John Fink

Photo from Chimaine Pouteau

With shows such as Keeping up with the Kardashians and The Office taking up prime-time space on Hawaii television, it’s nice to know that KFVE provides residents with great local programming.

“That’s our whole goal with KFVE,” says general manager John Fink, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover Aug. 21, 1996. “We think that’s what people are looking for.

“I think Hawaii is a very unique place, and anytime we can, we showcase and promote things that are unique to Hawaii, whether it’s a cooking show or academics or local comedy and music.”

Among the programs on KFVE are It’s Academic Hawaii, lifestyle show Living Local With the Baraquios, What’s Cooking Hawaii and Cheap Eats with Guy Hagi and Augie Tulba.

“It’s Academic is a game show that features 27 local high schools,” says Fink, who used to do play-by-play bits for University of Hawaii sports. “We were really hoping that the show would showcase some of the academic stars we have throughout all of our schools in Hawaii.”

This is the second year It’s Academic Hawaii will air on TV. Last year’s winner was Waiakea High School in Hilo.

“My hope in doing this show was to show that the top kids academically in any school (public or private) in this state can compete with any other kids,” he continues. “It shows that anyone who works hard can accomplish things academically.”

It’s Academic Hawaii kicks off May 6 (Mondays from 7 to 7:30 p.m., with reruns Sundays from 6 to 6:30 p.m.) and runs for 13 weeks. The season will repeat for 13 weeks after the finale in July.

What’s Cooking Hawaii features the culinary schools at Kapiolani Community College, and season two will start in the fourth quarter of this year.

Fink is especially proud of being part of the Hawaii News Now family. Those in the community might recognize Fink, who does an editorial segment called “Think About It,” which he has done for 14 years. “Think About It” runs twice a week on the evening newscasts, and he says it will continue to do so.

With all the programming on KFVE, Fink, who has been in the broadcast industry in Hawaii for more than three decades, keeps busy year round, but it’s something that makes him happy.

“We’re really grateful that people enjoy KFVE and all the local programs we put on,” he says.

You could say it’s just academic.