The Rick Hamada Program

Rick Hamada reflects off a Hawaii News Now report regarding fare increases for both ferries and flights being blamed on the war with Iran. While that certainly is a part of it, Rick digs deeper beyond the easy answer to ask the hard questions about cost increases blamed on one thing in the moment, but that are actually happening because of other circumstances.

May is American Stroke Month. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, and understanding your risk helps you take steps that protect your health. We will learn the stroke warning signs and how to prevent a future stroke. On this episode of Sustaining Hawai’i, brought to you by Bayer, Rick Hamada welcomes back the American Heart Association and will talk with Dr. Huidy Shu, board member for Heart...

Rick Hamada welcomes 2026 gubernatorial candidate Gary Cordery to the show to talk about the campaign, the big issues facing the people of Hawaii, and more! BTW, check out "The Freedom Hour" podcast on your iHeartRadio app -- every Saturday morning at 8AM on KHVH, Gary Cordery and Doug Pasnik talk in depth about issues you care about!

Rick Hamada welcomes Joe Kent and Ted Kefalas of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii to the show for a timely conversation about the end of the Hawaii Legislative session and what new bills are likely to be enacted in the final votes. Plus, both Joe and Ted talk about the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and what they do on a day-to-day basis to work and inform the people of Hawaii about how their gove...

On this week's episode of Community Matters, Rick Hamada speaks with Jennifer Santos, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) for the City and County of Honolulu. Jennifer talks about her background and the exciting projects she has been part of...so far!...in her role with the city and county.

On this week's episode of Community Matters, Rick Hamada speaks with Hilton Raethel, MPH, MHA, who is the President and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii. It's time to celebrate Hawaii's Healthcare Heroes--and Hilton talks about the program and the recognition + honor it bestows on those who achieve the designation of a Hawaii Healthcare Hero.

On this week's episode of Community Matters, Rick Hamada speaks with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi about the aftermath of the terrible "Kona Low" storms that ravaged Oahu and the state of Hawaii in the month of March. Get the latest update on storm-affected areas like Waialua, Haleiwa, and several other areas of the island of Oahu...directly from the mayor.

On this week's episode of Community Matters, Rick Hamada speaks with Hawaii State Representative Diamond Garcia (R) about bills currently moving in the Hawaii Legislature--and which bills are likely to be enacted as we get close to the end of the legislative session.

On this week's episode of Community Matters, Rick Hamada speaks with attorney Rai Saint Chu about the historic significance of women lawyers in the state of Hawaii.

On this week's episode of Community Matters, host Manny Munoz talks with experts about severe weather preparation and disaster response.

Episode 82 (2 May 2026): Today’s Freedom Hour – Is It Health Care? — Who Decides, and What Comes Next for Hawai‘I? This episode explores how recent legislative actions in Hawai‘i are shaping the definition of health care—from emergency services to civil rights frameworks and provider protections. As policies evolve, who decides what qualifies as care? Joined by physician Dr. Bill Lile, we examine...

It's another great Friday morning with friends from the Hawaii Theater during Wine Before 9 with Rick Hamada! Gregory Dunn, President and CEO of Hawaii Theater, joins Rick and special guest Johnny Valentine also joins in!

Rick Hamada welcomes actor and comedian Brian Callen to the show for a quick conversation, just ahead of Brian's appearances at Blue Note Hawaii this weekend!

Rick Hamada spends time with Chad Blair from Honolulu Civil Beat, digging down into the details of stories that you're talking about..including the latest on Sylvia Luke, the Hawaii Legislative session, and other stories tracked by the reporters at civilbeat.org.

Rick Hamada welcomes Hawaii House GOP members Diamond Garcia and Brenton Awa to talk about the closing weeks of the Hawaii legislature...and what bills are likely to pass and what bills are having problems. Get the inside scoop on the latest laws coming from your elected representatives.

It's time to talk cars and auto repair...and the expert in the field in John Starkey of Starkey's Auto Repair. John joins Rick Hamada in studio to talk about auto maintenance and repair this morning.

Rick Hamada talks children's medicine and saving the youngest and most fragile human beings--our children in the womb--with Dr. William Lile.

With Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi out of studio--in China on a diplomatic visit--Rick Hamada welcomes Jennifer Santos, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) for the City and County of Honolulu, for a conversation on her work and more.

Rick Hamada talks with PGA pro and Moanalua High School Coach John Harman about the game of golf in Hawaii, the exit of the Sony Open from Hawaii, and the benefits of getting kids into the game as they grow.

Rick Hamada takes a few moments to talk with Mufi Hannemann, head of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, about HLTA's annual charity walk, coming up this weekend!

Rick Hamada welcomes Mike Hanson to the program to talk about the Jones Act--a law that has lasted more than a century and remains the center of debate in Hawaii. Does the Jones Act harm Hawaii with higher prices...or does it protect Hawaii and the maritime industry by demanding only US flagged ships to carry our goods?

Rick Hamada spends a few moment with John Hiltz, CEO of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, to talk about the museum's role in the community, scholarships, and more.

Rick Hamada connects with good friend and former KNUS/Denver talk show legend Steffan Tubbs...talking about the headlines of the day and getting Steffan's thoughts about the Trump administraiton, immigration, and more.

Rick Hamada start Monday morning talking to the man behind Hawaii's fastest growing news website--Cam Napier of Aloha State Daily (alohastatedaily.com). Rick and Cam talk about today's biggest headlines in government and more.

Episode 81 (25 April 2026): Today’s Freedom Hour – Sine Die: Who Governs Hawai‘i When the Legislature Goes Home? As Hawai‘i’s Legislature approaches sine die and the Lt. Governor steps aside amid controversy, a deeper question emerges: who holds power when lawmakers are no longer in session? This episode explores the “people’s power gap,” emergency authority, and the balance between branches of go...