What is the Hawaii Politicast?
The Hawaii Politicast with Steve launched on March 31, 2011, and aims to be a podcast about news and politics in Hawaii.
Why do a podcast when there’s AM radio and TV news?
Well, why not? Being on the internet with no advertisers, sponsors or political ties, the Hawaii Politicast aims to be an alternative to the media currently widely available. It’s not meant to be taken 100% seriously, though calling it a parody of these other news outlets may be a little glib.
Why are there Honolulu City Council meetings on this site?
I started taking the audio of the meeting to listen to on walks with my dog, jogs, and while driving, and decided to post them here in a convenient format as a service to anybody interested in listening to the meetings. Again, just more alternatives for the users of the site. Also, the meetings are posted solely as video on the Council website, and sometimes are posted long after the meeting takes place.
Aren’t the meetings copyrighted or something? Is what you’re doing legal?
To my knowledge the meetings are public domain, as they are held in facilities and by officials paid for with our tax money. As such, I provide them free of charge and don’t make a profit, so I think it’s okay. If they all suddenly disappear from the site though, you’ll know why.
How do I listen to the podcast or meetings?
Simple, and through many ways. On the website, you can just click the play button, you can click the “open player in new window” button or download it and listen later. Or you can use RSS and have it show up in your iTunes or mobile device automatically. That’s probably the best way.
What’s all this RSS stuff? How are these files more convenient?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. You can subscribe to it using Google, Yahoo, or any RSS software. Without getting too technical, when you subscribe, it will check the website for updates and display those updates in your RSS Reader, thus eliminating the need to check back to the site for updates – you’ll be automatically alerted in your RSS software with every update. The files are convenient for a few reasons: they can be listened to on mobile devices, such as iPods, iPads, iPhones, and Android Phones, using appropriate Podcatching apps such as Doggcatcher or BeyondPod. You can also subscribe in iTunes, which will do the same thing as RSS, but is inside iTunes.
So if the podcast is free, and the City Council downloads are free, how do you make money?
I have a full-time job, and don’t make any money on this website. It’s more of a hobby and a way to express my opinions and share the best parts of the Council meetings with fellow kama ‘aina.
Will you ever charge for the podcasts or Council meetings?
NO. I don’t think the podcast is worth charging for, and I don’t think it would be right to charge for the Council meetings.
Can I donate to your cause then?
You could, but as of now I am not seeking donations. If you really, really want to though, donate some money to your favorite legitimate charity or bring some food by the Hawaii Foodbank. I’m not rich, but again, I don’t think the podcast is worth donating to.
What are your political views? Are you a Democrat or Republican?
I’m registered Independent, and like it that way. I think there’s good and bad politicians from both sides, and I tend to side for what is right rather than what my political association dictates.
I like the album art.
Thanks.
How can I contact you to ask you more questions or beg you to donate to you?
You can reach me via email by putting steve before the “at” symbol, then hawaiipoliticast.com after it, or on twitter @HIPoliticast.
Do you like my hat?
I sure do; that’s a very nice hat.
Episodes - only feed
