INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAI‘I presents a series exploring the quality of life on each island, with residents from each island driving the conversations. What issues matter most to each island? These episodes are a precursor to our upcoming Election 2018 coverage. Our first discussion explores the issues most important to the residents of Kaua‘i.

The false alarm alert from Hawai‘i’s Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) on January 13 may have been a wake-up call for everyone. According to a report released this week, Hawai‘i has a long way to go to adequately prepare for a nuclear disaster – or any kind of disaster.

Leadership from Hawai‘i’s major education systems convene around the Insights table for a high-level conversation about how to prepare students for the future employment landscape in the Islands, and how they can work together in doing so.

The Marco Polo high-rise fire in July claimed four lives and caused more than $100 million in property damage. It also amplified discussion about sprinkler systems and other safety issues for Hawai‘i’s thousands of condominium dwellers.

Hawai‘i Community Foundation recently held a conference for the local non-profits and programs that would be impacted by two federal proposals: domestic spending budget cuts, and a tax plan that includes changes to claiming deductions and an increase in the standard deduction.

More than 50 years ago, under Chief Justice William S. Richardson, the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai‘i ruled the public had the right to access all beaches throughout our State. But for decades there have been disputes — clashes throughout the islands — involving access pathways that lead to our beaches.

Our State senators and House representatives have wrapped up the 2017 legislative session. How did they do? Legislative leaders and journalists will grade this session – see if you agree with them on this INSIGHTS.   Your questions and comments are welcome via phone, email and via Twitter during the Live Broadcast.

White collar. Blue collar. Police. Firefighters. Nurses. Teachers. Scientists. These are just a few of the professions that make up Hawai‘i’s 14 collective bargaining units, representing thousands of State and County workers.   Union representatives are currently negotiating new contracts with the State government.

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.

Whether it’s job loss, illness, divorce or other life circumstances, some islanders find themselves at wit’s end, running out of money in retirement.