More than 100 radio stations around the country will participate in the "Homelessness Marathon," which started 10 years ago in San Francisco. The broadcast in Hawai'i will begin at 2 p.m. Local interviews and commentary, with host Beth-Ann Kozlovich, will run from 5 to 7 p.m.

Advertiser reporters Rob Perez and Will Hoover, who worked together on a five-part series on the Wai'anae homeless in October, will be part of the on-air discussion.

To listen to the marathon, tune in to 89.3 FM.

Kayla Rosenfeld, Hawai'i Public Radio news director, agreed to carry the annual marathon for the first time this year after the discussion on Hawai'i's homeless touched so many people.

She also said the national programming for the marathon "evolved to become good radio rather than just mish-mosh."

"Our goal is mostly to increase or continue to raise awareness about homeless issues her in the state and ... really highlight people's everyday struggles," Rosenfeld said.

The station has invited homeless people staying at several O'ahu shelters to speak on air during the marathon.

Social workers, advocates and others will also contribute.

HPR President Michael Titterton said the marathon is designed to incite discussion. "It's about conscienceness-raising," he said.

The "Homelessness Marathon" was founded by Jeremy Weir Anderson, and is set in a different city each year.

This year, it will be based in Fresno, Calif. Anderson will broadcast in a mini-studio set up outside, and will invite homeless people to talk on the air or call in from around the country.

"It is our mission to help homeless people to be heard," Anderson said in a news release. Another aim, he said, is "to promote a national dialogue about why there is poverty in America."