The holiday season is upon us. It is the time of year for family get-togethers, traditional meals, finding bargains for that special gift and, unfortunately, the opportunity to get scammed. How do you protect yourself? What are the warning signs to watch for?

Rat lungworm disease continues to be a hidden threat in Hawaiʻi. And that threat is growing. The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite with potentitally devastating consequences. New research finds that this parasite may be hiding in more than just your produce. Many in the medical community lack the information and experience to identify it and treat it. From diagnosis, to treatment, to prevention...hear what experts have to say. Plus, a survivor shares her experience and her ongoing recovery.

The 2022 General Election is Tuesday. Hawaiʻi voters will elect a new governor and lieutentant governor and at least one new member of Congress. Two of Hawaiʻi’s four county mayors are up for re-election. All 76 seats in the state Legislature were up for election this year due to reapportionment and there are hotly contested races four county councils and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Who are the winners and losers? What surprises await what does it all mean going forward?

If you haven’t filled out your general election ballot, there’s still time to cast your vote. Besides candidates, residents will also be deciding on proposed charter amendments in all four counties. The County Charter outlines how the county runs. The issues vary between the counties and range from how government monies should be spent to salaries and special elections. Our panel will take a closer look at the amendment proposals to help you be informed.

Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are chosen in statewide elections. There are three at-large seats with no district requirement on the General Election ballot this year. Four candidates are facing off against two long-time incumbents.

Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino faces a tough challenge in his bid for a second term from retired State Judge Richard Bissen. In the August primary election, Bissen got the most votes with Victorino coming in second in a field of eight candidates. Both candidates advanced to the November general election.

In November, voters across the state will elect someone new to represent Hawaiʻi’s second congressional district which includes rural Oʻahu (Waiʻanae Coast, North Shore, Windward side) and the Neighbor Islands. Incumbent Democrat Kai Kahele decided not to seek re-election and instead ran for governor but lost in the primary election. Voters have three choices. Democrat and former longtime state lawmaker Jill Tokuda faces veteran candidates in Republican Joe Akana and Libertarian Michelle Tippens.

Voters in a so-called canoe district encompassing Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and northeast Maui have three choices to fill an open seat in District 13 in the State House of Representatives. In the August primary election Democrat Mahina Poepoe beat two other candidates including Linda Haʻi Clark, who was appointed to replace Lynn DeCoite who moved to the state Senate. Republican Adam Clark ran unopposed in his primary as did Green Party candidate Nick Nikhilananda. On Oʻahu, State House District 36 is up for grabs with no incumbent. Republican Veamoniti Lautaha faces Democrat Rachele Fernandez Lamosao.

Legislative boundaries in Central Oʻahu have changed due to reapportionment. In the new District 38 which includes part of Mililani and Waipiʻo Acres, Republican incumbent Lauren Cheape Matsumoto faces a challenge from a former area lawmaker, Democrat Marilyn Lee. And on the Kona side of Hawaiʻi Island there is no incumbent for State House District 6 which includes Hōnaunau, Kealakekua, Hōlualoa and part of Kailua-Kona. Democrat Kirstin Kahaloa advanced to the general election after beating two opponents in the primary election. She faces Republican Jonathan Kennealy who ran unopposed in the primary.

In the realignment of State Legislative districts due to reapportionment, the new District 35 in the State House of Representatives is an open seat with no incumbent and includes parts of Waipahū and Pearl City. In the general election, Republican Josiah Araki, who was unopposed in the primary, faces Democrat Cory Chun who won a tight primary race. Meanwhile, in Hawaiʻi County, the two top vote getters for Council District 2 which includes Downtown Hilo and parts of Waiākea Uka and Kaūmana, were less than a percentage point apart in the primary while beating three other candidates. Jennifer Kagiwada and Matthias Kusch are in a runoff in November.