amendments were proposed, and more.   The process is quite interesting! The next Island Conversations program is with 3 members of the League of Women Voters--Sue Dursin, Donna Oba, and Toni Withington.  They will talk about the 16 Charter Amendments on the ballot, and give the pros and cons as gleaned from those who testified for or against the amendments.   That program air on the radio on Sunday, Sept. 27, on the Big Island of Hawaii at 6:30 a.m. on KWXX (101.5 Kona, 94.7 Hilo), and at 7 a.m. on B97.1 Hilo and B93.1 Kona.  It will be posted as a podcast Sunday around 6 a.m. and til forever wherever you get Island Conversations as a podcast, or at kwxx.com and b97hawaii.com

Hawaii County Council District 5, upper to lower Puna, has two candidates running in the General Election (all mail, ballots due in by Tues Nov. 3, 7 p.m.).  The incumbent, Matt Kaneali'i Kleinfelder, is seeking a second two-year term; Ikaika Rodenhurst, today's guest, talks with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken.  The interview with Mr. Kaneali'i Kleinfelder aired on Sept. 13. Air date:  Sept. 20, 2020

Council District 5 (Puna,from upper down through part of Pahoa town and more) candidate Matt Kaneali'i Kleinfelder is running for re-election--but not unchallenged.   In the Primary, he and challenger Ikaika Rodenhurst finished only a few hundred votes apart, and they move on to the General Election.  This week, we talk with Mr. Kaneali'i Kleinfelder; next week, it's Ikaika Rodenhurst. Air date:  Sept. 13, 2020

Bay Clinic is one of three Federally Qualified Community Health Centers on the island (along with West Hawaii Community Health Center and Hamakua Health).  At a time when many people are actually losing their insurance, plus the challenges of health care exacerbated by COVID-19, it's critical to our island to have these medical providers.  Dr. Kimo Alameda heads up Bay Clinic, and he and host Sherry Bracken talk about the clinic, where it is, what it does, and how people -- even without insurance--or even those with insurance--can sign up for care. Air date:  Sept. 6, 2020

Hawaii County's elected Prosecuting Attorney, Mitch Roth, is running for Mayor, one of two candidates who are vying for the county's top job.    In a conversation with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken, Roth talks about some of the things he might do as mayor and what sets him apart from his opponent, Ikaika Marzo. Coming up:  Thursday, Sept. 17, 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.,  West Hawaii Forums Group is sponsoring a conversation between Mr. Marzo and Mr. Roth, which Ms. Bracken will moderate.  It will be available at Facebook.com/WestHawaiiForum

Hawaii County Mayor Kim and Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken talked about the current COVID-19 spike on the island.  Today, Tuesday Aug. 25, there are 74 active cases out of 209 cumulative cases on the island.  Mayor Kim today issued Rule 11, which imposes certain restrictions on gatherings.   They are now limited to 10 people, with masks, or 25 at a sports practice, or 50 for sports competitions.  That information is here. Mayor Kim has exempted worship services from the Rule, in some ways.   The printed information says churches may conduct services subject to restrictions on distancing.  The printed information says churches are "encouraged" to consider additional safeguards, such as masking, and are encouraged to avoid buffets and such.  Mayor Kim says the mask requirement is mandatory for everybody. Mayor Kim said there are cases that have come from large memorial services with many  people not wearing masks, and not distancing, and there are some at the Yukio  Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo.    He said he is discouraged by people who are violating the county's prohibitions on gatherings, or not wearing masks. He said the County has asked Premier Medical Group to continue providing free testing here on Hawaii Island, including coming up Thursday,  Aug 27 in Keaukaha from 9 a.m. til 1 p.m.  One of the large gatherings was held in Keaukaha, and Mayor Kim said it's important to try to determine how much community spread of COVID-19 there is--and testing will help. Kim urges the public to call the police at 808-935-3311 or Hawaii County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 if they are aware of violations of the gathering prohibitions.  

Hawaii County has had a 91% in COVID-19 cases since August 1, and on August 25, at 2:30, the island has 74 active cases, 209 cumulative.  Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken spoke with Dan Brinkman, CEO of Hilo Medical Center, since it's the only hospital on the island right now with COVID-19 patients. As of Tuesday, August 25, Hilo Medical Center has 10 patients with COVID-19, 4 of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit.  All the COVID-19 patients are isolated--the 6 not in the ICU are in a separate hallway, that's blocked off  by plastic barriers.  The 4 patients in the ICU are also blocked off by plastic barriers.  All staff wears Personal Protective Equipment -- gowns, gloves, shields, face masks, goggles--and the staff gets tested regularly. HMC has 11 ICU beds --all full right now with the 4 COVID-19 patients plus 7 patients with stroke, trauma, or other conditions that need more attention.  The HMC plan is to add ICU beds if needed, or move less sick patients as they can into regular hospital facilities.  The bigger concern is staffing--which is something Hilton Raethel of the Health Care Association of Hawaii has mentioned as an issue for all hospitals but especially those on O'ahu.    Raethel is seeking federal assistance for staffi ng, and Brinkman said HMC may ask to be added.  The challenge is figuring out where and when a peak may occur.  HMC and other hospitals use what's called "travelers," temporary hires of nurses and doctors, but right now, even those are in high demand and short supply.  Brinkman said one of HMC's plans is to ask medical professionals who are in education or management to assist with patient care if need be. None of the COVID-19 patients are on ventilators, which are used less frequently now with COVID-19 patients.  HMC has 32 ventilators, and 4 are in use now by non-COVID-19 patients. Brinkman said research is now showing that COVID-19 is less transmitted by surfaces and more easily transmitted person to person.   They are thorough and cleaning, and patients as well as healthcare providers wear N95 masks.  There is a robust testing program for the HMC Staff, and so far, there have been zero cases in HMC staff.   So the precautions seem to be working.  The facility has 83,000 N95 masks, 2 million gloves, 4,000 face shields, and close to 200,000 surgical masks.  Brinkman said…

Ikaika Marzo is one of two candidates for Hawaii County Mayor.  Mr. Marzo is our guest this week; the other candidate Mitch Roth, is up next week.  Mr. Marzo talks about how he's developing his vision for the Big Island, his plans if he becomes Mayor, and more.   The Big Island Press Club will sponsor a Mayor Candidate Forum with both candidates and Moderator Sherry Bracken together (but apart, with no audience)  on Thursday, October 1, 2020, and available at Big Island Video News (bigislandvideonews.com) and at the Big Island Press Club Facebook Page, among other places.  More details on that as they come!  The Mayor job is huge, especially so this year, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The ballots will arrive by October 15, 2020, and they must be in the County Elections office by Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.  There will be Ballot Drop Boxes around the island, or the ballots may be mailed back--but mail at least a week early.   By the way, if you still want to register...Oct. 5, 2020 is the deadline...go online to elections.hawaii.gov Air date:  Aug. 23, 2020

United State Congress Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Hawaii Island and all the other neighbor islands plus rural O'ahu, talked with New West Broadcasting's Sherry Bracken on Wednesday, Aug. 19, about the state's response to COVID-19, its lack of doing appropriate contact tracing, concerns over federal monies allocated for tracing and testing,  and the upcoming House bill addressing the issues with the post office. Gabbard said she has serious concerns about the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, specifically regarding how and if the state is doing effective contact tracing.    A whistleblower, Dr. Jennifer Smith, appeared with Rep. Gabbard last Friday at a press conference.  Dr. Smith said despite the State Department of Health saying it had somewhere between 77 and 105 contact tracing, in reality there were few, and contact tracers were trying to handle 100 to 192 cases of COVID-19.  Rep. Gabbard said Gov. David Ige and Dr. Bruce Anderson, head of the State DOH, must be clear about how many contact tracers they have, and how they are ramping up--though Rep. Gabbard said the ramp-up should have been done in May. The State's Congressional delegation (Gabbard, Rep Ed Case, and State Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz) secured $50 million in funding to be used for contact tracing, testing, and more.  Two days ago, Sen. Brian Schatz indicated his staff was having difficulty getting the state to explain how the funding was being used.  Today, U.S. Congress Representative Anna Eshoo, chair of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health wrote a letter to Gov. David Ige asking that the state account for the monies allocated to it as part of the Federal CARES Act, funding that must be used for COVID-19 activities by December, 2020.  The letter from Eshoo, in part, as she asked for an accounting of the funds: "As you know, less than two months ago, Hawaii had the lowest number of COVID19 cases per capita of any state in the nation. However, this trend has reversed and now Hawaii has the highest infection rate in the United States. From early June through the end of July, your state's cases more than tripled to 2,111 confirmed infections, and from July 31 through August 14, the state's cases doubled and now stand at 5,042 positive cases. At the same time, your state has implemented a 14-day travel quarantine for travelers visiting the…

The response rate of Hawaii County residents to the U.S. Census, which is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is less than 50% -- as of right now, 46.5%.  Why is it important?  The way money comes to Hawaii County, to our communities in Puna, Kohala, Ka'u, Hilo, Kona, everywhere--is determined by the population as determined by the Census.  That includes things like COVID-19 Pandemic Relief for businesses and individuals, as well as funding for schools, keiki programs, senior programs, and more.    Sharlette Poe with the Census tells us more.  BTW, next Sunday, Aug. 23,  Island Conversations features Hawaii County Mayor Candidate Ikaika Marzo; Sun. Aug. 30, it will be Mayor Candidate Mitch Roth. Air date:  Aug. 16, 2020

Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken wanted to talk with Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim today, Sunday, August 9, to get his reaction to the Saturday Primary in which he finished third, and therefore will see his Mayor job end on December 7, 2020.  But as they talked, Mayor Kim revealed that Gov. David Ige, after declaring reinstatement of the interisland travel quarantine on Thursday, told the Counties  that each County is now responsible for developing its own rules around exemptions and tracking those in quarantine and more.  So the conversation is about all of the above, including what the Mayor sees as his legacy. Post date:  Aug. 9, 2020

Mayor candidate Ikaika Marzo, a political newcomer, finished the Saturday, August 8 Mayor race as the second vote-getter, with more than 20% of the vote in a crowded 15-person race.  He and current County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, who had just over 30% of the vote, will face off in the General Election, Nov. 3, 2020.  In the all-mail race, ballots will be out in mid-October--or perhaps earlier--so everybody in Hawaii County needs to think about who they will select.  Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken spoke with Ikaika Marzo on Sunday morning, Aug. 9, to get his initial thoughts--his reaction to the election, more about him for those who don't know him,  what he wants voters to consider as they think about their choice for Mayor. He will be a guest on Island Conversations soon, as will Mr. Roth, and both candidates will take part in a forum on Thursday, Oct. 1, which Ms. Bracken will moderate. Posting date:  Aug. 9, 2020

Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth finished the Saturday, August 8 Mayor race as the top vote-getter, with more than 30% of the vote in a crowded 15-person race.  He and second place finisher Ikaika Marzo will face off in the General Election, Nov. 3, 2020.  In the all-mail race, ballots will be out in mid-October--or perhaps earlier--so everybody in Hawaii County needs to think about who they will select.  Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken spoke with Mitch Roth on Sunday morning, Aug. 9, to get his initial thoughts--his reaction to the election, more about him for those who don't know him,  what he wants voters to consider as they think about their choice for Mayor. He will be a guest on Island Conversations soon, as will Mr. Marzo, and both candidates will take part in a forum on Thursday, Oct. 1, which Ms. Bracken will moderate. Posting date:  Aug. 9, 2020

In 1998, Ann and Norm Goody created Three Ring Ranch, an exotic animal sanctuary above Kailua town--with a zebra, to start, and now, monkeys and ostriches and tortoises and a whole bunch of birds, including flamingos (did you wonder what the Hilton Waikoloa did with their animals??).  Ann talks about the challenges COVID-19 has presented, how the animals come to them, what they do with them -- and whether they're back to giving educational tours.  They're reachable at animals@threeringranch.org or 808-331-8778 Air date:  Aug. 9, 2020 All photos courtesy Ann Goody, Three Ring Ranch        

In an interview with New West Broadcasting's Sherry Bracken on Monday morning, August 3, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said that the current number of active cases, 922 total in the state right now, more than 900 of them on O'ahu, can lead to the State having to do another shutdown.    Green said we're in an enormous surge, the riskiest time we've been in, with high double or low triple digit numbers for the last several days, that we are at a crossroads.  He said if we do not get containment of the virus now, it will exceed the capability of the State Department of Health to trace the cases and ensure those who have been exposed are isolated, we may need to get back to a total shutdown.   (Note, L.G. Green sent a followup text to Ms. Bracken after the morning interview,  and revealed there are 207 new cases, some of that because yesterday's numbers were incomplete.) State Director of Health has insisted for weeks it has enough contact tracers, but on Thursday, Gov. David Ige acknowledged that the state does NOT have enough contact tracers.  L.G. Green said the state needs to hire all of the contact tracers who have been trained.  Immediately, the National Guard is going to bring on around 68 people who can do contact tracing, as that's imperative to curb the spread.  Lt. Governor also said that of the 77 tracers mentioned on the State Department of Health web site, in reality, they are not all working on contact tracing. Green said the State has received a $50 million grant from the CDC as part of the CARES Act, to be applied to contact tracing and testing, so he said the State has enough funds to do the job.  He said the State Department of Health is putting in a proposal to the CDC and one of the proposals is to enhance the State Lab.  Green said there is also funding coming from the legislature and the counties.  He said the appropriate thing is to have all contact tracing centralized through State Department of Health so they can keep proper records. Green is concerned that he feels some in the State Department of Health feel it's already out of control.  But he remains hopeful, as vaccinations are coming, and we just need to control the situation until then. Right now, there are outbreaks in…

Kaiser Permanente is a major healthcare provider, with more than 250,000 members in Hawaii.  Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken talks with Kaiser's Chief Nurse Executive Kate Roche and Lab Director Larry Shima (both on O'ahu) and Hawaii Island Manager Lloyd Tanaka about Kaiser's future in the state given the current environment, testing, and what they've learned from some of the COVID-19 patients whom Kaiser has treated. Air date:  August 2, 2020

There has been great concern, especially on social media, about reports of missing and abducted women and children on the Big Island.  Truth?  Fiction?  How does Hawaii County Police Department handle these situations?  Assistant Chief Robert Wagner, with the department for 34 years and now heading up Area 2 (West Hawaii) tells us what he knows. Air date:  July 26, 2020

Testing, how other countries are handling COVID, the new G mutation and how it will affect those working on vaccines, and more --that's what Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group and host Sherry Bracken discuss. Air date:  July 19, 2020

The Hawaii State Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued an advisory after around 20,000 gallons of sewage entered Kailua Bay due to a broken sewer line on Ali'i Drive near Sarona Lane.  State DOH says it has posted signs warning people to stay out of the bay until further notice, and that they are collecting water quality samples. A big question is, can either workers or swimmers or passersby who may have encountered the sewage spill on Saturday morning, July 11, contract COVID-19?  It's known that exposure to sewage in water can cause anything from rashes to gastrointestinal diseases, or worse.  But can people exposed catch the very contagious COVID-19?  The CDC says no. But we wanted to ask a local expert, and spoke with Dr. Scott Miscovich.   Dr. Miscovich has been involved with COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 patients since the outbreak in Hawaii began. On O'ahu,  the City and County of Honolulu is testing wastewater at each of the island's 9 wastewater treatment plants, and the idea is to see how much COVID-19 becomes present as the island's businesses open up and as tourists begin to return to the island.  The wastewater was tested as a baseline before businesses started opening up.  The data won't be household-specific, but would indicate a trendline that might warrant additional COVID-19 testing in a community.  It also is a backup because people without symptoms may never go in for COVID-19 testing but may still be shedding the virus.  For that story, and what the City and County's Chief Resilience Officer, Josh Stanbro, said, click here. Dr. Miscovich, in a conversation with New West Broadcasting's Sherry Bracken, said it is highly unlikely anybody swimming who minimally came in contact with the sewage could contract the virus (though he said he wouldn't actually go swimming in it, now that it's clear it's there).  But he said he had some concern for those workers who were engaged in cleaning up the spill for several hours, and would have them tested at least once and likely more than once. Dr. Rick Bennett, PhD, is a wastewater expert, and involved with advocating for keeping Hawaii County's waters clean.   He echoed Dr. Miscovich that the sun, the UV rays, would fairly quickly disperse any virus or bacteria in the ocean water as a result of the spill.  He also said that studies have shown that workers in…

Hawai'i County Police Captain Greg Esteban is also president of the International Homicide Investigators Association, which has members from all 50 states plus countries on six continents.  Capt. Esteban talks with host Sherry Bracken about homicides on the Big Island of Hawaii, new investigative techniques, how his work with the IHIA helps the county and state law enforcement agencies, and more. Photo is Capt. Greg Esteban speaking at the Kona Crime Prevention Committee Meeting on Mar. 4, 2020 at Huggo's Restaurant Air date:  July 12, 2020

Former Mayor Billy Kenoi is suffering from some life-threatening health issues, and he shares the details plus shares thoughts about our island's economy, tourism, the next mayor's job, and more.  He also gives a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Takako.  Part 1 aired June 28 and includes former Mayor Kenoi's thoughts about some of the challenges the next Mayor (election coming August 8) will face in budget and more, plus his thoughts about Mauna Kea. Air date:  July 5, 2020 (Note, part 1 is here:  https://www.kwxx.com/episode/island-conversations-85-former-mayor-billy-kenoi/  

Former Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi talks with host Sherry Bracken about dealing with the pandemic, the mayor job and what the next Mayor (who could be elected in August) will need to do, what government should be counted on as the pandemic recovery begins, and his now-changed views about Thirty Meter Telescope.  In Part 2, airing July 5, Mayor Kenoi shares more about the Mayor job, and shares intimate details about his health challenges in recent years and how he's faced them, including with support from his wife Takako, to whom he gives a heartfelt tribute. Air Date:  June 28, 2020

During this time of COVID-19, which has now been going on for more than 3 months, people are feeling anxious, they're feeling depression, they're facing job losses and other uncertainties.  Physician Assistant Christopher Russell and psychologist Dr. Katherine May talk with host Sherry Bracken about how to think about all this and address the issues. Air date:  June 21, 2020

On June 5, 1989, photojournalist Jeff Widener --who used to be with the Honolulu Advertiser -- took what turned out to be the iconic photographer called "Tankman," of a lone man in front of tanks in Tiananmen Square.  Jeff talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about the environment in China during that time and how he got that iconic photo at what we hear is significant personal peril.  That photo was printed around the world, and began to show the world what was really going on in China at that time. Photo of Tankman copyright Jeff Widener, used with permission of Jeff Widener. Air date:  June 14, 2020, a rebroadcast of an interview that first aired in June, 2015  

Kehau Costa of Hawaii Island Realtors, Julie Mitchell of Ku'ikahi Mediation Center in Hilo, and Eric Paul of West Hawaii Mediation Center in Waimea talk about the concern about people who may not be able to pay their rent, with at least 22% of Hawaii's population now unemployed.  Although right now there is a state moratorium on evictions, that will end at some point.  Kehau, Julie, and Eric talk about a mediation program that helps landlords and tenants come together to talk about possible solutions that will work for both parties.  (Note, we did put this online as a podcast only a month ago, but heard from folks who don't listen to podcasts and are concerned, so on June 7 it's airing on the radio, as well.) Air date:  June 7, 2020 Kehau Costa, Executive Director, Hawaii Island Realtors Julie Mitchell, Ku'ikahi Mediation Center Eric Paul, West Hawaii Mediation Center  

Governor David Ige and Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken talked on Friday afternoon, June 5--lots of topics:  Mauna Kea, the protests on the mainland and how they're being handled here, and of course, how to restart tourism, and how to remake tourism. Post date:  June 5, 2020

Anne Broderson, Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, and Clayton McGhan, the Executive Director of Ali'i Health Center in Keauhou Shopping Center (an affiliate of Kona Community Hospital and the Kona Ambulatory Surgery Center) talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about COVID-19 testing and the flexibility now available for testing, plus antibody testing, PLUS the new protocol for patients going into hospitals for surgery or services, which involves testing.  To screen in advance, or for questions, call (808) 747-8321 Post date:  June 5, 2020

Voting by mail--we've been hearing from national leaders that voting by mail is fraudulent.  Is it?  If so, how is it addressed?  What is the history of voting by mail in the country?  Hawaii County has had voting by mail, as absentee ballots are sent in by mail, but this is the first election where the entire State of Hawaii will vote by mail.  Dr. Todd Belt of George Washington University in Washington D.C. is the Director of the Political Management Masters Program, and explains the issues. Air date:  May 31, 2020

Hawaii will be voting by mail for all future elections, including our next election August 8, in which the public may decide who will be the next County Mayor, next council members, and next Prosecuting Attorney.  The decision was made by the State Legislature well in advance of COVID-19, but it puts the state in a good position since all the kinks have been worked out.  Hawaii County Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto talks with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken about the details and the safeguards. Note, also check Island Conversations #79, Voting by Mail with Dr. Todd Belt of George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Belt speaks about the experience across the country with voting by mail--did it improve voter turnout?  Is there fraud?  How can it be addressed? Air date:  May 31, 2020

Dr. Scott Miscovich, whose organization Premier Medical Group has been testing for both active and past COVID-19 cases throughout the state, talks about how COVID-19 is affecting the provision of medical care in the state and on the Big Island, and gives us way more detail about the COVID-19 PCR tests (nasal swab up the nose), and about antibody tests (a blood draw). Air date:  May 24, 2020

The United States Census Bureau reports that nearly half of American adults lost employment since mid March, and about a third of Americans are experiencing food insufficiency.  On Hawaii Island the need is dire.   The demand is always great, but now, with COVID-19, it's far greater.  Hawaii Island Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht talked with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken and said in April alone, the Food Basket served 32,000 people and they are expecting to serve 50,000 people in May.  They've been receiving generous donations from individuals and foundations, but for example, in April alone they had to spend $300,000 to procure refrigerated items. Air date:  May 20, 2020