PBS Hawai'i Newsletter

"Why PBS Hawai'i continues to hold space for political forums."

Views expressed in this program note are those of the reporters and correspondents.

Accessed on 01 August 2026, 1030 UTC.

Content and Source:  "PBS Hawai'i."

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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsmonitor.blogspot.com).

August 2026 Aloha Mai Kākou, As we approach the August 8 primary election, I want to share why PBS Hawaiʻi continues to hold space for political forums, especially now, when fewer broadcasters remain in this work. Hawaiʻi has some of the lowest voter participation in the country. In recent elections, turnout among eligible voters has hovered between 35% and 40%, far below the national average. That gap matters. When fewer people vote, access to clear, reliable information becomes even more important. Many in Hawaiʻi are making decisions with limited opportunities to hear directly from candidates and that's where public media plays a role. For decades, PBS Hawaiʻi has been the only local television station that consistently provides political forums during election season, whether it is a presidential year, a close governor's race, county mayoral contests or legislative and council races. Wall-to-wall coverage has largely disappeared, and with it, the chance for voters to learn about the people asking to represent them. Aside from a few community-hosted events, there are very few places where the public can listen, compare and ask questions. Every Thursday at 7:30 pm, INSIGHTS on PBS Hawaiʻi invites people to join live conversations with the candidates seeking office, providing an opportunity to ask about the issues that matter most to them.  We continue this work because it's part of our kuleana. Civic engagement doesn't always draw the biggest audience, and for commercial broadcasters, it often means a poor return on investment. But as Hawaiʻi's public media station, it is our responsibility to make sure these conversations not only happen but remain accessible statewide. We did it for the primaries and we'll continue through the general election in November. This happens because of you. Your support keeps these forums available to everyone in Hawaiʻi, regardless of district or background. We're not asking for recognition. We want you to understand why we stay committed to this work. It is core to our mission and a service you expect and deserve. Mahalo for allowing us to do what we do.

With respect and gratitude, Ron and the PBS Hawaiʻi Team

Local Program Highlights

NĀ MELE Multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Taimane Multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist Taimane brings her musical talents and expressive stage presence to Nā Mele on August 24 at 7:30 pm. Her evolution from covers to original compositions is inspired by the universe and the elements and guided by the constant challenge of taking her music and her ʻukulele skills to the next level. Taimane's driving force: to keep showing people that the ʻukulele is more than a toy, it is an instrument of expression that speaks the universal language of music. Taimane continues to forge her own path in the musical landscape as she seeks to broaden her musical reach. HOME IS HERE Reflections, Collections & Traditions Reflections, collections and traditions take the spotlight on Home is Here.     Musical artist Yoza reflects on her battle to overcome addiction, the power of family and how healing gives new meaning to her music and life.   Truest Hawaii remains "true" to its local roots despite finding international acclaim as one of the world's premier sneaker shops.   Tattoo practitioner Kawika Au  preserves the art of kākau (Hawaiian for tattoo) and its ancestral techniques and values while helping to revitalize an art that nearly vanished.

National Program Highlights

If you’re a music lover, August is the month for you. We’ll bring you bring you pledge-of-support specials by a variety of artists, including Dolly Parton, Billy Joel, Pavarotti, John Williams, Carole King and James Taylor, Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac and a tribute to George Harrison. Additionally, GREAT PERFORMANCES presents The Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert, an annual tradition.

The anthology series PACIFIC HEARTBEAT returns with new stories of people, cultures and contemporary issues. This month’s films are: TE PUNA ORA (THE SOURCE OF LIFE), which follows three indigenous women in Tahiti as they cultivate an alliance at the front lines of climate change; and A PARADISE LOST, Oʻahu filmmaker Laurie Sumiye’s documentary on a Hawaiian finch who sued the State of Hawaiʻi to prevent its imminent extinction, the first animal in history named lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit. AMERICAN MASTERS presents a new film, MARY OLIVER: SAVED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD. Known for her poems and essays inspired by nature, beauty and love, Oliver’s work was shaped by a solitary childhood, her love of the outdoors and a passion for Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman. Her contributions to the American poetry canon include “Wild Geese” and “The Journey.”

Digital Highlights

Many of the special stories and films you see on PBS Hawaiʻi, along with exclusive digital content, can be found in "bite-sized" form on PBS Hawaiʻi's YouTube channel. Our team is committed to reaching you where you are whether you're at home or on the go and whether you have a few minutes or a few hours. PBS Hawaiʻi YouTube shorts feature some of the most popular content across our platforms, including an explanation of the phenomenon of Lahaina Noon, the story of Kauaʻi's beloved slipper man, your favorite Nā Mele artists taking on the PBS Hawaiʻi Song Challenge, the treasured crafts and knowledge handed down from kūpuna over the decades and more.

Stream your favorite PBS shows and create your perfect watchlist by downloading the free PBS App. Looking for early access or to catch up on a previous season? Become a PBS Hawaiʻi member with a gift of $5 a month and get more with your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport.   And if you are already eligible and haven’t yet, activate your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport today!

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