Hōʻike Podcast Studio

Nearly 200 years after it was built of coral limestone, the Gulick-Rowell House in Waimea is being brought back to life. Meet the people at Hale Puna who are restoring one of Kauaʻi’s oldest homes and turning its grounds into a food forest, a farmers market, and a gathering place for the Westside.

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What does it mean to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to use your voice in service of your community?

In this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, longtime Kaua‘i radio personality Ron Wiley sits down for a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation about nearly six decades in radio, finding home on Kaua‘i, love, loss, fatherhood, responsibility, and the lessons that come from speaking live to a community every day.

Ron shares how an unexpected moment at a Spanish-language radio station in 1967 changed the direction of his life, why he moved to Kaua‘i in 198...

View chapters to jump between candidates.

Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Mel Rapozo, the two candidates for Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi, each sit down with Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media ahead of the November 3, 2026 General Election.

In these interviews, both candidates answer the same questions, covering why voters should choose them, the biggest issue facing Kauaʻi, the cost of living, substance use treatment, the current County administration, housing, tourism, traffic, the County budget, and County services.

This episode is part of Hōʻike’s Kauaʻi Mayoral Candidate Interviews. Each candi...

What does it mean to take responsibility for the future of Kaua‘i?

On this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, Mason Chock joins us for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, community responsibility, fatherhood, resilience, and the places that have shaped his life.

Moving through the four decks — Roots, Path, Truth, and Impact — Mason reflects on growing up on Kaua‘i’s South Shore, his connection to places like Poʻipū, Alakoko, and the Nāpali Coast, and his years as a firefighter and rescue team member.

He also opens up about surviving a helicopter cr...

Hear directly from all 14 candidates for Kauaʻi County Council ahead of the November 3, 2026 General Election.

In this episode, Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media sits down with each candidate to discuss the biggest issue facing Kauaʻi, the cost of living, substance use treatment, housing, tourism, traffic, and the County budget.

This episode is part of Hōʻike's Kauaʻi County Council Candidate Interviews. Each candidate was asked the same core questions and given equal time to respond. Hōʻike does not endorse candidates.

Use the chapters to jump to any candidate.

C...

What happens when your students tell you that you should run for mayor — and you actually listen?

On this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, former Kaua‘i Mayor Maryanne Kusaka shares the remarkable story of a life shaped by education, public service, perseverance, and a deep love for the people of Kaua‘i.

Raised in Hāna, Maui, Maryanne left home for boarding school before attending college in Colorado and becoming a teacher. Eventually, life brought her to Kaua‘i, where she taught for decades — never imagining that some of her own former students would eventually en...

What does it mean to dedicate nearly four decades to a community—and then know when it’s time to let the next generation lead?

On this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, Sue Kanoho reflects on nearly 40 years of life and service on Kauaʻi, including 29 years of leadership with the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau. Through the cards Roots, Path, Truth, and Impact, Sue shares the experiences, relationships, and lessons that shaped her life on the island.

Sue opens up about the transition into retirement, the importance of succession planning, and why strong leaders need to crea...

What does it mean to serve the place that raised you?

In this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, Fern Holland reflects on growing up on Kauaʻi and the path that took her from environmental science and activism into public service. She opens up about grief, resilience, faith, and finding purpose through loss, while sharing her passion for protecting Kauaʻi’s environment and community.

Fern also discusses collaboration in government, the value of disagreement, and some of Kauaʻi’s biggest challenges—from housing and infrastructure to biosecurity and environmental protection.

At the heart...

What does it mean to serve your community one person at a time?

In this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, YWCA Kauaʻi Executive Director Cheryl Lum reflects on the experiences, relationships, and values that shaped her life and leadership on Kauaʻi.

Through a spontaneous card-draw conversation exploring roots, path, truth, and impact, Cheryl shares how she found her calling in social work, learned to face fear by stepping directly into it, and discovered the lasting power of community care.

She also opens up about the influence of her parents and grandmother, the...

What does it mean to live authentically—and to help others feel safe doing the same?

In this episode of Community Connections, we sit down with Cyenna Summers, Kauaʻi Pride 2026 Grand Marshal, for a heartfelt, funny, and honest conversation about Pride, drag, chosen family, and finding a true sense of belonging.

Cyenna opens up about her journey from feeling like a “lost soul” to becoming the confident performer and community figure she is today. She shares what Pride means to her, why visibility matters, and the freedom that comes from taking...

What does strength look like? Which risks are worth taking? And how do we balance service to our community with time for the people we love?

In this episode of Kauaʻi Unscripted, County Council Chair, Mel Rapozo reflects on growing up on Kauaʻi, the influence of his mother and former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, his years of public service, and the lessons he has learned as a father and grandfather.

Through a spontaneous draw of cards exploring roots, path, impact, and truth, Mel opens up about working hard, taking chances, navigating public criticism, owning mi...

In this episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, Hawaiʻi State Representative Luke Evslin reflects on the places, relationships, and life-changing experiences that have shaped him.

Representing House District 16 and serving as Chair of the Hawaiʻi House Committee on Housing, Rep. Evslin discusses resilience, family, affordable housing, public service, and his hope that future generations will be able to build a life on Kaua‘i.

From canoe paddling on the Huleʻia River and sunrise foil sessions at Kalapakī to reading with his children each night, Luke shares how a quieter, more grounded life has changed...

As part of Hōʻike Community Media's commitment to community engagement and public access, we are providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi.

This episode contains the complete 2026 Kauaʻi Mayor Candidate Interview Series. Each participating candidate was offered the opportunity to participate in a one-hour recorded interview and was asked the same ten core questions using the same interview format.

Use the chapter markers in your podcast app or media player to jump directly to the interview you'd like to hear.

Host Max Richardson sits down with Kauaʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like to discuss criminal justice, addiction recovery, public safety, rehabilitation, and the changing role of prosecution. From drug court and reentry programs to AI and the future of the justice system, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how accountability and compassion work together to build safer communities.

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In this pilot episode of Kaua‘i Unscripted, each conversation begins with the draw of a card — moving through roots, path, truth, and impact. Allegra sits down with Addison Bulosan for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply grounded conversation about fatherhood, failure, health, community, and what Kaua‘i needs most right now.

Addison shares how his two-year-old son Kilaʻa brings him peace, why “done is better than perfect” has shaped his life, and how learning the hard way led him from music into chiropractic care. The conversation also explores what makes Kaua‘i uniq...

This week’s County Council supplemental budget meeting was centered around community testimony on homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health services, affordable housing, and support programs across Kaua‘i.

Councilmembers discussed balancing urgent community needs with ongoing county projects and long-term planning, while also reviewing funding related to early childhood education programs like Tūtū and Me.

Mahalo to everyone who took the time to testify and participate in the public process.

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In this episode of Community Connections, we spotlight the Ka Pewa Youth Summit, where student leaders from across Kauaʻi came together to share their voices, experiences, and ideas for the future of our community. Through student-led conversations, collaborative discussions, and meaningful reflection, the summit created space for youth leadership, connection, and growth. ✨

This episode highlights the passion and dedication of Kauaʻi’s youth and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to lead and be heard.

Produced by Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media.

Special mahalo to the Ka Pewa Youth Sum...

In this episode of Community Connections, Tricia Allen sits down with Helen Raine of the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture to talk about the vital work being done to protect Hawaiʻi’s native and endangered bird species.

From wetland restoration to seabird conservation, Helen shares how these efforts not only support wildlife, but also strengthen the connection between people and place across Kauaʻi and beyond. The conversation highlights the importance of community awareness, stewardship, and the role we all play in protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

🎙 Produced by Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Med...

In this episode of Island Alert, host Max Richardson sits down with Kaua‘i’s newly appointed Chief of Police, Rudy Tai, just days after his official change of command.

With more than three decades of law enforcement experience, Chief Tai shares the journey that brought him from his roots in Pearl City to a leadership role on the mainland—and ultimately back home to serve the people of Hawai‘i. Grounded in a lifelong commitment to service, he reflects on how those early values continue to shape his approach to policing today.

The conversation explores...

This week’s County Council budget discussions offered a closer look at what it really takes to keep Kaua‘i running — from maintaining parks and infrastructure to responding to emerging challenges like the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.

In this episode, we break down key themes from April 1st and 2nd, including how departments are managing staffing gaps, why some projects take time to move forward, and how temporary solutions help bridge immediate needs while long-term plans are developed.

We also explore the role of community partnerships, the growing impact of environmental issues, and how different departments balanc...

What’s really in Kauaʻi’s County budget? 💰

In this special Budget Breakdown episode, we break down Day 1 of budget hearings—so you don’t have to sit through hours of meetings.

Here’s what we cover:
 • Why the budget is increasing
 • Where the County’s money actually comes from
 • Where your tax dollars go
 • And why housing is a major priority this year

Plus—what officials are worried about heading into the future 👀

If you’ve ever wondered how decisions about taxes, housing, and services are made… this is wher...

Ever wonder how everyday people on Kaua‘i can help save a life during a cardiac emergency?

In this episode of Island Alert, host Max Richardson sits down with Chris Pico, Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Lifeguard, to talk about PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts nearby CPR-trained responders when someone experiences cardiac arrest.

Chris shares how witnessing a dramatic rescue as a teenager inspired him to become a lifeguard and eventually join Kaua‘i’s Ocean Safety Bureau. The conversation then explores how PulsePoint works, w...