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.