Kyle Yoshida News Today

In preparation for primary election day on Saturday, Aug. 13, The Conversation host Catherine Cruz sat down with each candidate to discuss the top issues for residents.

The Conversation talked to Kyle Yoshida, the brainchild and executive director of the fledgling group Honua Scholars. The Kamehameha Schools alum, now in a Ph.D. bioengineering program at Stanford, explains how it all came to be.

First-time congressional candidates Sergio Alcubilla and Patrick Branco have little name recognition.

"In Congress, I will work to ensure that the foreign influences that work in Hawaii are aware of our voices and values."

"I’m accustomed to working with and earning the support of people who look for strong leadership, regardless of party label."

"The solution to our health dystopia is to adopt a public health care system similar to every other country in the developed world."

Democrats and Republicans feature a lot of brand name politicians in key races. But a lot of newcomers, incumbents and former officials also are in the running.