![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hawaii.carpentermediagroup.com\/midweekhawaii\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/mw-cover-120920-sebastian-new-4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
TV personality (and new MidWeek columnist) Sebastian Rodriguez is just the man to welcome locals back to the world’s entertainment capital.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n It’s no surprise that Las Vegas is known as Hawai\u2018i’s ninth island.<\/p>\n From captivating casinos to sensational shows and delicious dining options, there’s something for everyone \u2014 including locals, who have been flocking to the entertainment capital of the world for decades. But during a time where travelers might be hesitant to hop on a plane, how can Las Vegas fanatics get their fix from more than 2,600 miles away?<\/p>\n Enter MidWeek<\/em>‘s new columnist, Sebastian Rodriguez, whose inaugural article can be found on page 7.<\/p>\n In \u201cNinth Island Connection,\u201d readers can look forward to news about everything that’s happening in Hawai\u2018i’s favorite mainland city.<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re going to bring people details on what’s new in Vegas: favorite local restaurants, big jackpot winners from Hawai\u2018i, the latest casino games, the latest shows,\u201d shares Rodriguez. \u201cSo, when folks are planning their trips, we hope our column helps them.\u201d<\/p>\n And, Rodriguez is the right man for the job. He hosts a weekly Las Vegas lifestyle TV show of the same title that shares all the goings on in downtown, along The Strip and more.<\/p>\n The idea for the show Ninth Island Connection<\/em> started two years ago after Rodriguez and wife Kristine returned to Hawai\u2018i after a Vegas vacation.<\/p>\n \u201cLike a lot of people, we’d come back and miss it,\u201d recalls Rodriguez.<\/p>\n That’s when the wheels started turning for a TV show that speaks specifically to a Hawai\u2018i audience seeking to learn more about the new attractions, eateries and things to do in the ever-busy city.<\/p>\n Rodriguez is the face of the show as host, but behind the scenes Kristine, formerly a social worker at Hawai\u2018i Youth Correctional Facility, is hard at work contacting clients, coordinating interviews, getting B-roll and pictures \u2014 basically doing everything that makes the show run smoothly. Though mostly doing work in the background, viewers can still expect to see Kristine on the show, as she joins Rodriguez for fun adventures around Las Vegas. Viewers may also look forward to seeing recurring guests like real estate agent Randy Hatada, who originally is from Hawai\u2018i Island.<\/p>\n