Hawaii Election 2026: Early Voting, School Safety, Rural Healthcare Funding & a Medical Breakthrough With just two weeks remaining before Hawaii's November 3, 2026 general election, Gina Crabtree breaks down the latest election information, growing concerns over school safety, federal healthcare investments, and a historic medical advancement at The Queen's Medical Center. On this episode of The Right Side with Gina Crabtree, airing on The Answer 94.3 FM and AM 690 in Honolulu, we explore four important stories affecting Hawaii residents, families, and communities. 2026 Hawaii General Election: Early Voting Begins Early in-person voting officially opens on October 20 at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale. Gina reviews voting locations, operating hours, important registration deadlines, ballot return requirements, and options for tracking your ballot. With 20 proposed Honolulu Charter amendments and state constitutional questions appearing on the ballot, the conversation also emphasizes understanding each measure before voting. Hawaii School Threats Raise Public Safety Concerns A series of threatening phone calls targeting schools across Oahu and Hawaii Island has prompted lockdowns, police investigations, and increased concern among parents. Gina discusses reported incidents involving Mililani High School, Konawaena High School, La Pietra, and other Hawaii schools, while questioning how authorities can identify those responsible and prevent future disruptions. The segment examines school security procedures, emergency preparedness, law enforcement resources, and the consequences of repeated threats to students and educators. Federal Rural Healthcare Funding: Keeping Hawaii's Medical Professionals at Home Hawaii is receiving significant federal support through a nationwide rural healthcare initiative intended to improve medical access and strengthen the healthcare workforce. Gina examines approximately $188.9 million in first-year federal funding for Hawaii, including a reported $58 million allocation supporting the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and the Hawaii Department of Health. The discussion highlights the HOME RUN healthcare workforce initiative, which offers eligible healthcare students tuition assistance in exchange for a five-year service commitment in qualifying rural Hawaii communities. Can this investment help address physician shortages, improve healthcare access on the neighbor islands, and keep Hawaii's medical professionals from leaving the state? The Queen's Medical Center Performs Hawaii's First Durable LVAD Implantation In a major milestone for advanced cardiac care, The Queen's Medical Center reports successfully performing Hawaii's first durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Gina explains how this mechanical heart pump supports patients with advanced heart failure, the significance of expanding specialized medical procedures in Hawaii, and why local access to lifesaving treatment matters for patients and their families. The conversation raises broader questions about medical innovation, physician recruitment, healthcare infrastructure, and reducing the need for Hawaii residents to travel to the mainland for treatment. From election integrity and school safety to healthcare investment and medical innovation, this episode examines the policies, challenges, and developments shaping Hawaii's future. Listen to The Right Side with Gina Crabtree for common-sense conversations about Hawaii politics, government accountability, public safety, and the issues affecting our island communities. Listen and connect: The Answer 94.3 FM | AM 690 — Honolulu Website: https://theanswerhonolulu.com Follow @TheAnswerHonolulu on Instagram, Facebook, and X. New episodes and past broadcasts are available wherever you listen to podcasts.
