On this INSIGHTS, Dan Boylan and guests will discuss education for gifted and talented students in Hawaii. News coverage of Hawaii's schools often places emphasis on students in need of remedial learning; students at the other end of the spectrum - those who need greater challenges in the classroom - may seem less top-of-mind. However, parents, students, educators and field professionals will convene on January 9th to focus on curriculum, research and advocacy for gifted students. Learn more about what classifies a student as "gifted," as well as ongoing efforts of the DOE, private schools and organizations to ensure that the needs of gifted students are being met.

Scheduled guests include: Robyn McMullin, Gifted and Talented Curriculum Specialist, Assets School; Rod Todorovich, Lecturer, UH College of Education and Board Member, Hawaii Gifted Association; and Anna Viggiano, Program Manager, Hawaii Department of Education's Gifted and Talented Program.

This conversation was recorded on January 12, 2012 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

A $5 million cut to adult education is threatening the existence of the 11 community schools statewide. In addition to the language and recreational classes they offer, the schools are the only licensed examiners for the GED diploma in Hawaii. For the next legislative session, Governor Neil Abercrombie is requesting $2.5 million in supplemental funding for adult education - about half of what the schools currently receive. A federal funding match hinges on the approval of this supplemental funding.

Dan Boylan moderates a discussion with scheduled guests Bebi Davis, 2005 Milken National Educator and former community school student; Rose Galera, small business owner and former community school student; Calvin Shimomura, Principal, Moanalua/Aiea Community School for Adults; and John Vannatta, Principal, Waipahu Community School for Adults.

This conversation was recorded on January 5, 2012 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Insights - 2011: The Year in Review

On this episode of INSIGHTS, Dan Boylan and guests will discuss 2011's major news and political events. Throughout the year, Hawaii continued to wrestle with a struggling economy, while Governor Neil Abercrombie and Mayor Peter Carlisle each rode through their first year in office. In 2011, Honolulu also played host to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the state legislature passed the civil union bill and the Board of Education became an appointed cabinet under the governor's office.

Scheduled guests include: Chad Blair, Reporter for Honolulu Civil Beat; Richard Borreca, Political Columnist, Honolulu Star-Advertiser; Gina Mangieri, Reporter, KHON2 News, and Wayne Yoshioka, Political Reporter, Hawaii Public Radio.

This conversation was recorded on December 22, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS, Dan Boylan and guests discuss climate change and its impact on Hawaii and its Pacific Island neighbors. A bill that proposes a state plan for "climate change adaptation" - coping with the effects of climate change - will be introduced when the Legislature opens next month. Guests will delve into why this bill is important for the state, and how climate change affects not only the environment, but entire cultures and societies, as well.

Scheduled guests include: Maxine Burkett, Director, Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy; John Marra, Climate Services Director for the Pacific Region, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Jesse Souki, State Planning Director; Deanna Spooner, Coordinator, Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative.

This conversation was recorded on December 15, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this edition of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and his guests discuss the struggles that non-profit, social service organizations continue to face this holiday season in a tough economy. Suggestions will be offered on how the public can help these programs in need and reveal what non-profits have planned for the next legislative session, which begins in January.

Guests include: Rona Fukumoto, Director of Intake, Information and Referral, Catholic Charities of Hawaii; Alex Santiago, Executive Director of PHOCUSED (Protecting Hawaii's Ohana, Children, Underserved, Elderly and Disabled); Eunice Sim, Director of Operational Support Services, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii; and Sandee Yoro, Executive Director of SECOH (Special Education Center of Hawaii).

This conversation was recorded on December 1, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week's episode of INSIGHTS is the last of a three-part series of discussions about the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which convened last week in Honolulu. Moanalua and Waianae High Schools will present stories on President Obama's news conference and the First Lady's visit to MA'O Farms.

Dan Boylan and his guests will evaluate how months of planning were executed while the world focused on Hawaii as this year's APEC host location. Guests will review short and long-term effects of the APEC meetings, including matters related to traffic, security and our local economy.

Scheduled guests include: Peter Carlisle, Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu; Charles Morrison, President of the East-West Center and a member of the Hawaii Host Committee for APEC; Mike McCartney, President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and representing the APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee; and Major Clayton Kau, HPD spokesman.

This conversation was recorded on November 17, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week's episode of INSIGHTS is part two of a three-part series of discussions about the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which is convening in Honolulu the week of November 7.

After months of planning and anticipation, APEC week kicks off with a series of meetings and events. It all leads up to the November 12-13 APEC Leaders' Meeting with President Obama and other regional delegates. In this episode of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan moderates a discussion with APEC participants about the policies being developed, what can be expected during the leaders' summit and the impact it will have on Hawaii. In addition to the panel discussion, HIKI NŌ student correspondents will report from the APEC media center throughout the show.

Scheduled guests include: Louis Bono, Director of the Office of Economic Policy in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs - US Department of State; Tung Bui, Director of the APEC Study Center, Shidler College of Business, UH Manoa; Laura Del Rosario, Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs; and Richard Drobnick, Director of the Center for International Business Education & Research, USC Marshall School of Business (and participant in APEC Business Advisory Council.)

This conversation was recorded on November 10, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

INSIGHTS begins a three-part series of discussions about the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which is convening in Honolulu November 8-13, 2011. This episode will center on those who oppose APEC policies.

In a discussion moderated by host Dan Boylan, panelists will delve into the issues behind APEC protests, including anti-globalization, poverty and environmental causes. The panel will also talk about the First Amendment and how steps are being taken to ensure that those involved in the protests understand their rights.

Scheduled guests include: Maxine Burkett, Associate Professor of Law at UH Manoa and Director of the Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy; Vanessa Chong, Executive Director of ACLU of Hawaii; Carolyn Hadfield representing World Can't Wait; and Arnie Saiki, Coordinator for Moana Nui.

This conversation was recorded on November 3, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On the next INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and panelists will explore how the economy, the real estate market, globalization and more are contributing to forming a new "normal" in America. A nation that has long prided itself on the American dream and a strong middle class, the U.S. is now experiencing widening gaps between classes. With the ongoing Occupy Wall Street movement and the upcoming APEC, panelists will delve into the socioeconomic issues that are causing frustration and anxiety for many across the nation and locally.

Scheduled guests include: Barbara DeBaryshe, specialist at the UH Manoa Center on the Family; Ashley Lukens, Political Science graduate student and small business owner; Ayesha Nibbe, assistant professor of Anthropology at Hawaii Pacific University; and Robert Perkinson, professor of American Studies at UH Manoa

This conversation was recorded on October 27, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On the next INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and panelists will explore domestic violence in our islands. Though October is Domestic Violence Awareness month in Hawaii, local organizations advocate for victims year-round and bring to light an issue that still carries stigma. Progress culminated when the Hawaii Legislature passed Act 206 last session. The new law prevents employers from discriminating against domestic violence victims.

Scheduled guests include: William Hoshijo, Executive Director of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission; Nanci Kreidman, CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center; and David Louie, Hawaii's Attorney General.

This conversation was recorded on October 20, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and guests will discuss and debate Oahu's 20-mile, $5.3 billion elevated rail project. Despite a pending lawsuit, construction is supposed to begin soon. Proponents say rail will help ease traffic woes and that the 2008 vote for the project should be upheld. Concerned with long-term environmental impact and cost overrun, opponents are calling for alternatives.

Scheduled guests include Drew Astolfi, director of Faith Action for Community Equality; former governor Benjamin Cayetano; former Honolulu City Council member Gary Okino; and business owner Cliff Slater.

This conversation was recorded on October 13, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and guest panelists will examine Hawaii's 2010 census results. A recent follow-up report states that Hawaii leads the nation in ethnic diversity, multigenerational households and cost of living. Hawaii's population has also risen by 12 percent since the last census in 2000. Guests will explain these demographics and more, what they mean for future policy planning and how Hawaii residents would ultimately be affected.

Scheduled guests include: Susan (Meyers) Chandler, Director of the Public Policy Center in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Hawaii-Manoa; James Christy, the Regional Director for the U-S Census Bureau,Los Angeles region; Steve Petranik, the editor of Hawaii Business magazine; and Eugene Tian, Hawaii's Acting State Economist and Chief Statistician.

This conversation was recorded on October 6, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and a panel of experts discuss how technology has revolutionized the way we learn, do business and live life in Hawaii. It's affected our communication skills, our economy, even our health and well-being. This episode's guests will weigh the advantages and consequences of our use of, if not reliance on, technology, and whether it's been for the better or for the worse.

Scheduled guests include: Philip J. Bossert, Director at the Institute for 21st Century Teaching and Learning at the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools; and Scott Robertson, Director of the Hawaii Computer-Human Interaction Lab at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

This conversation was recorded on September 29, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this week's INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and a panel of experts will discuss early childhood education, as efforts to improve the quality of Hawaii's grade school readiness continue. Research has shown that preschool has long-term benefits for children, families and societies at large. As part of a larger plan to strengthen Hawaii's early learning system, Governor Neil Abercrombie recently appointed the state's first Early Childhood Coordinator. We'll examine how access to early childhood education can be improved and the barriers that parents, organizations and the state have been facing.

Scheduled guests include: Jonathan Gillentine, Preschool Inclusion Teacher from Rev. Benjamin Parker Elementary School; Terry Lock, Early Childhood Coordinator at the Office of the Governor; Dr. Robert Peters, Chair of the Early Learning Council; and Sen. Jill Tokuda, Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

This conversation was recorded on September 15, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and a panel of guests will share the latest developments within the University of Hawaii system. Founded in 1907, the UH system includes three universities, seven community colleges and multiple community-based learning centers throughout the islands. We'll look at the role our public university system plays in developing and disseminating knowledge, and preparing Hawaii's future workforce as it faces budget challenges.

Scheduled guests include: Gene Awakuni, Chancellor at University of Hawaii - West Oahu; M.R.C. Greenwood, President at University of Hawaii; and Donald Straney, Chancellor at University of Hawaii - Hilo.

This conversation was recorded on September 8, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this week's INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan sits down with Governor Neil Abercrombie to delve into the many issues that affect thousands of Hawaii's residents. Recently the governor announced that the state closed a $214 million deficit for the 2011 fiscal year. Many challenges still linger, including health care, education, energy, food security and our economy. We'll review the status of the work being done on these hot-button issues and how Governor Abercrombie is further addressing them.

This conversation was recorded on September 1, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on INSIGHTS, we'll examine the unique and pressing issues our neighbor islands are facing during these challenging economic times. From trash concerns to the economy itself, how will each mayor address their respective islands' needs and confront their greatest issues?

Joining host Dan Boylan are: Alan Arakawa, mayor of Maui County; Bernard Carvalho, mayor of Kauai County; and William "Billy" Kenoi, mayor of Hawaii County.

This conversation was recorded on August 25, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on INSIGHTS, performing arts in our public schools will be put in the spotlight. In recent years, the importance of arts education has been widely recognized. 49 out of 50 states have established content or performance standards for the field. The federal No Child Left Behind Act also bills arts as a core academic subject. Yet, faced with ongoing Department of Education budget cuts, the arts continue to be at risk. How can the integration of performing arts contribute to student achievement and success? What are some ways communities can support and preserve arts education at their schools?

Scheduled guests include: Lei Ahsing, education director at Hawaii Arts Alliance; Robin Kitsu, director, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School Performing Arts Center (NPAC); MJ Matsushita, director of the Performing Arts Center at Kaimuki High School; and Karen Meyer, director of the Performing Arts Learning Center at Castle High School.

This conversation was recorded on August 18, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week's INSIGHTS kicks off back-to-school season with a look at what's in store for our public schools. Join moderator Dan Boylan and a panel of public school leaders as they discuss the latest developments in the ongoing movement to improve public education, which is expected to shift into overdrive this school year. What will be different this time around, for better or worse? What exciting news and growing concerns do these principals have to share? Among the issues the panel will examine are school reform initiatives like Race to the Top, No Child Left Behind and Hawai'i's innovation zones.

Scheduled guests include: Darrel Galera, Principal, Moanalua High School; Justin Mew, Principal, Niu Valley Middle School; Sheldon Oshio, Principal, Waikele Elementary School; and Ofelia Reed, Principal, Blanche Pope Elementary School.

This conversation was recorded on August 4, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on INSIGHTS, we'll address natural disaster preparedness in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific Rim. The University of Hawaii and PACOM (US Pacific Command) have partnered to investigate disaster management and propose recommendations for the Asia-Pacific region, which will be presented at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in November. How can we strengthen response and recovery efforts? What can be done to improve regional communication and coordination?

Join host Dan Boylan and a panel of experts as they explore how government and society can collaborate to reduce disaster risks. Scheduled guests include: Dr. Richard Berry, Director of Strategic Partnerships, PACOM; Gary Ostrander, Vice Chancellor for Research at UH Manoa; and Ray Shirkhodai, Executive Director, Pacific Disaster Center.

This conversation was recorded on July 28, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan and a panel of guests will talk about Hawaii home foreclosures, with a focus on Act 48, the state's new foreclosure law. The legislation allows homeowners to mediate with mortgage lenders in person before property foreclosure can take place. What does Act 48 mean for Hawaii homeowners, families, lenders and our judicial system?

Scheduled guests include: Kim Harman, policy director at Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE); Keali'i Lopez, director of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA); Kehau Filimoe'atu, board member of Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) and homeowner Wayne Salas.

This conversation was recorded on July 21, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII, host Dan Boylan moderates a discussion about the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that will take place in Honolulu this November. A panel of experts will delve into the economic, environmental and social issues that APEC members will explore at the summit, and what the high-profile event means for Hawaii as we're thrust into the global spotlight.

Scheduled guests include: Dr. Robert Curry, visiting economics professor teaching an exclusive APEC course at the University of Hawaii Manoa; Denise Konan, economist and research fellow from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO); and Lauren Moriarty, former U.S. APEC Ambassador.

This conversation was recorded on July 14, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII, as 2011 marks the year when baby boomers begin to retire, we'll look at Hawaii's aging population. By 2035, the state expects more than a quarter of our residents to be over the age of 60. What will this mean for our economy, workforce, healthcare system and our families? What should we be doing now to prepare for an older population?

We'll explore these questions with experts from government, academic and non-profit perspectives. Guests include: Suzanne Chun Oakland (D), Hawaii State Senate; Cullen Hayashida, Director, KCC Kupuna Education Center; Wesley Lum, Director, State Executive Office on Aging; and Gary Powell, President, The Caregiver Foundation

This conversation was recorded on July 7, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On the June 30 episode of Insights, host Dan Boylan will engage residents and community leaders from Lanai and Molokai about the wind projects being proposed there which may affect the economic future of the islands. We've been hearing a lot about "Big Wind" lately, but much of the information has come from the state, wind developers and the electric utility. We'll hear what some of the locals think about how wind energy would or wouldn't fit into their island communities, economy and culture. They'll also talk about their hopes for the future and the direction they'd like to see their rural economies take.

The guests include: Alberta De Jetley, owner & publisher of Lanai Today, farmer and member of Lanai Planning Commission; Kanohowailuku Helm, founding member of I Aloha Molokai, a community group opposed to wind development on Molokai; Robin Kaye, member of Friends of Lanai, a community group opposed to wind development on Lanai; and Walter Ritte, a Molokai resident & activist.

This conversation was recorded on June 30, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week, Insights on PBS Hawaii observes the 30th anniversary of the first diagnosed case of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Joining moderator Dan Boylan for a look at recent medical advancements are: Fred Cruz, Pharmacy Manager at CarePlus CVS pharmacy; Paul Groesbeck, Executive Director of the Life Foundation, Hawaii's oldest and largest AIDS organization; Jaimie Callahan, an HIV-positive mother of two; and Dr. Drew Kovach, Director of HIV Services, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii.

This conversation was recorded on June 23, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

The 2011 Legislative session ended with a balanced budget, but is the safety net intact for those who depend on the state's social services agencies and the non-profit service sector? Advocates for programs that include assistance to needy families, mental health support, the elderly and the prevention of domestic violence contend that the severe budget cuts are shortsighted without enough thought given to the long-term consequences.

Joining host Dan Boylan will be a group of community advocates who will discuss and rate this year's legislative decisions and the impact on the well-being of our community. The guests are: Jan Dill, CEO of Partners in Development; David Derauf, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Kokua Kalihi Valley; Jerry Rauckhorst, CEO of Catholic Charities; and Alex Santiago, Executive Director of PHOCUSED (Protecting Hawaii's Ohana, Children, UnderServed, Elderly and Disabled).

This conversation was recorded on June 2, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights on PBS Hawaii, we'll be talking about all things APEC. The acronym has fast become a household word here, as Hawaii will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in November. President Barack Obama will attend, along with leaders of the 20 other economies that make up the APEC group. What will they discuss? What preparations are underway? What will it mean for Hawaii tourism, business and economy? What are the potential traffic and security concerns?

We'll find out on Thursday, May 26 at 7:30 pm when Dan Boylan hosts Chrystn Eads, Deputy Managing Director, City & County of Honolulu; Tim Johns, Vice Chair of APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee (and President & CEO of the Bishop Museum); and Lt. Governor Brian Schatz.

This conversation was recorded on May 26, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan this past March brought about a huge outpouring of sympathy and concern from our island community - a testament to Hawaii's historical, cultural and economic ties with Japan. The majority of Hawaii's Japanese-Americans are descended from the original wave of Kanyaku Imin, or contract laborers, from Japan. Japanese visitors in turn also contribute significantly towards main Hawaii's economic engine, the visitor industry, and many of Hawaii's cultural leaders teach and perform in Japan today.

Joining host Dan Boylan to illuminate our unique connection with Japan are: Yoshihiko Kamo, Consul General of Japan at Honolulu; Dr. Gay Satsuma, Associate Director of the University of Hawaii's Center for Japanese Studies; Ku'uipo Kumukahi, award-winning musician who teaches frequently in Japan; and Lara Yamada, KITV 4 news reporter/anchor who recently visited the heavily damaged areas of Japan to cover the stories of those Hawaii residents determined to help the people in need.

This conversation was recorded on May 19, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On the May 12 episode of Insights, we'll examine the results of the just-concluded 2011 legislative session. This year the unenviable task put before state lawmakers was finding a way to close a budget deficit estimated at more than a billion dollars over the next 2 years. When the job calls for raising taxes and cutting spending on critical services, it's hard to make anyone happy. How did they do? We'll ask House and Senate leaders, a member of the Republican minority and our State Capitol analyst Richard Borreca to weigh in.

Joining host Dan Boylan will be: Rep. Calvin Say (D), Speaker of the State House of Representatives; Sen. David Ige, Senate Ways & Means Chairman; Rep. Gil Riviere, Republican Caucus, State House of Representatives; and Richard Borreca, Honolulu Star-Advertiser Political Columnist.

This conversation was recorded on May 12, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, we'll track Hawaii's progress on the path to energy independence. Though we've been talking about alternative energy for decades, innovative projects by government, private and non-profit entities are currently underway. Join host Dan Boylan as he engages a group of experts in a conversation exploring how far we've come, where we're trying to go and what's taking so long in our quest for clean energy.

Guests include: Robbie Alm, Executive Vice President, Hawaiian Electric Company; Michael Hamnett, Co–Chair, Hawaii Energy Policy Forum and Executive Director of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii; Hermina Morita, Chair of the State Public Utilities Commission; and Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, State Energy Office.

This conversation was recorded on May 5, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On the next INSIGHTS we'll look at the state of Hawaii's economic engine: tourism. How is the industry coping with the impact of the disaster in Japan? What new ideas and business models are being developed to rejuvenate tourism and sustain it for the future?

Joining moderator Dan Boylan are Momi Akimseu, Communications and Tourism Brand Manager from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA); Sumner La Croix, Professor of Economics and Research Fellow with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO); Ramsay Taum, Founder and President of the Life Enhancement Institute (LEI); and Keith Vieira, Senior Vice-President and Director of Operations for Hawaii and French Polynesia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

This conversation was recorded on April 28, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

A confluence of legislative, economic, budget and health care issues is threatening the future financial security of many retirees. On the next Insights, we'll discuss looming issues from the proposed pension tax to Medicare reimbursements to retirement benefits for public and private workers.  This isn’t just a topic for those in retirement; in fact, it’s baby boomers and future retirees who likely face the biggest threat to long-term financial security.

Join host Dan Boylan and a panel of experts to see how cost-cutting measures are shaping up at the legislature and how they might impact us down the road. Scheduled guests include: Dean Hirata, Deputy Director, State Department of Budget and Finance; Barbara Kim Stanton, Director, AARP Hawaii; Barbara Marumoto, State Representative, Minority Policy Leader; and Eldon Wegner, PhD, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, a community group advising Governor Abercrombie on seniors issues.

This conversation was recorded on April 21, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

In the midst of furloughs and budget cuts, there was one piece of very good news for Hawaii public schools last year. Our state entered the national Race to the Top competition and won $75 million to spur reform in our public education system. Hawaii was one of just 12 awardees out of 46 states and territories that competed in the $4 billion federal program – a centerpiece of President Obama's education agenda.

This week on Insights, Dan Boylan will host a panel of educators and policy makers to see how our ambitious Race to the Top plans and goals are taking shape. Scheduled guests include: Terry George, Executive Vice President of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation; Kathryn Matayoshi, Superintendent, State Department of Education; Randall Miura, Principal, Leihoku Elementary School (Waianae); and Tammi Chun, Governor Abercombie's Education Policy Analyst.

This conversation was recorded on April 14, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII, Dan Boylan hosts Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle live in the PBS HAWAII studios. The mayor must contend with a bleak financial outlook for the city, urge state leaders to keep away from the county's share of the hotel room tax and collect the GET tax surcharge to keep rail on track. What are the Mayor's proposals for increasing user fees and investments in public works projects to spur on job growth? Will there be pay cuts and layoffs this year?

This conversation was recorded on April 7, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Homelessness in Hawaii has grown from a chronic problem to a crisis. Evidence of homelessness can be found everywhere in our islands. The sight of homeless individuals on Waikiki's sidewalks and in parks is viewed by some as a threat to our already fragile visitor industry. What's being done to tackle the problem here and throughout the state?

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan will discuss the issue with a panel that includes: Marc Alexander, Governor Abercrombie's Coordinator on Homelessness; Bridget Holthus, Deputy Director, Dept. of Community Services, City & County of Honolulu; Christy MacPherson, Program Manager for Family Promise of Hawaii; and Darlene Hein, Director of Community Services for the Waikiki Health Center.

This conversation was recorded on Mar. 31, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Probably the most difficult job facing our elected representatives this spring is balancing the state budget in the face of falling revenues, continuing economic difficulties and a tremendous need for state services. Governor Abercrombie submitted his proposed budget last month, and now state lawmakers are crafting their own budget bills.

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan will ask what combination of taxes and spending will get us where we need to go. Scheduled panelists include: Sen. David Ige, Senate Ways and Means Chairman; Rep. Marcus Oshiro, House Finance Chairman; Rep. Gene Ward, House Minority Leader; and Andrew Aoki, Governor Abercrombie's Deputy Chief of Staff

This conversation was recorded on Mar. 24, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII – we'll talk trash. That is, what should become of the hundreds of thousands of tons of municipal waste we generate every year on Oahu? The flooding that closed the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in January highlighted the need to either expand the capacity at the current landfill or locate a new site.

We'll talk with a member of the site selection committee, a community leader and city and state policy makers for the latest in this ongoing controversy. Host Dan Boylan will be joined by a panel including: Bruce Anderson, member of the Honolulu Landfill Advisory Committee and former State Health Director; Douglas Chin, Managing Director, City and County of Honolulu; Gary Gill, Deputy Director for Environmental Health, State Department of Health; and Maeda Timson, Chair of the Kapolei-Makakilo-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board.

This conversation was recorded on Mar. 17, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Governor Abercrombie's promise to eventually return home all of our state's prison inmates sent to mainland facilities has once again put the spotlight on Hawaii's prison system. This week INSIGHTS on PBS HAWAII will focus on efforts to reform Hawaii's penal system. What are the conditions of our prisons and are there alternatives to incarceration? What efforts are in place to promote more cost-effective methods of addressing crime to reduce the reliance on incarceration? Does politics rather than crime-control govern our prison system?

Joining moderator Dan Boylan will be Jodie Maesaka-Hirata, Director of the State Department of Public Safety, Senator Will Espero, Chairman of the State Senate's Committee on Public Safety, Daniel Gluck, Senior Staff Attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Robert Perkinson, Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of Manoa and author of the book, "Texas Tough: The Rise of America's Prison Empire."

This conversation was recorded on Mar. 10, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, we welcome U.S. Senator Dan Inouye to our table for an hour-long conversation exploring the critical issues facing our state and nation. Join guest host Richard Borreca of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and reporter Gina Mangieri of KHON2 News as they engage Hawaii's senior senator in a wide-ranging discussion.

This conversation was recorded on Feb. 24, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, we'll preview perhaps the most significant political phenomena of the year: redistricting and reapportionment. The process of redrawing Hawaii's legislative and congressional districts takes place every ten years after new census numbers come out, and can impact political decisions for the next decade. Dan Boylan will host members of both the Republican and Democratic parties and veterans of past reapportionment cycles to discuss what's at stake as new commissioners are selected and lines are redrawn.

This conversation was recorded on Feb. 17, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Gun control has historically been one of the most controversial issues in US politics. The recent shootings in Arizona that killed six people and wounded fourteen others, including U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, have sparked a renewed public outcry for tougher firearms restrictions across the nation. What are Hawaii's gun control laws and why has the number of island residents who own guns increased in the last several years?

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan and a panel representing a variety of perspectives on gun control will look at the permit process, compare Hawaii's laws to that of other states, and discuss the pros and cons of the 2nd Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Scheduled guests for this episode of Insights include: Keith Kaneshiro, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney; Bill Richter, Secretary and Director of the Hawaii Rifle Association; Ed Case, former US Congressman and State Representative; and Avi Soifer, Dean of the University of Hawaii's Richardson School of Law.

This conversation was recorded on Feb. 3, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Gun control has historically been one of the most controversial issues in US politics. The recent shootings in Arizona that killed six people and wounded fourteen others, including U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, have sparked a renewed public outcry for tougher firearms restrictions across the nation. What are Hawaii's gun control laws and why has the number of island residents who own guns increased in the last several years?

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan and a panel representing a variety of perspectives on gun control will look at the permit process, compare Hawaii's laws to that of other states, and discuss the pros and cons of the 2nd Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Scheduled guests for this episode of Insights include: Keith Kaneshiro, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney; Bill Richter, Secretary and Director of the Hawaii Rifle Association; Ed Case, former US Congressman and State Representative; and Avi Soifer, Dean of the University of Hawaii's Richardson School of Law.

This conversation was recorded on Feb. 3, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, a group of community leaders discuss Governor Neil Abercrombie's January 24th State of the State address. The panel will discuss and elaborate on the new governor's speech and give their predictions of what it all means for Hawaii. The guests include Malia Zimmerman, Editor and President of Hawaii Reporter; Jim Tollefson, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; and Howard Garval, President and CEO of Child & Family Services.

This conversation was recorded on Jan. 27, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

In 2010 the U.S. launched the National Children's Study, which will follow children from birth to the age of 21 in order to better understand the many factors that contribute to their health and well-being. Led by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, 12 Oahu neighborhoods are participating in the largest ever long-term study on children's health in the U.S.

This week on Insights, Dan Boylan will be joined by a panel of children's health experts and doctors to discuss the new study and what this means for the future of our keiki. The panel includes Neal Palafox, MD, MPH, State Health Director nominee; Lynnae Sauvage, MD, National Children's Study Principal Investigator for Hawaii and Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology & Women's Health at the UH Medical School; Elizabeth McFarlane, PhD, MPH, National Children's Study Investigator for Hawaii, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UH Medical School, and Assistant Director at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine; and Barbara Debaryshe, Developmental Psychologist at the UH Center on the Family.

This conversation was recorded on Jan. 20, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan and a panel of House and Senate leaders will preview Hawaii's 2011 legislative session which begins January 19. The panel will discuss how the newly appointed legislators and the new governor plan to tackle the tasks and issues of the upcoming session. The panel includes Calvin Say, Speaker of the State House; David Ige, Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee; Gene Ward, House Minority Leader; and Andrew Aoki, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Abercrombie.

This conversation was recorded on Jan. 13, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan and a diverse panel of experts and concerned community representatives will explore the impact of vog in the islands. They will discuss the consequences of vog on our state's economy as well as potential long term health problems.

The panel includes Jeff Sutton of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Dr. Elizabeth Tam, Professor and Chair of Medicine at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine; Lani Petri, manager of Kapapala Ranch; and State Representative Robert Herkes, District 5 which covers Puna, Ka'u, and South and North Kona.

This conversation was recorded on Jan. 6, 2011 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of Insights, host Dan Boylan and a diverse panel of guests will look back and reflect on Hawaii's economy, status of education, changes in government, and many other important events of the year.

The panel includes Sam Slom, Senate Minority Leader and President/Executive Director of Smart Business Hawaii; Kelvin Taketa, President and CEO of Hawaii Community Foundation; Denby Fawcett, KITV4 News Reporter; and Roy Takumi, State Representative and former Education Committee Chair.

This conversation was recorded on Dec. 23, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Neil Abercrombie was sworn in as the seventh governor of Hawaii on December 6th. On this episode of Insights, Dan Boylan has a one-on-one, hour-long conversation with the newly appointed governor, during which they discuss everything from public education to the economy and jobs, and the challenges ahead for Hawaii.

This conversation was recorded on Dec. 16, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On the December 9th episode of Insights on PBS Hawaii, a panel of experts discussed the economic and environmental importance of Hawaii's grazing lands, addressing issues related to proper land management, the preservation of healthy ecosystems, and the impact of the cultural and economic sustainability in relation to these open spaces.

Joining host Dan Boylan are Gretchen Daily, Director of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University and Chair of the Natural Capital Project; Greg Friel, Livestock Manager at Haleakala Ranch; Loretta Metz, State Rangeland Management Specialist at Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and Ka'eo Duarte, Head of Hawaii Island agricultural operations at Kamehameha School.

This conversation was recorded on Dec. 9, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, Dan Boylan will host a panel of members from social service agencies to discuss the major needs of their clients and how to help them out in this holiday giving season. The guests will also address what their agencies are looking for in the upcoming legislation such as funding concerns.

This conversation was recorded on Nov. 18, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, a panel of political analysts and representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties will join host Dan Boylan to sum up the 2010 political season. The panelists will look back on the results of the general election and discuss what they mean for the future of Hawaii. The guests are Richard Borreca, Honolulu Star-Bulletin Political Columnist; Dante Carpenter, Chair of the Hawaii Democratic Party; Neal Milner, UH Political Science Professor; and Dylan Nonaka, Executive Director of the Hawaii Republican Party.

This conversation was recorded on Nov. 4, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

In the September 18 primary election, about 43% of ballots for the three Oahu at-large seats for the School Board were left blank, according to the State Office of Elections. This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan moderates a panel with all six Oahu Board of Education candidates vying for the three seats available for a four-year term on the BOE, and find out how each one is qualified for the position. The candidates include Melanie Bailey, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Roger Takabayashi, Brian Yamane, Randall Yee, and Pamela Young.

This conversation was recorded on Oct. 28, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights on PBS Hawaii, Dan Boylan hosts panels consisting of candidates from three State Legislative Races.

The first part of the program includes candidates for State Senate District 25, which covers Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, and Hawaii Kai. The candidates are running to replace Fred Hemmings. They are Virginia Enos and Pohai Ryan.

The second part of the program includes candidates for House District 28, which covers Palama, Downtown, Chinatown, and Sheridan. The candidates are the incumbent, Karl Rhoads and David Chang.

The third part features candidates for House District 47, which covers Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Kahana, Kaaawa, Waikane, Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, and Kaneohe. The candidates are the incumbent, Jessica Wooley and Richard Fale.

This conversation was recorded on Oct. 21, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

In an unprecedented edition of Insights on PBS Hawaii, host Dan Boylan is joined by the leading candidates for Governor and U.S. Congress for two back-to-back conversations.

Candidates Abercrombie and Aiona are first to join Boylan for a conversation. For the next 45 minutes the candidates answer Boylan's questions as well as questions submitted by the public.

Immediately following Abercrombie and Aiona, the leading candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional district, Charles Djou and Colleen Hanabusa, sit down with Boylan for their turn answering questions in the same live conversation format.

"The format is civil discourse. Disarmingly simple--and yet the exchanges are sometimes profound," said Leslie Wilcox, PBS Hawaii President and CEO. "We should expect our leaders of differing perspectives to disagree in a civilized manner, and to truly listen instead of just waiting to speak. We ask that candidates show the sense of respect and fairness that governs normal conversation."

This conversation was recorded on October 14, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights on PBS Hawaii, Dan Boylan will host panels consisting of candidates from three Honolulu City Council districts.

The first part of the program will include candidates for District 6, which covers Makiki and Downtown Honolulu to Kalihi Valley. The candidates are Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo and Sesnita Der-Ling Moepono.

The second part of the program will include candidates for District 2, which covers part of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, the entire North Shore, and the upper Windward side. The candidates are John White and Ernie Yorihiko Martin.

The third part will feature candidates for District 4, which covers Waikiki to Hawaii Kai. The candidates are Stanley Chang and Rich Turbin.

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 30, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights, host Dan Boylan and a panel of education experts will discuss the Hawaii Board of Education Amendment, or HB2376, which will appear on the November 2 ballot.

The measure calls for the amendment of the Hawaii State Constitution to allow the governor to nominate and appoint members to the Board of Education with the Senate's consent.

The guests are Garrett Toguchi, State Board of Education Chair; Joan Lewis, Hawaii State Teachers Association; Barry Taniguchi, Hawaii's Children First President and KTA Super Stores CEO; and Dyanna Okazaki, public school parent and Parent-Teacher-Student Association Board Member.

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 23, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights on PBS Hawaii, Dan Boylan will host candidates from State Senate and State Representative districts.

The first part of the program will include Democrats running for State Senate, District 25, which covers Lanikai and Waimanalo. They are Andrew Jamila, Jr., Chuck Prentiss, and Pohai Ryan.

The second part of the program will include the Republican candidates for State Senate, District 25. They are Virginia Enos and Joe Pandolfe.

The third part will feature the Democratic candidates for State Representative, District 18, which covers Kahala, Aina Haina, and Kuliouou. They are Mark Hashem, T.J. Lane, and Albert Lee.

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 16, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights on PBS Hawaii, Dan Boylan will host candidates from three Hawaii House of Representative Districts.

The first part of the program will include Democrats running for State Representative, District 31, which covers Moanalua Valley, Moanalua, and Salt Lake. This election is an open seat with four Democratic candidates running in the primary. They include Linda Ichiyama, Sharon Lum Ho, Rocky Rockwell, and Ryan Toyomura.

The second part of the program will include the Democratic candidates for State Representative, District 33, which covers Halawa and Aiea. They are incumbent Blake Oshiro and Honolulu Councilmember Gary Okino, whose Council term has expired.

The third part will feature the Republican Candidates for State Representative, District 49, which covers Maunawili and Kaneohe. They are Joseph Aiona and Daniel Siangco.

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 9, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week, Insights on PBS Hawaii will feature two Special Election races to be held in conjunction with the primary election on September 18.

In the first half, Dan Boylan will host a discussion with all three candidates in the non-partisan race for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney. The person elected will fill the remainder of the term left by the resignation of Peter Carlisle. The candidates are Darwin Ching, Keith Kaneshiro, and Franklin Pacarro, Jr.

The second half of the program will include the Democratic candidates running for State Senate District 22, which covers Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Haleiwa, Mokuleia, and the North Shore. In July, Robert Bunda resigned from this seat to run for Lt. Governor. The candidates include Donovan Dela Cruz, Gerald T. Hagino, Mike Lyons, and Michael Y. Magaoay.

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 2, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

This week on Insights on PBS Hawaii, all seven of the Democratic candidates running for the Lieutenant Governor position will be joining host Dan Boylan. The discussion will cover major issues from around the state, and explore what role the Lt. Governor performs. Plus, we'll find out why each candidate is running for the office. The candidates are Lyla B. Berg, Robert Bunda, Steve Hirakami, Gary L. Hooser, Jon Riki Karamatsu, Norman Sakamoto, and Brian Schatz.

This conversation was recorded on August 26, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Mufi Hanneman stepped down as Honolulu mayor in order to run for governor. All eight candidates in the running to replace him will be in the studio on the August 19 episode of Insights on PBS Hawaii.

They will discuss everything from budget cuts to rail issues, but most importantly the upcoming non-partisan special election on September 18th determining who will finish the two years remaining in Hanneman's term. Joining host Dan Boylan are mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle, Calvin Griffin, Philmund Lee, Khistina De Jean, John Andrew McLeod, Panos Prevedouros, and Rod Tam.

This conversation was recorded on August 19, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On this episode of Insights, we preview the 2010 election season with a panel of expert journalists and political observers. From the hot races to important issues, Insights addresses what's at stake for Hawaii's future in the political arena.

Joining host Dan Boylan are Richard Borreca, Honolulu Star-Advertiser political reporter; Jerry Burris, former Honolulu Advertiser political columnist; Neal Milner, University of Hawaii Political Science Professor; and Gina Mangieri, KHON2 political reporter.

This conversation was recorded on August 12, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

With Hawaii down to one daily newspaper and three television news operations consolidating into one, Hawaii's media landscape is drastically different from what it was just a year ago. What are the pros and cons of the current trend of media consolidation and the rise of "citizen journalism" on the web?

Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts in the field, including Hawaii News Now News Director and former Honolulu Advertiser Editor Mark Platte; Hawaii Civil Beat/Peer News Editor John Temple; University of Hawaii Journalism Professor Gerald Kato; and Hawaii Public Radio News Director Kayla Rosenfeld.

This conversation was recorded on August 5, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Although Hawaii is ranked the fifth least obese state in the country for adults, the rate of adolescent obesity in Hawaii is increasing. Over 15% of Hawaii's public high school students are obese. This week's panel will address the risks and potential prevention of obesity, as well as statewide efforts to keep the people of Hawaii healthy.

Guests include May Okihiro, MD, MS, Pediatrician, Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center; Lola Irvin, Healthy Hawaii Initiative, State Dept. of Health; and Alice Toguchi-Matsuo, R.D., M.P.H an expert in dietary counseling for weight management, chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

This conversation was recorded on July 22, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

Hawaii has one of the highest rates of teen suicide in the country, a statistic which also includes teenagers who have planned or attempted suicide. Last year, Hawaii high school students attempted suicide at nearly double the national average. This week's panel will consist of both mental health experts and young people. They'll discuss what's causing our teens such distress, the warning signs, and what can be done to prevent suicide.

In addition to the teen guests, joining host Dan Boylan will be Antonia Alvarez, MSW, Director of Youth Suicide Prevention at Mental Health America of Hawaii; Barry Carlton, MD, Dept. of Psychiatry of the UH Medical School and Medical Director at Queen's Adolescent Inpatient Unit; and Scott Shimabukuro, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division, State Dept. of Health. This conversation was recorded on July 15, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

H.R.4173, The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, has been debated and negotiated for well over a year and a half. The bill would create new federal agencies, strengthen consumer protection, and end bailouts. The outcome of the bill is pending, with the final vote being postponed to mid-July due to the need for three more Republican votes and the recent passing of Senator Robert Byrd.

This week's panel will discuss the bill's provisions and potential impact on Hawaii's financial industry. Joining host Dan Boylan are Sumner La Croix, Professor of Economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Gary Fujitani, Executive Vice President of the Hawaii Bankers Association (HBA); Dominic Griffin III, State of Hawaii Commissioner of the Division of Financial Institutions; and Matt Pippin, Deputy Legislative Director for US Senator Daniel Akaka. This conversation was recorded on July 8, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.

On June 21, Governor Lingle placed the House Bill 444 on her potential veto list, giving her until July 6 to make her final decision. This week on Insights, a panel representing both sides of the civil unions issue discuss the possible economic impact, employment benefits, property rights, and concerns of the bill that promotes same-sex marriage.

Joining host Dan Boylan are Tambry Young, Lead Advocate for Citizens for Equal Rights; Steven Levinson, retired Associate Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court; Sandra Young, Family Law Attorney and Board Member of Hawaii Family Forum; and James Hochberg, Attorney. This conversation was recorded on July 1, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

This week, three neighbor island mayors visit Insights to discuss the challenges in their counties and how they are coping in the tough economic times. Joining host Dan Boylan are Charmaine Tavares, Mayor of Maui County; William Kenoi, Mayor of Hawaii County; and Bernard Carvalho, Mayor of Kauai County.This conversation was recorded on June 24, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

This week's Insights will focus on the challenges faced by those in our community directly impacted by public school furloughs. Joining host Dan Boylan are Jo McGarry, parent of a first grader and a founding member of Hawaii Education Matters; Mark Aoki, a senior at Roosevelt High School; and Carla Margenau, 2nd Grade Teacher at Kainalu Elementary.This conversation was recorded on May 27, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With the troubled economy, recession, and high cost of living in Hawaii what is happening to the poverty rate? Host Dan Boylan and this week's panel will discuss what poverty means in Hawaii, what's being done to get people out and help them stay out of poverty, and what programs are helping with the problem. Guests include Jerry Rauckhorst, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Hawaii; Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Chair of the Committee on Human Services; Teresa Bill, UH Bridge to Hope; and Patrick Hurney, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity-West Hawaii.This conversation was recorded on May 20, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With the recent passing of the Healthcare Reform Bill in March, what does this mean for Hawaii? This week's panel will take a deeper look into how the bill affects everyone in the islands and the changes being made in the health insurance market. Joining host Dan Boylan are J. P. Schmidt, State Insurance Commissioner; Fred Fortin, Sr. Vice President at HMSA; Virginia Pressler, Executive V.P. and Chief Strategic Officer of Hawaii Pacific Health; and Beth Giesting, CEO of the Hawaii Primary Care Association.This conversation was recorded on May 13, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

April 29th marks the end of the state's legislative session. This week's panel will highlight the events of the session: which bills passed and which didn't, how the budget was balanced, what's next in dealing with the budget situation, and the upcoming elections. Joining host Dan Boylan are Calvin Say, Speaker of the House; Lynn Finnegan, House Minority Leader; Linda Smith, Governor Lingle's Senior Policy Advisor; Sen. Russell Kokubun, Senate Vice President; and Richard Borreca, Political Analyst of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. This conversation was recorded on May 6, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Last year the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission resulted in lifting a ban that prohibited corporations and unions from using their general treasury funds to advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate for federal office. This week's panel will discuss the implications of this landmark decision. The discussion will also focus on efforts during this legislative session to reform current state campaign spending laws. Joining host Dan Boylan are Nikki Love, Executive Director of Common Cause Hawaii; Grant Tanimoto, of the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission; and Avi Soifer, Dean of the UH William S. Richardson School of Law.This conversation was recorded on April 29, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

This week on Insights, Dan Boylan talks with University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood. She is the 14th UH president and first female to hold this position. They will discuss a wide range of topics, from financial concerns due to upcoming budget cuts and tuition increases, to academics and unions on all ten campuses.This conversation was recorded on April 22, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With only a few weeks left in the legislative session, Insights will focus on tax bills in the legislature. As lawmakers struggle to balance the state budget, the panel will discuss how tax policy is being approached. Joining Dan Boylan are Rep. Marcus Oshiro, House Finance Committee Chair; Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, Senate Ways & Means Committee Chair; Jeffrey Au, Managing Director, PacifiCap; and Lowell Kalapa, Executive Director, Tax Foundation of Hawaii.This conversation was recorded on April 15, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Last month, Neil Abercrombie officially stepped down as Hawaii's 1st Congressional District Representative. Three candidates are in the running to replace him and finish out his term until the end of this year. This week all three front runners for the Special Election will join Richard Borreca, including Attorney Ed Case, City Councilmember Charles Djou, and State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa. This conversation was recorded on April 8, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Richard Borreca has a one-on-one conversation with Governor Linda Lingle. As the end of her term approaches, they discuss a broad range of issues, from the State Legislature to what the future holds. This conversation was recorded on April 1, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Hawaii's homeless population is on the rise, and becoming more apparent everywhere around the islands. Without offering any easy solutions, this week's panel will discuss how the problem of homelessness can be addressed.

Panelists: CONNIE MITCHELL, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Services; CAROL IGNACIO, Executive Director of the Offices for Social Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Honolulu; DONAVIC TOTOA, a high school student who lives with her family at the Next Step shelter; and SANDRA MIYOSHI-State Homeless Programs Branch Administrator. This conversation was recorded on March 25, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With widespread restlessness over furloughs, Insights turns its focus to Hawaii's public school system. The current and three previous governors are working to overhaul the existing education system with a new reform plan.

Panelists: RANDY ROTH - UH Law Professor & Education Reform Advocate; DARREL GALERA - Principal of Moanalua High School; MITCHELL OTANI - Principal - Kaneohe Elementary School; and MIKE STREMBITSKY - Former Superintendent, Edmonton Public Schools.This conversation was recorded on March 18, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Changes in the 21st Century have revolutionized education and the way students learn. This week, Dan Boylan is joined by those who are planning, funding, and teaching in Hawaii to better prepare students for the future. The panel includes Tony Wagner of Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of The Global Achievement Gap; Piikea Miller, Senior Program Officer of the Hawaii Community Foundation; Raleigh Werberger, Mid-Pacific Institute Teacher; and Mary Girard, Dean of Faculty of Sacred Hearts Academy. This conversation was recorded on March 4, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti has heightened public awareness about disaster preparedness. Is our community ready to prepare for and respond to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and other forces of nature? This week's panel will discuss how we can be prepared. They include Ed Teixiera, Vice-Director of State Civil Defense; Thomas Schroeder from the University of Hawaii's National Disaster Preparedness Training Center; Maria Lutz, Disaster Services Director of the Hawaii State Chapter American Red Cross; and Ray Tanabe, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the Honolulu Forecast Office NOAA.
This conversation was recorded on February 25, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With more religious groups voicing their opinions in the political arena due to issues such as civil unions and same sex marriages, this weeks panel discusses how to the deal with the diversity of religious perspectives in politics. Guests include Father Mark Alexander, Vicar General and Diocesan Theologian of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu; John Hoag, Director of Public Affairs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Rev. John Heidel, United Church of Christ Minister and President of Interfaith Alliance Hawaii; and Rabbi Peter Schaktman of Temple Emanu-El. This conversation was recorded on February 11, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

A diverse panel including State Attorney General Mark Bennett, The Honorable Walter Heen - OHA Trustee, Jonathan Osorio, Ph.D - Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at UH, and Attorney and blogger Trisha Kehaulani Watson, gathers to discuss the Akaka Bill. Panel members represent opinions from those who are for the bill, against the bill, and still in between. This conversation was recorded on February 4, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

On this week's Insights, government officials respond to Governor Linda Lingle's State of the State Address on January 25, 2010. The panel will include State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, House Speaker Calvin Say, Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith, and Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan. Contributing editor Howard Dicus files his weekly "Everybody's Business" report on the state of Hawaii's economy and places the show's topic in an economic context. This conversation was recorded on January 28, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

On this week's Insights, the panel discusses the growing importance of multimedia technology in schools for the 21st century. Managing Editor Susan Yim of the upcoming Hiki Nō Student News Network, Program Director for Searider Productions Candy Suiso, Waianae High School student Heidi Neidhardt, and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School teacher Kevin Matsunaga all join in about how education is incorporating the new multimedia learning tools.This conversation was recorded on January 21, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

When the State Legislature launches its 2010 session the central question may be less "what does our state need?" and more "what can we afford?" The budget will take center stage as lawmakers and the Governor wrestle with ways to force our state to live within its means.

Panelists: REP. MARCUS OSHIRO - House Finance Committee Chairman; SEN. RUSSELL KOKUBUN - Senate VP & Ways & Means Committee; REP. GENE WARD - House Minority Policy Leader & Finance Cmte.; and CARL BONHAM - UHERO Executive Director & Council on Revenues

Is the H1N1 or swine flu now under control ? Are we out of the woods yet and is there enough vaccine available? How have the state and county governments responded to this first pandemic in 40 years?

Panelists: DR. CHIYOME FUKINO, Director from the Hawaii State Dept. of Health; DR. SARAH PARK, State Epidemiologist and Chief of the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division; DR. MATTHEW BANKOWSKI, V.P. & Technical Director of Microbiology, Diagnostic Laboratory Services; and MELVIN KAKU, Director of the C&C of Honolulu-Dept. of Emergency Management. This conversation was recorded on January 7, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

As 2009 comes to a close, journalists Richard Borreca of Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Wayne Yoshioka of Hawaii Public Radio, Denby Fawcett of KITV 4 News plus Howard Dicus will join Dan Boylan to discuss the hot topics of the year. They will look back and reflect on the economy, education, changes in the media, health care, and social services, and many more newsworthy events of the year.This conversation was recorded on December 21, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

The recent furloughing of state teachers and other public school staff has generated a wave of controversy, resistance, and potential law suits. Host Dan Boylan moderates a panel of players from all sides of the issue: the Chair of the Board of Education Garrett Toguchi; the State Director of Human Resources Development Marie Laderta; Governor Lingle's Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith; State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa; and Debbie Schatz of Hawaii Education Matters. Contributing Editor Howard Dicus sets the issue in an economic context.This conversation was recorded on November 12, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

The world and the job market have changed dramatically in the past decade - but what about our schools? While much of the talk about education reform has focused on improving education, there is growing agreement that we need to change the way we educate our kids.

Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts on the topic, including Tony Wagner, Co-Director of the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; Mitch D'Olier, the CEO of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation; Jason Yoshida, Principal of Kekaha Elementary School; and Billi Smith, West Kauai School Renewal Specialist. Contributing editor Howard Dicus sets the topic in an economic context with his Everybody's Business reports.This conversation was recorded on November 5, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Bed and Breakfast businesses in residential areas have been a point of contention for years. The impassioned debate about issuing new permits for Bed and Breakfast establishments is heating up at the Honolulu City Council.

Dan Boylan moderates a panel including; TODD APO, Chair, Honolulu City Council; WILLIAM PAGE - Kailua small business owner and advocate for B & Bs; LARRY BARTLEY from Save Oahu's Neighborhoods; and KATHLEEN PAHINUI, a community activist from Waialua. This conversation was recorded on October 22, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

What will happen to Kalaupapa when the last Hansen's disease patient residing there passes away? Kalaupapa is currently under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Health and sits on Hawaiian Homelands, but the National Parks Service is also there developing it as a future national park.

Dan Boylan moderates a panel including; STEPHEN PROKOP - Superintendent of Kalaupapa National Historical Park; CLARENCE "BOOGIE" KAHILILIHIWA- Patient and resident of Kalaupapa and President of Ka'Ohana O Kalaupapa; SOL KAHO'OHALAHALA-Board member, Ke'Ohana O Kalaupapa, who has family ties to those at Kalaupapa; and KAULANA PARK- Chairman, Hawaiian Homes Commission. This conversation was recorded on October 15, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Has Hawaii's meth problem gotten better over the last few years? Do scare tactics like those used in the PSAs work? Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts on the topic, and contributing editor Howard Dicus delivers his weekly economic update with Everybody's Business.

Panelists include: CINDY ADAMS from the Hawaii Meth Project; CAROLYN DENNEY, the parent of Meth Addict; MICHAEL BRODERICK, a Family Court Judge; and WILLIAM HANING, MD., of the Pacific Addiction Research Center at UH Medical School. This conversation was recorded on October 8, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

What is the state of Hawaii's economic engine and what are industry leaders doing to keep the engine running during these difficult times?

Dan Boylan moderates a panel that includes BARRY WALLACE is the Executive Vice-President of Hospitality Services for Outrigger Enterprises Group; SUMNER LA CROIX, a Professor of Economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; ANNETTE KAOHELAULII, the owner of Annette's Adventures which specializes in planning and producing custom designed eco-tours for visitors; and PETER APO, a former state legislator, former OHA Trustee, musician and cultural consultant to the visitor industry.Contributing editor Howard Dicus puts it all into an economic perspective with his Everybody's Business reports.This conversation was recorded on September 24, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With the recent merger plans of KGMB, KHNL, and KFVE's news operations, the decline in the number of independent voices is being bemoaned by some journalist organizations. What is the future of broadcast news in Hawaii? Will shrinking ad dollars jeopardize the quality of broadcast journalism and its ability to objectively inform the public?

Host Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts from differing perspectives on local TV news, and contributing editor Howard Dicus places it all in an economic context. Panelists include Wally Zimmermann, Garett Kamemoto, Elisa Yadao and Chris Conybeare. This conversation was recorded on September 17, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

With sinking ad revenues and dwindling staff at the daily newspapers (along with the surge in e-journalism) what has become of the role of print journalists as society's watchdogs? Dan Boylan moderates a panel of key players in Hawaii's print and e-journalism industry. Contributing editor Howard Dicus puts things in an economic perspective with his Everybody's Business reports.

Panelists include: MARK PLATTE- Editor, Honolulu Advertiser; JIM KELLY - Editor, Pacific Business News; GERALD KATO - Professor of Journalism at the University of Hawaii; RYAN OZAWA - Digital Journalist. This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Dan Boylan moderates a panel of policy makers and their points of view on the healthcare bill currently being shaped in congress. Included are Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Councilman Charles Dijou, AARP Hawaii State President Stuart Ho and Nathan Wong, MD, a Family Physician with Kaiser Permanente.

Contributing editor Howard Dicus brings us his weekly "Everybody's Business" reports and sets the healthcare controversy in an economic context. This conversation was recorded on September 3, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

This special Insights revolves around the provocative, often emotional new documentary on Hawaii Statehood "State of Aloha" produced by the University of Hawaii's Academy for Creative Media. The documentary presents pro-Statehood and anti-Statehood points of view and many perspectives that fall between these polar opposites.

Included on the panel are Honolulu Star Bulletin journalist Helen Altonn (who was working at the Bulletin at the time of Statehood); Hawaiian Sovereignty Activist Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell; former governor John Waihee; and Jon Okamura, professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Hawaii. This conversation was recorded on August 27th 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Insights on PBS Hawaii invites the top Hawaii Department of Education Teachers and Principals for a discussion with moderator Dan Boylan on the state of public education in Hawaii and how success can still be attained in these tough economic times. Contributing editor Howard Dicus files his weekly report on the state of Hawaii's economy and frames public education in an economic context.This conversation was recorded on August 20th 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

While the recession is showing signs of slowing, a recent rash of foreclosures on homes in Hawaii indicates that for local homeowners the economy is far from recovery. Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts on what homeowners can do to avoid foreclosure and where those who are losing their homes can turn for help. Contributing editor Howard Dicus sets the issue in the context of the local economy. This conversation was recorded on August 13th 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Health Care Reform has been a rallying cry among politicians & activists. What needs to happen. and how will it impact Hawaii? Host Dan Boylan leads a panel discussion with guests: ARTHUR USHIJIMA, CEO from the Queen's Health Systems; GARY OKAMOTO, MD, the Hawaii Medical Assn. President;CLIFF CISCO - HMSA Senior Vice President; andJORY WATLAND from Health Care For All Hawaii. This conversation was recorded on July 30th 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

How will Hawaii's public schools survive impending budget cuts? Dan Boylan moderates a panel of guests representing the Department of Education, the Lingle Administration, and state lawmakers on the state education crisis. Panelists include: PATRICIA HAMAMOTO, State Schools Superintendent;NORMAN SAKAMOTO, State Senate Education Chair; GAIL AWAKUNI, Campbell High School Principal; and ALVIN PARKER, Charter School Review Panel & Ka Waihona Charter School Principal. Contributing editor Howard Dicus brings an economic context to the issue. This conversation was recorded on July 23rd, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Since the economic downturn, enrollment in the University of Hawaii system has risen sharply, but University budget cuts are looming. How did this marked discrepancy between supply and demand come to be, and how will students, teachers, and administrators deal with it? Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts on the subject, and contributing editor Howard Dicus puts the problem in the context of the overall economy. This conversation was recorded on July 16th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Part two of this special Insights series on the economy focuses on economic education for young people and the elderly. Young people have their economic futures ahead of them. Knowledge and good habits developed early on is one way of avoiding economic disaster in the future. The most financially vulnerable sector of the population - the elderly - need to be educated on how to meet their needs on their fixed incomes, how to avoid scams, and how to keep up with the technology that can aid them in areas of personal finance.

Dan Boylan will moderate a panel of economics education experts recommended by the Hawaii Council of Economic Education to address economic literacy for both young and old. Included will be features by Howard Dicus on specific areas of economic education for both generations.This conversation was recorded on July 9th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Are Hawaii residents and government agencies prepared to deal with our aging society? These questions concerned video producer Audrey Kubota, who returned home to care for her aging parents. The experience resulted in a collaboration with filmmaker Marc Delorme investigating Hawaii's long term care support services.

Their documentary, "The Graying of Hawaii" is included as part of the INSIGHTS discussion on elder care in Hawaii. Joining the discussion after the conclusion of the film will be: NANCY MOSER, the grants manager from the State's Executive Office on Aging; DEBBIE KIM MORIKAWA, the City and County of Honolulu Community Services Director; LARRY GELLER, the president of Kokua Council for Senior Citizens; Dr. NEAL WINN, the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Ho'okele Health Planners; and BOBBIE ONZUKA-ANDERSON, a social worker in the field of aging for over 30 years. This conversation was recorded on June 18th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Farming has played a large role throughout Hawaii's history.. and though the business has changed dramatically, agriculture remains an important part of our economy and food supply.

In this episode of INSIGHTS, host Dan Boylan talks with key players who are planting the seeds of a sustainable future for Hawaii's ag industry, including guests: Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chair, Hawaii Board of Agriculture; Gary Maunakea-Forth, MA`O Organic Farms; Richard Ha, Hamakua Springs Country Farms; and Adolph Helm, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association. This conversation was recorded on May 28th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

This episode of INSIGHTS examines the issues tackled by policy makers relating to Hawaiian issues and the effects of the budget crisis upon programs benefiting the native Hawaiian community.

Dan Boylan leads the discussion with some key lawmakers involved, including; SENATOR CLAYTON HEE, Chair. Senate Water, Land, Agriculture & Hawaiian Affairs Com.; REP. MELE CARROLL, Chair, House Hawaiian Affairs Committee; and SENATOR BRICKWOOD GALUTERIA of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus. This conversation was recorded on May 21st, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

The Hawaii State Legislature has just concluded its session for 2009. This year's work was marked by tax increases, spending cuts and the demise of civil unions.

Host Dan Boylan leads a Review of the 2009 Legislative Session with guests: Calvin Say, Speaker of the House; Colleen Hanabusa, President of the Senate; Gene Ward, House Minority Policy Leader; Barry Fukunaga, Chief of Staff for Governor Lingle; and Richard Borreca, Star-Bulletin Capitol Reporter. This conversation was recorded on May 14th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Public housing was created as a safety net to assist those who require that extra help to keep a roof over their heads. There are at least 8,000 people in Hawaii waiting to get into public housing. But with massive government budget shortfalls can we meet the demand and address the backlogged repairs?

Host Dan Boylan leads a discussion on the topic with a panel that includes: Chad Taniguchi, the Executive Director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority; Connie Mitchell, Executive Director for the Institute for Human Services (IHS); Theresa Cummings, a resident of Mayor Wright Homes and President of the Statewide Resident Council; and Clarissa Osina, a resident of elderly public housing facility Kalaniuhia
& Board member of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. This conversation was recorded on May 7th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

How are Hawaii's artists and arts organizations faring in the economic downturn? Can artists and arts organizations channel their creativity into inventing new ways of fundraising and making due with less?

Host Dan Boylan moderates a panel of experts on the topic, including Hawaii Arts Alliance C.E.O. Marilyn Cristofori; kumu hula and Executive Director of the Mayor's Office on Culture and the Arts Michael Pili Pang; Contemporary Museum Executive Director Georgianna Lagoria; and Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and Arts Commissioner Teri Freitas Gorman. "Insights" contributing editor Howard Dicus will lend an economic perspective to the issue.This conversation was recorded on April 30th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

In the closing weeks of the state Legislature, public officials are doing their part to conserve scarce resources while non-profits in Hawaii are inundated with people who need help. How will Hawaii's human service agencies cope?

Host Dan Boylan leads a panel discussion on the challenges ahead with representatives from the non-profit sector. Panelists include: Joanne Lundstrom, Chair of PHOCUSED (Protecting Hawaii's Ohana, Children, Under-served, Elderly and Disabled); Alan Shinn, the Executive Director of Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii; Ruthann Quitiquit, President/CEO of Parents And Children Together; and Kelvin Taketa, the President /CEO of the Hawaii Community Foundation. This conversation was recorded on April 16th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

Over the past decade, the State of Hawaii more than doubled its spending on mental health services, but now with many state programs on the chopping block, funding for mental health programs has been slashed. The state believes the new budget still provides for essential services... but advocates & service providers are sounding the alarm. Dan Boylan leads a discussion on the topic with a panel which includes; Marya Grambs, the Executive Director of the Mental Health America of Hawaii; Greg Payton, the Executive Director for Mental Health Kokua; William Sheehan, MD, Medical Director for the State Mental Health Division; and Linda Smith, Senior Policy Advisor for Governor Linda Lingle. This conversation was recorded on April 9th, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.

The fate of House Bill 444, the civil unions bill that extends to same-sex partners the same benefits and protections as married couples has been stalled in the Senate Judiciary committee. Host Dan Boylan leads a discussion on the future of civil unions during this legislative session. Members of the panel include: State Representative Blake Oshiro; Tambry Young, Board President for the Family Equality Coalition; State Senator Will Espero; Honolulu Council Member Gary Okino, as a private citizen opposed to civil unions; and Attorney Robert Matsumoto.

Later in the program, Governor Lingle's Senior Policy Advisor, Linda Smith, will respond to criticism about the Administration's budget plans.This conversation was recorded on April 2nd, 2009 in the PBS Hawaii studio.