Hawaii Public Radio will broadcast local election coverage that includes two live, weekly call-in programs as well as six debates — three of them before the primary and three of before the Nov. 4 general election — moderated by political reporter Wayne Yoshioka.

Limited free seats at the debates are available to the public.

A new call-in discussion program, "On Politics," airs from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays on KIPO 89.3 FM. Executive producer Beth Ann Kozlovich hosts, with Yoshioka contributing recorded segments.

Town Square, also hosted by Kozlovich, continues to air from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays on KIPO.

The debate schedule:

Today, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Topic I: Senate District 18 — Waipahu, Pearl City, CrestView — with state Sen. Clarence Nishihara, state Rep. Alex Sonson. Topic II: House District 35 — Pearl City, Waipahu — with Steven Antonio, Henry James Aquino, Constante Domingo, Ilalo Parayno, I. Perreira Rahman and Dante Verdadero.

Aug. 26, 7 to 8 p.m.: Senate District 12 — Iwilei, Chinatown, Downtown, Kaka'ako, Ala Mo-ana, Waikiki — debate with state Sen. Gordon Trimble, Brickwood Galuteria and Carlton Middleton on Waikiki/Kaka'ako development.

Sept. 2, 7 to 8 p.m.: Pre-recorded from the Big Island, a debate among mayoral candidates.

Sept. 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Honolulu City Council race.

Sept. 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: General election debate.

Oct. 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: General election debate.

The debates will be broadcast live from HPR's Atherton Performing Arts Studio on KHPR 88.1 FM Honolulu, KKUA 90.7 FM Wailuku and KANO 91.1 FM Hilo. Yoshioka will moderate.

The debates will be open to the public.

Members of the audience will be asked to submit written questions by 6:30 p.m., at which time they should be in their seats.

Seating is free but limited, so reservations are required.

Call 955-8821 during business hours.

The talk-show schedule:

Today: "On Politics" guests represent the Waipahu Community Association and Aiea/ Pearl City Business Association, discussing community and economic issues, including the rail project

Thursday: Town Square ConCon discussion on the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and its past and present involvement.

August 26: "On Politics" guests include Rick Egged, of the Waikiki Improvement Association; Francis Blanco, Bob Oda and Lou Erteschik, on the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine, the Kaka'ako Improvement Association and Waikiki Neighborhood Board.

Sept. 2: "On Politics," topic to be announced.

Sept. 9: "On Politics" guests will include Ira Rohter, Neal Milner, and Chris McNally on the two-party system.

Sept. 16: "On Politics" guests will include Roger Takabayashi, Hawaii State Teachers Association; Patricia Hamamoto, state Department of Education; Re-shela Dupuis, charter schools; on public education needs.

Sept. 23: "On Politics" guests will discuss results of the primary election, what's on the ballot and changing demographics.

Sept. 30: "On Politics" guests will include Eric Takamura, city and county environmental services; and Alice Greenwood, homelessness advocate, on homelessness and the Waimanalo Gulch; Patty Teruya, Ma'ili/ Nanakuli Neighborhood Board; Maeda Timson, Makakilo/Kapolei /Honolai Hale Neighborhood Board; and Georgette Jordan, Wai'anae, discussing Leeward issues, including the Waimanalo Gulch landfill, water use and homelessness.

Oct. 7: "On Politics" guests are Lyla Berg, discussing the Kids' Vote program; Willes Lee and Brian Schatz will talk about first-time voters.

Oct. 14: "On Politics," guests to be announced.

Oct. 21: "On Politics" guests Cliff Slater and Doug Carlson discuss the rail plan's environmental impact statement and other mass transit issues.