Most colleges and universities went to virtual classrooms as COVID-19 swept the nation, eliminating in-person learning and interaction for thousands of students. How are these changes affecting students currently enrolled, as well as high school seniors considering whether to go to college at all?

The on-going public health crisis that is COVID-19, a struggling economy and a dire budget outlook that could lead to furloughs and/or layoffs is just a few of the topics that state legislature will be faced in this legislative season.

INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAIʻI is on hiatus for the holiday season and returns on Thursday, January 14 at 8:00 pm.

From job losses to businesses closing, Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi looks at the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hawaiʻi’s economy.

The new Acting State Health Director Libby Char and Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, M.D. are among our guests on this forum on INSIGHTS. Recent outbreaks on the islands of Lānaʻi and Hawaiʻi show just how quickly the virus can spread if people aren’t careful. With a vaccine still elusive, government and health officials are asking residents to remain vigilant as we head into flu season and the holidays – traditional times for gatherings.

INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAIʻI presents the first of three programs with a focus on COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. Two-and-a-half-months into the school year, it’s clear that back-to-school is not what it used to be and not what many want it to be. Distance learning in public schools is deemed safer for students, teachers and other school employees, but in its current form, is it working? Are students getting the education they need? From across the state, INSIGHTS brings together parents, teachers and a school principal, to talk about what’s working and what’s not. The panel also includes a family therapist with advice for students and parents.

On this INSIGHTS, we’ll meet the finalists for a Honolulu Council District which has no incumbent in the race and we’ll look at the face-off between a challenger and a sitting Congressman.

INSIGHTS features election contests for two State House districts, one in Central Oʻahu and one on Hawaiʻi Island: –Three candidates are running for House District 5 on Hawaiʻi Island, currently held by Richard Creagan who is not seeking re-election. The district represents Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Ocean View and Nāʻālehu.

INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAIʻI Election 2020 features State Senate District 25, on the eastern tip of Oʻahu, including the communities of Hawaii Kai, Portlock in East Honolulu and Waimānalo, Kailua, Enchanted Lake and Maunawili in Windward Oʻahu.

Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi features two more election contests where there is no incumbent, state Senate District 16 and Honolulu City Council District 3.