The sudden departure of familiar faces from our TV screens often leaves viewers wondering about their favorite broadcasters. Such is the case with Ross Shimabuku, whose journey from sports journalist to morning news anchor, and ultimately to family caregiver, has captured public interest.
Who is Ross Shimabuku – Background and Joining KHON2
Early Life
Born in October 1961, Ross Shimabuku’s path to broadcasting wasn’t straightforward. A graduate of Kalani High School, he initially pursued accounting at Arizona State University. But life had different plans for him. Instead of crunching numbers, he found his calling behind the news desk, starting his remarkable journey in sports journalism at KGMB.
His career took off in 2001 when he landed the role of sports director at KTVK in Phoenix. Perhaps his most notable and controversial moment came during his career when he made headlines for an unfortunate comment about NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. This viral moment became a turning point, leading to deeper reflections on professional responsibility.
By 2013, Shimabuku had joined Al Jazeera America as a sports anchor, showcasing his versatility and professional growth in national broadcasting.
Joining KHON2
May 2018 marked a significant shift in Shimabuku’s career when he returned to his Hawaiian roots, joining KHON2 in Honolulu. As the Morning News Anchor for “Wake Up 2day” alongside Kristine Uyeno, he brought a fresh energy to local morning television.
His role encompassed more than just delivering news:
- Conducting in-depth interviews with community leaders
- Leading special project coverage
- Engaging with local communities
- Contributing to investigative reporting
What Happened To Ross Shimabuku?
The story behind Shimabuku’s recent career moves is deeply personal. His father, George Shimabuku, began battling dementia, while his mother Gladys Shimabuku, then 86, also needed support. This family situation played a crucial role in his decision to return to Hawaii in 2018.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Shimabuku’s tenure at KHON2 concluded in June 2023. While neither he nor the station made formal announcements about his departure, his profile update confirms the end of his five-year journey with the station.
Timeline of Key Events:
| Year | Milestone |
| 2001 | KTVK Phoenix Sports Director |
| 2013 | Al Jazeera America Sports Anchor |
| 2018 | KHON2 Morning News Anchor |
| 2023 | Departure from KHON2 |
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Where Is Ross Shimabuku Doing Now?
Since leaving KHON2, Shimabuku has taken a different kind of public role that of an advocate for family caregivers. Through his Twitter account, he’s been remarkably open about his experiences caring for his father with dementia, helping raise awareness about the challenges families face when caring for aging parents.
His social media presence has evolved from news reporting to sharing personal insights about:
- Navigating the healthcare system
- Balancing family responsibilities
- Supporting parents with dementia
- Building community support networks
While his professional future remains unannounced, his impact extends beyond traditional broadcasting. He’s become a voice for countless families dealing with similar caregiving challenges, showing that sometimes life’s most important work happens away from the cameras.
Did You Know? Ross Shimabuku’s transition from sports to news, and ultimately to family advocacy, spans over two decades in broadcasting, covering three major networks and countless memorable moments in Hawaiian television history.
Final Words
This story reminds us that behind every news anchor is a human story one of choices, challenges, and changes. Shimabuku’s journey from sports journalist to morning news anchor, and now to family caregiver, reflects the complex decisions many face when balancing career and family responsibilities.
Whether he returns to broadcasting or continues his advocacy work, Ross Shimabuku’s impact on Hawaiian journalism and his contribution to raising awareness about family caregiving will remain his lasting legacy.
FAQ’s
What happened to Ross at KHON2?
Ross Shimabuku worked at KHON2 from May 2018 to June 2023 as a Morning News Anchor, leaving to focus on caring for his parents, particularly his father who has dementia.
Why did Ross move back to Hawaii?
Ross moved back to Hawaii in 2018 specifically to take care of his aging parents his father George (88) who has dementia and mother Gladys (86).
Is Kristine Uyeno leaving KHON2?
No public information suggests Kristine Uyeno is leaving KHON2. She continues to co-anchor the “Wake Up 2day” morning show.
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A passionate entertainment journalist specializing in celebrity lifestyles, wellness transformations, and success stories. With a keen eye for detail and extensive research skills, they bring readers authentic, comprehensive insights into the lives of public figures. Get reliable, up-to-date information about their favorite personalities.
