Marisa Yamane is a multiple award-winning Weekend Anchor for KHON2 News at 6 and KHON2 News at 10.
Marisa joined KHON2 News in December 2004 as a reporter, covering many of the major crime stories across the state, as well as breaking news stories. She has also done several series on health-related issues like obesity and food allergies.
In 2011, Marisa was awarded the prestigious Associated Press Mark Twain award for her story "Korean Drama Kraze." She also won a first place Excellence in Journalism award from the Society of Professional Journalists - Hawaii Chapter for her series "American Samoa Revisited," and finalists awards for her stories "Haunted Hawaii" and "Dozens of Vehicles get Cited and Towed Daily."
Marisa also won an Associated Press Mark Twain award in 2010, and a first place Excellence in Journalism award from the Society of Professional Journalists - Hawaii Chapter for her story "Joe Pacific." And her stories "American Samoa Tsunami" and "Haunted Hawaii" won finalist awards from the SPJ - Hawaii Chapter.
Marisa's story "Obesity Battle Prompts School Changes" won a 2008 regional Emmy award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, as well as a first place Excellence in Journalism award in July 2008 from the SPJ -- Hawaii Chapter.
Marisa's story "Peanut Allergy Prompts School Changes" won a 2007 regional Edward R. Murrow award from the Radio and Television News Directors Association.
Marisa's series "Conquering Obesity" won a finalist award in 2007 from the SPJ - Hawaii Chapter.
Before joining the KHON2 News team, Marisa worked in Wichita Falls, Texas as a reporter, video editor and photographer at KAUZ-TV. She was also a fill-in anchor/producer. Before that, she spent three years at ABC News One in Los Angeles, California doing various behind-the-scene jobs and at Hawthorne Citi Cable News as an anchor/reporter/producer.
Marisa got her first job in the news business while in college at KFWB News 980 in Los Angeles. She was an assistant at the all-news radio station.
Marisa graduated from Iolani School and UCLA with a B.A. in Communication Studies.
She enjoys traveling to new countries and states, eating at new restaurants and trying new foods, and bowling.
She is happy to be back home, and to be working for the station where she once was an intern.
Marisa may be reached at myamane@khon2.com or ph. 591-4258.
