With our beautiful beaches, hiking trails and recreational areas, Hawai‘i is a paradise for residents and visitors who enjoy the outdoors. But should all hiking trails be accessible to the public? Can access to and along our shorelines be legally restricted? How accessible should our public lands be? Mahealani Richardson hosts the discussion.

According to a new CNBC study, Hawai‘i is the worst state in which to do business. How can we improve our business climate, our infrastructure and our workforce to make Hawai‘i a more business-friendly state? Daryl Huff hosts the discussion.

On July 1st, Honolulu will become the last county in the state to enforce a ban on certain types of plastic bags. The law addresses concerns by environmentalists who maintain that plastic bags clutter and damage our land and ocean.

Growing up on the island of Hawaii, Glenn Furuya was raised by what he calls the “village” of Hilo. There, he learned the importance of hard work and building relationships, and saw how local values and humility helped build successful businesses.

Efforts to deal with Oahu’s homeless population, such as moving them out of parks and off sidewalks, have only shifted them away from businesses, leading to more sidewalk tents in Kaka‘ako and Kapalama.

Kaho‘olawe, an island that many Hawaiians hold as sacred, has been a cultural and political touchstone since the 1970s. When the U.S. military handed over control of Kaho‘olawe to the state of Hawai‘i, unexploded bombs and erosion left a barren landscape that many to this day are working to replant and restore.

Development on the ‘Ewa Plain and in Central Oahu has created controversy over whether agricultural lands should be rezoned for housing projects. Proposed housing projects point toward building communities that help create jobs and provide housing for Hawai‘i residents. Agriculture can help increase Hawai‘i’s locally grown food stock, while also preserving open space.

PBS Hawaiʻi’s new Vice President of Communications is Jody Shiroma, who will increase opportunities for community access, engagement and partnerships, and oversee the expansion of the multimedia station’s community advisory groups across the islands.

Voters are invited to watch PBS Hawai‘i on Monday, August 1 at 8:00 pm for a special episode of the roundtable public affairs show Insights on PBS Hawai‘i featuring Honolulu’s leading mayoral candidates.

PBS Hawaiʻi has hired Tina Yamaki as its new Director of Business Support. In this role, Yamaki will engage with local businesses and organizations in supporting PBS Hawaii’s programming and learning initiatives.