Focus Hawaii

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  Focus Hawaii Janice Matsunaga M.D. President, Hawaii Dermatological Society

  Lance Chase and Janice Matsunaga

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features dermatologist Dr. Janice Matsunaga, who shares essential information about skin cancer awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Matsunaga, born and raised in Honolulu and trained at the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and UCSF, discusses the American Cancer Society’s designation of 1993 as the “Year of Skin Cancer” and explains the campaign slogan “Practice Safe Sun.” She describes how to choose and properly use sunscreen, clarifies concerns about SPF levels and chemical ingredients such as PABA, and outlines the risks posed by sun exposure in Hawai‘i’s intense climate. She details the characteristics of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma—supplemented with visual examples—and emphasizes the importance of early detection through self‑examination and regular dermatological checkups. The episode also covers pre‑cancerous lesions, treatments ranging from liquid nitrogen to emerging therapies, the effects of ozone depletion, and practical steps families can take to protect children and adults from long‑term sun damage.

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  Focus Hawaii Nnamdi Okonkwo

  Lance Chase and Nnamdi Okonkwo

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii spotlights Nnamdi Okonkwo — a Nigerian-born scholar, standout BYU–Hawaii basketball player, and emerging artist whose passion lies in sculpture and pastel work. Okonkwo shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to coming to Hawaiʻi on a basketball scholarship, eventually discovering that sculpture was the medium that allowed him to fully express his inner world, reflecting on the influence of his mother’s artistic talent, the challenge of balancing athletics and the arts, overcoming language barriers through a love of reading, and the evolution of his artistic voice from drawing to painting and finally to sculpture. Through candid conversation, he describes the joy and heartbreak behind preparing his first one‑man show — from losing key pieces in the kiln to celebrating the support of friends who helped bring the exhibit to life — and discusses the distinctly African motifs in his work while emphasizing his desire to convey universal human emotions that transcend race or ethnicity. Okonkwo also compares the pressure and discipline of the basketball court with the vulnerability of exhibiting art, portraying both as spaces where belief in oneself is essential, and his reflections reveal the deep personal and spiritual investment behind each sculpture and how his life experiences, identity, and aspirations inevitably emerge in his work.

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  Focus Hawaii Patricia Saiki

  Lance Chase and Patricia Saiki

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Patricia Saiki — former Hawaiʻi state legislator, U.S. congresswoman, and Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Saiki reflects on her journey from a Hilo-born schoolteacher to a pioneering union organizer and then a trailblazing public servant who helped modernize state laws affecting women, families, and workers. She recounts her years shaping Hawaii’s Constitution, serving in both the House and Senate, championing equal rights, and later representing Hawaiʻi in Washington, D.C., where she worked on banking, finance, maritime issues, and landmark legislation such as family leave. Through personal stories, she describes her family’s immigrant roots, her husband’s support, the rapid pace of political life, and her continuing commitment to strengthening education, supporting small businesses, and diversifying Hawaiʻi’s economy. Saiki also discusses her upcoming run for governor, emphasizing leadership, accountability, and community‑based reform as keys to Hawaiʻi’s future.

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  Focus Hawaii Seiko Shiroma & Junior Primacio

  Lance Chase, Seiko Shiroma, and Junior Primacio

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Seiko “Shirley” Shiroma and Junior Primacio, two longtime Kahuku residents who reflect on the history, daily life, and cultural fabric of the Kahuku Sugar Plantation. Shiroma recalls his childhood, his father’s move to Kahuku in the 1930s, his years as a union administrator, and vivid memories of plantation life—from the roar of the mill and the iconic morning whistle to the tight‑knit community that emerged around shared labor, free housing, and mutual support. Primacio, a third‑generation plantation worker, recounts his family’s immigration from the Philippines, his decades of field and mill work, the rise of unionization, the 1946 strike, and the birth of Hawai‘i’s Pidgin language as diverse workers learned to communicate. Together, they describe the social, economic, and cultural shifts that followed the mill’s 1971 closure—including changing demographics, town planning efforts, community housing initiatives, and the eventual decline of sugar as an industry—while preserving the nostalgia, solidarity, and identity that defined plantation life in Kahuku.

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  Focus Hawaii Alton L. Wade President, BYU-Hawaii

  Lance Chase and Alton L. Wade

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features President Alton L. Wade as he reflects on his eight impactful years leading Brigham Young University–Hawaii and the experiences that shaped his service. Wade recounts his background in Church education, his time as president of Dixie College, and his deep love for BYU–Hawaii’s students, faculty, and multicultural mission. He discusses his upcoming transition to a vice‑presidential role at BYU–Provo, emphasizes his philosophy of leadership grounded in humility and service, and reflects on the challenges and joys of making decisions that affect an academic community. He also shares insights from his well‑known devotional address articulating the prophetic destiny of BYU–Hawaii as a global “laboratory” of cultural harmony and gospel preparation. With sincerity and emotion, Wade describes his hopes for the institution’s future, his trust in divine guidance, and the profound personal and spiritual meaning behind his years in Laie.

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  Focus Hawaii Return of Lance Chase

  Chad Compton and Lance Chase

  Hosted by Chad Compton, this episode of Focus Hawaii welcomes back longtime host Lance Chase, who openly shares his three‑year battle with cancer and the major turning points in his treatment. The conversation covers how he first discovered the illness, the surgeries and chemotherapy he went through, his hair loss and radiation effects, and the emotional and physical challenges of continuing treatments, including a difficult bone marrow transplant in Salt Lake City. Lance also reflects on the support of his family and community, how the experience changed him, and the courage required to keep going through moments of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. The episode offers a personal, honest look at illness, recovery, and the strength found in faith, family, and resilience.

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  Focus Hawaii Olani Durrant and Kirk Evans

  Chad Compton, Olani Durrant, and Kirk Evans

  Hosted by Chad Compton, this 1994 episode of Focus Hawaii introduces two newly arrived leaders at Brigham Young University–Hawaii: Olani Durrant, Academic Vice President, and Kirk Evans, Administrative Vice President. In a warm and wide‑ranging conversation, they discuss the challenges of relocating their families to Hawaiʻi, their early impressions of the Laʻie community, and the unique international atmosphere of BYU–Hawaii—where nearly half the student body comes from outside the United States. Durrant shares memories of being born in Honolulu, his earlier mission years in Hawaiʻi, and his excitement at working with a globally diverse student population. Evans reflects on his family’s move from Southern California, the demands of administrative operations such as budgeting, food services, housing, facilities, and the university farm, and his efforts to stay closely connected with students by attending campus events. Together, they describe BYU–Hawaii’s identity as a small undergraduate university with strong liberal arts and professional programs, intimate class sizes, active faculty mentorship, and a mission grounded in academic excellence, cultural diversity, and spiritual values. The episode also touches on housing shortages, campus computing advancements, international student needs, and their shared hopes for maintaining an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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  Focus Hawaii Doug Nawahine

  Chad Compton and Doug Nawahine

  Hosted by Chad Compton, this 1994 episode of Focus Hawaii features Doug Nawahine, a North Shore musician whose life story blends Hawaiian heritage, mainland upbringing, family devotion, and a deep love of music. Doug reflects on being born in Honolulu, raised in San Francisco and Fremont as the youngest of ten children, and eventually returning to Laʻie at age sixteen when his parents came home to live out their final years. He shares how music shaped his entire childhood—his father played and sang freely as a gift of service, his mother and siblings contributed their talents, and Doug absorbed it all before discovering East Bay soul, blues, and funk during his teenage years. After moving back to Hawaiʻi, he performed with college friends as the “Smiling Souls,” later building a long career entertaining at hotels including the Sheraton Waikīkī and Turtle Bay Resort. He discusses the meaning and responsibility of performing Hawaiian music, the importance of learning the language, and the joy of passing cultural traditions to his children—one daughter learning ʻukulele and his son competing as a hula dancer. Charming, warm, and candid, Doug speaks about adapting to pidgin, communicating with audiences, balancing family life with late‑night performances, and remaining grounded in the values handed down by his parents. The episode includes Hawaiian renditions of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “Silent Night,” showcasing the musical heritage he continues to preserve and share.

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  Focus Hawaii TRIOD Advanced Environmental Technology

  Chad Compton, Carol Sing, and Gary Sing

  Hosted by Chad Compton, this 1994 episode of Focus Hawaii features Carol and Gary Sing of Triod Promotions Incorporated, a pioneering brokerage firm specializing in advanced environmental technologies. The conversation explores how Triod functions as a global “one‑stop technology center,” connecting industries, governments, and communities with innovative solutions for water purification, wastewater treatment, air‑pollution control, alternative energy, and industrial cleanup systems. Carol and Gary describe their extensive research efforts, early exposure to international environmental trade shows, and their eventual expansion into Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. They explain how they identify polluting industries, introduce cutting‑edge technologies—from fast pyrolysis to non‑toxic oil‑spill remediation—and coordinate technical teams to implement solutions. The episode also delves into broader environmental concerns: the ecological toll of industrialization, the links between pollution and human disease, the importance of recycling and clean water at the household level, and the need for societies to reconnect with nature. With sincerity and urgency, the Sings discuss the economic resistance they face from companies reluctant to invest in environmental upgrades, their hopes for global ecological awareness, and the satisfaction of helping clients worldwide adopt sustainable solutions—such as their landmark sewage‑aerator distributorship completed entirely by phone and fax.

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  Focus Hawaii Junior League of Honolulu

  Lance Chase, Mindy Tucker, Carol Lee Owens, and Valerie Adams

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Junior League of Honolulu leaders Mindy Tucker, Carol Lee Owens, and Valerie Adams, who share the League’s long history of community service, volunteer leadership, and hands‑on projects across Oʻahu. They discuss the organization’s 70‑year legacy, its 650‑member base, and the extensive training, fundraising, and civic engagement efforts that support programs ranging from the Hawai‘i Nature Center and Children’s Advocacy initiatives to the impactful Christmas in April home‑repair project for elderly and disabled homeowners. Through personal stories—like rebuilding stairs, repairing roofs, and helping vulnerable families—the guests highlight the League’s mission to identify community needs, develop solutions, and empower women to lead meaningful service efforts. Please note: at the end of the video, the audio cuts off.

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  Focus Hawaii Pacific Islanders

  Lance Chase and Debbie Hippolite‑Wright

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii introduces the Pacific Islanders in America Research Team, led by BYU–Hawaii social work professor Debbie Hippolite‑Wright. The team—composed of student researchers from Hawai‘i, Tonga, New Zealand, and other Pacific backgrounds—discusses their groundbreaking work documenting the experiences, identities, and social realities of Pacific Islanders living in the United States. They describe several major projects: a comprehensive annotated bibliography of Pacific Islander scholarship; a study on barriers Pacific Islanders face when seeking social services in Hawai‘i; and a social‑distance survey measuring how Pacific groups perceive one another in local communities. Team members share findings, personal insights about identity, and their participation in major academic conferences, including the Tongan Historical Conference and the Asian‑American Studies Conference. The episode highlights empowerment, cultural pride, and the team’s mission to increase recognition of Pacific Islanders as a distinct population deserving of stronger research, visibility, and academic representation.

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  Focus Hawaii Marc Shlachter

  Lance Chase and Dr. Marc Shlachter

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. Marc Shlachter, the well‑known “Country Doctor” of Oʻahu’s North Shore. Dr. Shlachter shares his journey from growing up in Cleveland to becoming a beloved rural physician in Hawaiʻi, as well as his decades of global adventure travel that fill his clinic walls with photos and artifacts. He discusses being bestowed a Samoan chief title, learning Polynesian culture to better serve his patients, and serving as physician for both his local tour groups and the Kahuku High School football team since 1971. A major focus of the interview is his recent expedition to the Central African Republic to live among pygmy communities—describing their lifestyle, hunting methods, social customs, physical environment, and the challenges posed by encroaching modernity. He also talks about his travel to places such as Bhutan, Peru, Ecuador, and various Pacific islands, his medical call‑in radio show The Country Doctor, and the unique joys and demands of practicing medicine in a rural community.

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  Focus Hawaii Ken Wagner

  Lance Chase and Ken Wagner

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this Focus Hawaii episode features Ken Wagner, head basketball coach at BYU–Hawaii, during a standout 15–3 season—one of the best records in the school’s history. Wagner reflects on his upbringing in Mexico City, his coaching path from high school to junior college to the collegiate level, and the strengths of his internationally diverse team, including players from Nigeria, Brazil, Hawaiʻi, and the mainland U.S. He discusses academic priorities for student‑athletes, the importance of character and unselfish play, strategies for defense and end‑game situations, the realities of NAIA vs. NCAA competition, and the challenges of recruiting. The episode also includes game footage with Wagner’s commentary on key players and coaching philosophy. Please note: near the end of the recording, the audio and video become out of sync, which appears to be part of the source material and not a playback error.

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  Focus Hawaii Hypertension

  Lance Chase, Kathy Bow, Jeff Kong, and Lee Muller

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Kathy Bow of the State Hypertension Program, pharmacist Jeff Kong, and firefighter Lee Muller as they discuss high blood pressure awareness during National Blood Pressure Week. The guests explain lifestyle‑based prevention strategies, why hypertension often shows no symptoms, and the importance of regular screenings, especially through Hawai‘i’s statewide fire‑station blood‑pressure check program. They highlight how firefighters are trained to provide free screenings, how community outreach helps identify at‑risk individuals, and how public education—combined with early detection—plays a vital role in preventing heart disease, stroke, and related health problems.

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  Focus Hawaii James Chasteen

  Lance Chase and James Chasteen

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. James Chasteen, President and CEO of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), during his first visit to Hawai‘i to meet with NAIA‑member schools. Dr. Chasteen discusses his long career in higher education—including serving simultaneously as president of two Alabama colleges—and outlines the NAIA’s mission, governance structure, and strong commitment to academic standards, student success, and institutional integrity. He explains how the NAIA differs from the NCAA, highlights the organization’s pioneering history in offering postseason play for women and Black student‑athletes, and emphasizes its unique honor‑system approach to eligibility. The conversation also explores the NAIA’s growth, district structure, championship opportunities, the role of faculty and presidents in governance, and emerging priorities for strengthening the organization into the future.

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  Focus Hawaii American Cancer Society

  Lance Chase, Shirlee Goodgame, and Dr. Jerald Takesono

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this Focus Hawaii episode features an in‑depth discussion with American Cancer Society volunteers Shirlee Goodgame and Dr. Jerald Takesono, who share their experiences serving Windward Oahu communities through cancer education, prevention programs, patient support services, and volunteer‑driven initiatives. Together they explain ACS efforts such as smoke‑free youth programs, nutrition and early‑detection education, oncology nursing recognition, cancer‑survivor support groups, transportation assistance, equipment lending, and the vital role of volunteers in sustaining these services. The episode highlights local challenges, community outreach needs, personal stories of cancer survival, and the positive impact ACS programs have on patients and families throughout Hawai‘i.

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  Focus Hawaii Stewart Medeiros

  Lance Chase and Stewart Medeiros

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Stewart Medeiros—widely known as the “Calabash King of Hawaii”—who shares his life story, personal transformation, and the deep cultural and spiritual meaning behind his hand‑carved umeke (calabash bowls). Medeiros discusses his childhood beneath Diamond Head, his years in the Army and as a football coach, and his decades of craftsmanship before dedicating himself to creating one‑of‑a‑kind carved pieces rich with symbolic elements such as Hawaiian flora, fauna, heritage motifs, and personal emblems representing humility, renewal, and gratitude. He reflects on overcoming past struggles, choosing sobriety, rediscovering a sense of purpose, and giving back to Hawaii through his art—pieces that have reached figures such as President George H. W. Bush and Governor John Waiheʻe. The episode showcases his carvings, his philosophy of self‑restoration, and his deep love for the land and people of Hawaii.

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  Focus Hawaii Lester Moore PCC

  Lance Chase and Lester W. B. Moore

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this 1992 episode of Focus Hawaii features Lester W. B. Moore, President of the Polynesian Cultural Center, returning to discuss his first year of leadership and the ambitious developments underway at PCC. Moore describes both the challenges and successes of his first eleven months—managing a culturally diverse student workforce, navigating Hawaiʻi’s recession, and implementing long‑range strategic and operational plans. He shares details of PCC’s expanding international relationships, including consulting on new cultural centers in China, the signing of sister‑center agreements, and China’s effort to model its own 42‑acre and 692‑acre cultural sites after PCC’s example. Moore also highlights PCC’s mission as a “living museum,” its educational influence on guests and employees, its vital partnership with BYU–Hawaii, and its plans for major upgrades: redesigned “islands,” increased cultural participation, new student‑training programs, advanced translation technology, and enhancements to the night show Mana.

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  Focus Hawaii Sid Pershing

  Lance Chase and Sid Pershing

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. Sid Pershing, Chief of Staff at Kahuku Hospital, who shares his journey from medical training in California and medical missions in Samoa and the Marshall Islands to his current work on Oahu’s North Shore. He discusses the unique challenges of operating a small, community‑owned rural hospital—including financial pressures, limited resources, and a large indigent population—while highlighting the facility’s accredited services, dedicated staff, and partnerships with larger Honolulu hospitals for specialized care. The conversation also explores Dr. Pershing’s involvement in emergency medicine, medevac cases, community fundraising efforts, and his unexpected passion for polo, culminating in an upcoming benefit match to support Kahuku Hospital.

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  Focus Hawaii Blane Van Pletzen

  Lance Chase and Blane Van Pletzen

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Blane Van Pletzen, Director of the Reading and Writing Center at BYU–Hawaii, who shares his remarkable life story—from growing up in Rhodesia and South Africa to serving in the South African Defense Force, pursuing education in the U.S., and ultimately building a career in teaching—while also highlighting his unique musical talent as a self‑taught pianist who performs on a Yamaha Clavinova during the show.

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  Focus Hawaii Anne Workman

  Anne Chase Workman and Lance Chase

  Hosted by Anne Chase Workman, this special episode of Focus Hawaii turns the spotlight onto the show’s longtime host, Lance Chase, as Anne—his daughter—interviews him about his career, his years teaching English, religion, and history at BYU–Hawaii, and his involvement in athletics and community life. Lance reflects on memorable moments from producing Focus Hawaii since 1985, shares stories from his early coaching years, his love of running, his family life, his faith, and his academic journey, while also discussing his recent battle with lymphoma and the overwhelming support he has received. The episode offers a warm, personal look at the man behind the camera, revealing his values, teaching philosophy, and dedication to students, family, and the BYU–Hawaii community.

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  Focus Hawaii Moromona

  Lance Chase and Lanier Britsch

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Lanier Britsch, BYU–Hawaii Vice President for Academics, and Joseph Spurrier, professor of history and music, discussing their newly published books on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in Hawai‘i. Britsch explains how his book Moromona grew from years of research into the development of the Church in the islands, beginning with his own missionary service and expanding into a full historical study. Spurrier shares how his book Sandwich Islands Saints collects the stories of early Hawaiian converts after he realized he couldn’t fully write history from a Hawaiian perspective—but could preserve individual voices through biography. Together, they talk about early chapels, significant figures like Jonathan Napela, Kaleohano, and Francis Hammond, the founding of Laie, the role of Hawaiian royalty, and the cultural contributions of influential Hawaiians such as dancer and chanter Nahinu Kamehauokalani. The episode offers a warm, engaging look at Hawaiian Latter‑day Saint history through two complementary books.

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  Focus Hawaii Agnes Choy

  Lance Chase and Agnes Choy

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Agnes Choy, a gifted Hawaiian quilter and lei maker, who shares the story of how she learned quilting later in life and developed it into a deeply meaningful craft. Choy discusses growing up in Punaluʻu, learning quilting from her sister Debbie Kakalia, and creating quilts for her children and grandchildren—each with patterns personally chosen or designed to reflect their lives. She explains traditional Hawaiian quilting techniques, including applique, pattern folding, stitch styles, fabric selection, and the cultural significance of motifs such as orchids, taro leaves, and torch ginger. Choy also contrasts Hawaiian quilting with mainland styles, offers insights on care, washing, and storage, and reflects on the patience, concentration, and artistry required for each piece. Surrounded by her handmade quilts, Choy provides an intimate look into the heritage, discipline, and joy of Hawaiian quilting.

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  Focus Hawaii Randy Day

  Lance Chase and Randy Day

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Dr. Randy Day, a BYU–Hawaii biology professor, softball coach, and newly appointed chair of the Math–Science–Technology Division. Randy shares his background growing up in Arizona, serving an LDS mission in France and Belgium, and pursuing advanced degrees in marine science and physiology. He talks about his unexpected journey into coaching women’s softball—leading the team to a district championship—and explains why stepping into administration required him to set coaching aside. The conversation also covers his sports‑medicine research on ammonia buildup during exercise, which he presented at an international conference in the Netherlands, and his recent travels through Europe, including attending a rare Van Gogh retrospective and experiencing the excitement of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Randy reflects on art, culture, travel, teaching, and the broadening perspective gained from time abroad as he prepares to take on new responsibilities at the university.

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  Focus Hawaii Al Harrington

  Lance Chase and Al Harrington

  Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features celebrated entertainer Al Harrington, known for his roles on Hawaii Five‑0 and his long‑running Waikiki show. Harrington shares his journey from his childhood in American Samoa and Hawai‘i, to attending Punahou and Stanford, teaching history, and eventually becoming a knife dancer, emcee, singer, and one of Honolulu’s top headliners. He speaks candidly about the responsibility entertainers have to educate as well as entertain, the importance of countering Hollywood stereotypes of Polynesians, and the need to adapt to changing audiences. Harrington also reflects on family decisions, turning down Hollywood opportunities to raise his children in Hawai‘i, his sons’ athletic careers at BYU, and the life lessons he continues to share with younger performers—including the value of education, preparation, cultural understanding, and reading widely.