Since statehood, Hawai‘i Republicans have won major races, though the victories have been few and far between. In 58 years, there have been two governors, one U.S. Senator and two U.S. Representatives. Democrats have clearly dominated, but Republicans kept it competitive, at least in certain elections for specific races – until now.

TIME Magazine selected Donald Trump as the Person of the Year for 2016. The Presidential campaign definitely dominated all forms of media. But when you think back on 2016, what event or news story – local, national or global – made the biggest impression on you? Maybe you learned a lot from it.

Financial experts predict we’ll see the largest transfer of wealth in history take place over the next three decades. An estimated $16 trillion will be passed on to philanthropic organizations.

The 2016 Presidential Election will be remembered for many things. The ongoing rancor that drove the energy of this election may be a force that’s here to stay.   What about us? Has the meanness movement reach our shores? Locally, issues like rail, homelessness and GMOs have created disagreement and division among Hawai‘i people.

Although difficult to imagine, the 2016 Election will be over after Tuesday, Nov. 8. The U.S. Congress, our State Legislature and the County Councils will soon be back in session working on the issues debated and promises made during recent campaigns. All three levels government will be represented on this edition of INSIGHTS.

We all hear the reasons and excuses. But we’re in last place. CNN did a feature story on us and called Hawai‘i “The State That Doesn’t Vote.”   It hasn’t always been that way. In 1959, 93 percent of registered voters cast a ballot.

Should the City and County of Honolulu create an Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency? Oahu residents will be asked to vote on that question which is just one of 20 Charter Amendments on the November ballot.

Gladys Baisa cannot run again for Maui County Council due to term limits. The non-partisan race for her seat representing Upcountry Maui is between Kula resident Yuki Lei Sugimura, a small business owner and former aide to Senator Daniel Akaka, and Napua Greig-Nakasone, an entertainer and kumu hula who also served on the State […]

  With an unemployment rate of more than 15 percent, the GMO ban would hit Moloka‘i the hardest. Maui County Council incumbent Stacy Crivello and challenger Keani Rawlins- Fernandez discuss how they plan to boost employment opportunities for Moloka‘i residents.

INSIGHTS brings together candidates in nonpartisan Council races on two islands. In South Maui, incumbent Don Couch faces business owner Kelly Takaya King. This race is one of several on Maui that could impact just how pro-development the Maui County Council is.