You can now listen to both Hawaii Public Radio programming streams on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch via a new app the stations have just launched.

Hawaii Public Radio has been live-streaming and podcasting its shows on the World Wide Web for years, as evidenced by station donors and members scattered around the globe. Now, however, listeners far and near needn’t depend on the vagaries of FM radio reception or on a desktop computer to listen to their favorite programs on the stations.

The app is "free; it does exactly what it should, namely provide HPR streaming with absolutely no fuss; and, very important, it does nothing else whatsoever," quipped Michael Titterton, president and general manager.

So, it won’t do your laundry or pick up your dry cleaning for you, but neither will any other mobile device app.

It works via Internet connection, so a user need only tap on the HPR-1 or HPR-2 logo, depending upon which programming is desired.

HPR Multimedia Production Director Jason Taglianetti oversaw development of the app by Kailua-based Big D TV Inc.

HPR Promotion Director Judy Neale also provided a more detailed list of credits: Denise Van Ryzin, project manager; Henrik Van Ryzin, art, UI (user interface) design, UX (user experience) design; and Michal Mandrysz, code wiz.

A TALE OF 2 TECH CZARS

State Chief Information Officer Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia has been honored by Federal Computer Week magazine with a 2013 Federal 100 Award.

Hawaii was the only state government to be recognized, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in a statement.

Bhagowalia was nominated for leading the multistep transformation of Hawaii state government’s use of technology.

Bhagowalia is "deeply honored" by the award, according to the statement, but spread praise all around, saying, "the recognition really belongs to everyone who contributed and collaborated in our efforts to develop and implement" the plan.

By contrast, the state’s first so-called "tech czar," Joe Blanco, once sent the PrettyPark computer virus to about 500 people, including then-Gov. Ben Cayetano, in 2000.

About 97 people informed Blanco they had found the virus, for which he apologized.

Blanco’s anti-virus software at the time was not new enough to detect PrettyPark, but he told the Star-Bulletin that once notified, he immediately bought new software for his home and office computers, both of which had been infected with the worm virus.

In fairness, Blanco was part of the Cayetano administration who, along with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and showbiz figures Al and April Masini, secured production of "Baywatch" and its re-branding to "Baywatch Hawaii" in the islands from 1999 to 2001, and previously had helped secure the 1998 Miss Universe Pageant in Hawaii, which was projected to generate $9M in revenue.

AUTOGRAPH SESSION

Hollywood actors Dante and Dion Basco, whose Filipino faces are likely familiar to many Hawaii film and TV fans, are in town promoting their recent film work and will be signing autographs at two events beginning this evening. Both actors appear in "Hang Loose," a film shot in Hawaii by Hono­lulu-based Kinetic Productions which also stars Justin Chon (currently in "21 & Over") and YouTube sensation Kevin Wu (aka KevJumba).

The Brothers Basco will sign autographs at Pearlridge Theatres from 4:45 to 8 tonight and again from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. They also will sign autographs for those attending the Kawaii Kon anime and manga event at the Hawai‘i Convention Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The Bascos have TV and film credits dating to 1988, according to imdb.com.

Dante’s credits include on-screen appearances as well as voice-acting for popular animated series (Dante was Zuko in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" TV show and video games and was the voice of Jigme in "The Boondocks"). Dion has had on-screen appearances in movies and popular live-action series including "The Cleaner" (Leo, 2008-2009), "Will & Grace" (Arpie, 2003), "Hawaii" (John, 2004) and "Chicago Hope" (Marco Perez, 1996).

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Reach Erika Engle at 529-4303, erika@staradvertiser.com or on Twitter as @erikaengle.