Island Connections is rebroadcasted on these channels on the fourth and/or fifth Friday of the month at 7:00pm.
9-Nov-18 Hip-Hop in Education Roderick Labrador, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Adviser of Ethnic Studies - UH Manoa; Ruben Campos, Ph. D. Candidate in Anthropology and Graduate Assistant in Ethnic Stidies - UH Manoa; Brian Chung, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies - UH Manoa The discussion centered on the role of Hip-Hop and social media in education and the multiple strategies educators employ to convey critical concepts and theories through Hip-Hop and make students aware of social problems such as racism, discrimination, and oppression and what solutions might be possible to overcome such social ills.
12-Oct-18 Center for Oral History at Ethnic Studies Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies and the Director of the Center for Oral History - UH Manoa; Micah Mizukami, Center for Oral History's Graduate Research Assistant - UH Manoa The panel discussed the history of the Center of Oral History and its centrality in preserving significant Hawai‘i history and future projects.
14-Sep-18 Canary Mission Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English - UH Manoa; George Hudes, Community Activist; Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies - UH Manoa The discussion exposed the illegal, immoral and unethical practices of Canary Mission, working against Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel. Canary Mission is a Zionist social medium that works surreptitiously and illegally against pro-Palestinian activists working to have nation-states, civil society organizations and churches impose BDS measures against the Israeli system of Apartheid, as they have done previously against Apartheid South Africa.
11-May-18 Palestine: This Stage of the Struggle Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English - UH Manoa The discussion focused on the struggle of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank against occupation since Trump declared his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Cindy described what she has witnessed on her recent trip to Palestine.
9-March-18 Island Connections: Featuring Ethnic Studies Part II Monisha Das Gupta, Chair of Ethnic Studies and Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women Studies, UH Mānoa The program discussed the development of the Department of Ethnic Studies at UHM in the past several years and its emphasis on Oceanic Ethnic Studies in the current period.
9-Feb-18 Island Connections: Featuring Ethnic Studies Monisha Das Gupta, Chair of Ethnic Studies and Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women Studies, UH Mānoa; Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies, UH Mānoa; Ty Tengan, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies and Anthropology, UH Mānoa The program discussed the development of the Department of Ethnic Studies at UHM in the past several years and its emphasis on Oceanic Ethnic Studies in the current period.
8-Dec-17 Target: Iran Farideh Farhi, Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Political Science—UH Manoa and Independent Scholar In the context of Middle East regional upheaval the program focused on why the U.S. and Israel have kept Iran in the cross hairs. However, the U.S., Israel and their Arab allies have thus far failed to reach their strategic goal.
11-Nov-17 Drones of Terror Ali Musleh, PhD student in Political Science - UH Mānoa In the context of the ideology of security in defense of the settler-colonial Zionist regime in Palestine, the Israelis utilize drones, of all kinds, as an effective tool to control, repress and oppress an entire population. Available statistics demonstrate the extent to which Israel depends on drones to continue the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians from their land.
13-Oct-17 Trump and the Politics of Race Cindy Franklin, Professor of English–UH Mānoa; Ilima Long, PhD Candidate in Indigenous Politics–UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa In the context of national politics in president Trump's period, the discussion among the guests focused on neo-fascism, especially on college campuses.
8-Sep-17 From Selma to Charlottesville John Witeck, Community and Labor Activist The show discussed racial and ethnic tensions in the US in a historical perspective to arrive at an evaluation of current racial and ethnic tensions in Hawaiʻi and the US in the Trump era.
12-May-17 Immigrants Eréndira Aldana, PhD Candidate in Psychology–UH Mānoa, UH Immigrant & Refugee Action Coalition; Clare Hanusz, Immigration Attorney The panel discussed immigration policy under president Trump and his use of Executive Orders to change specific policies. Specifically, the "Muslim Ban" and the short-sighted immigration decisions regarding Mexico. Discussion encompassed the sanctuary movement and the First Amendment rights of both documented and undocumented immigrants in Hawaiʻi.
14-Apr-17 Trump's Middle East Policy Farideh Farhi, Independent Scholar, Affiliate Faculty of Political Science–UH Mānoa The show discussed the highly incoherent and problematic US policy in various Middle East spaces, such as Iran, Syria, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The US seems to think it still exists in a unilateral world, as was the case under President George W. Bush.
10-Mar-17 Separation Walls LaJoya R. Shelly, President of the Black Students Association—UH Mānoa; Teresa Hodges, Lecturer of Ethnic Studies—UH Mānoa Discussed race and ethnic relations that the Trump presidency has unleashed in the public sphere. The main focus was on color-based discrimination, stereotyping, and immigration. The guests also discussed what could be done to combat the politics of hate.
10-Feb-17 Trump: Politics for a New Century? Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English—UH Mānoa; Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies—UH Mānoa The discussion centered on Trump 's extremist worldview and the neo-fascist movement he has unleashed at home. Loss of individual liberties domestically and dangerous foreign policy moves appear to define the Trump presidency.
9-Dec-16 The UH Campus: A Safe Space for All? Manfred Steger, Professor of Sociology—UH Mānoa; Jacques Brunvil, Political Science Major, Black Students Association President–UH Mānoa; Kawehi Kina, Ethnic Studies Major, Ethnic Studies Student Association–UH Mānoa The panel discussed the importance of the UH campus being a safe space for all individuals on campus. The recent presidential elections underscored racial, political and social divisions in the country, which makes it all the more reason to be civil with one another and protect free speech and combat hate speech in whatever form. The panel also discussed future political activism of the youth in light of the November 8 elections.
11-Nov-16 Iran, the US and the Middle East Farideh Farhi, Independent Scholar, Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Political Science—UH Mānoa The discussion centered around the history of nuclear negotiations between Iran, on the one hand, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, on the other. Diplomatic and political developments since the signing of the nuclear agreement focused on US and Iranian regional politics and the challenges ahead.
14-Oct-16 Islam Day Tamara Albertini, Professor of Philosophy–UH Mānoa; Monisha Das Gupta, Chair of Ethnic Studies and Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women Studies–UH Mānoa The panel discussed the significance of Islam Day in Hawaiʻi and why it is important to gain an understanding of Islam and Muslims in a diverse society such as Hawaiʻi and the United States. The panel discussed stereotypes and discrimination resulting from a lack of understanding about Islam and Muslims and the damage those do to society.
9-Sep-16 For Palestine in the US Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English—UH Mānoa; Ali Musleh, Graduate Student in Political Science—UH Mānoa The discussion focused on the problems students and faculty face in the US in promoting justice for Palestine and the Palestinians. Pro-Zionist groups are in a dominant position from which they try to silence Palestinian narratives that show the ugly face of Israeli colonization and occupation of Palestine.
13-May-16 Globalization and Empire II Manfred Steger, Professor of Sociology—UH Mānoa The program is a continuation of the November 2015 discussion titled "Globalization and Empire." Part II deals more with the question of "Empire" and its relationship to globalization and globalism.
8-Apr-16 Israeli Occupation and Resistance Reem Bassous, Lecturer of Art—UH Mānoa; Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English–UH Mānoa The discussion revolved around Israeli occupation practices of Palestinian and Lebanese territories and the ensuing indigenous resistance against the Israeli occupier.
11-Mar-16 Ethnic Studies, African Americans, and UHM Amy Agbayani, US Advisory Committee on Civil Rights, Mānoa Commission on Diversity; Faye Kennedy, Chair of Hawaiʻi Friends of Civil Rights; Ty Tengan, Chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The guests discussed the centrality of the African American struggle for civil rights to race and ethnic relations in Hawaiʻi and the continental US. The guests discussed the importance of teaching UHM students about the African American experience in Hawaiʻi and the continental US and its relationship to indigenous rights and in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific Basin and beyond. The program demonstrated the leading role of UHM students in organizing to demand bringing back the African American position to the Department of Ethnic Studies.
12-Feb-16 Housing or Shelter? Ulla Hasager, Director of Civic Engagement for the College of Social Sciences–UH Mānoa; Kalaniopua Young, PhD Candidate in Anthropology–University of Washington The program focused on the condition of the homeless by discussing the February 5, 2016 Forum where individuals from the homeless community spoke. The program guests highlighted main causes of homelessness and what needs to be done to surmount immediate barriers to "solve" the problem temporarily.
11-Dec-15 Egypt After the Muslim Brothers Fikry Andrawes, PhD, Author, Commentator The program started with a history of Islam and Egypt to contextualize the discussion the main events that led to the rise of Muhammad Morsi as the president of Egypt and his ouster from power by the Egyptian military in July 2013 after a ground swell of popular opposition to Morsi. The discussion then moved about the state of affairs in Egypt under president Sisi.
13-Nov-15 Globalization and Empire Manfred Steger, Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa, Honorary Professor of Global Studies–The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology The discussion centered around the meaning of globalization and globalism and their relationship to political economic development worldwide.
9-Oct-15 Faculty and Students for Justice in Palestine Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English–UH Mānoa; Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The discussion focused on the newly formed organization at the University of Hawaiʻi in support of Palestinian national rights and against Israeli apartheid.
11-Sep-15 The Iranian Nuclear Deal Farideh Farhi, PhD, Affiliate Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa A detailed discussion about the Iranian nuclear deal and its implications for Iran, the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the region as a whole.
8-Mar-15 TMT Bianca Isaki, KAHEA Board Member; Shelley Muneoka, KAHEA Board Member; Jonathan Osorio, Professor of Hawaiian Studies–UH Mānoa The guests discussed the controversy surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope from an indigenous perspective.
10-Apr-15 Micronesians: Between Two Worlds Joakim Peters, PhD Candidate in Education–UH Mānoa, The Micronesian Community Advocacy Group The show explored recent developments in the situation of Micronesians in Hawaiʻi and the continental US, especially in terms of health care, education and employment.
13-Mar-15 Hawaiʻi: The Politics of Growth Marti Townsend, Environmental Activist; Bart Dame, Political Activist The discussion revolved around current Hawaiʻi politics and what drives decision makers to focus on big-ticket development projects that benefit real estate developers, tourism, and the military.
20-Feb-15 Ethnic Studies in Oceania Ty Tengan, Chair of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Brian Chung, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The guests discussed the significance of the Department of Ethnic Studies' Conference, "Our Future, Our Way: Directions in Oceanic Ethnic Studies" to be held from March 11-14, 2015 to the development of the field of Ethnic Studies scholarship for the academy and community.
12-Dec-14 Palestine in Biography Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English–UH Mānoa, Co-Editor of Biography; Craig Howes, Director of the Center for Biographical Research, Professor of English–UH Mānoa, Co-Editor of Biography The program dealt with the Special Issue of Biography, "Life In Occupied Palestine" where the guests discussed the significance of the topic and the efforts that went into producing it. The focus was on the importance of shedding light on the conditions of life under Israeli occupation and its severe impacts on the indigenous Palestinian population.
14-Nov-14 The Middle East: Between Rivalry and Chaos Farideh Farhi, Independent Researcher and Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Political Science–UH Mānoa The discussion centered upon recent critical developments in regional and international relations regarding the Middle East. The focus was on the chaos generated through rivalry among major players and the emergence of powerful terrorist organizations. Attempts to resolve major conflagrations have created more complications, not less.
10-Oct-14 Ethnic Studies on Race, Ethnicity, and Class Ulla Hasager, Director of Civic Engagement at the College of Social Sciences–UH Mānoa; Kat Lobendahn, Civic Engagement Office at the College of Social Sciences–UH Mānoa, Community Activist; Bonnie Kahapeʻa-Tanner, Educator–Kānehūnāmoku and Sea Captain The show focused on the role of the Department of Ethnic Studies in imparting knowledge to students through an integrated and comprehensive course work about fundamental social dimensions such as ethnicity, race, class, and gender. Several ethnic studies instructors discussed their own research and teaching and their future outlook regarding the field of ethnic studies.
12-Sep-14 Learning Through Community Engagement Monisha Das Gupta, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women Studies–UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Ty Tengan, Chair of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The guests discussed the value of civic engagement for both the students and community. Focus was on more recent community programs, especially voyaging canoes. The richness of indigenous culture can be used to prepare students academically in disciplines such as mathematics and engineering and professions in the natural sciences such as oceanography.
9-May-14 COFA and Micronesians in Hawaiʻi Ulla Hasager, Director of Civic Engagement at the College of Social Sciences–UH Mānoa; Deja Ostrowski, Compact Of Free Association Community Advocacy Network (COFACAN); Joakim Peter, PhD Candidate in Education–UH Mānoa, Director (on Leave) of Chuuck Campus–College of Micronesia The discussion focused on the Compact Of Free Association (COFA) and the Treaty obligations the US Federal government has towards Micronesia and the Micronesians, including those who migrate to the US The plight of Micronesians in the US speaks of the federal government not living up to its obligations. The guests discussed also the Basic Health Hawaiʻi provisions and practices since the inception of the health program.
11-Apr-14 Academic Boycott of Israel Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English–UH Mānoa; Kēhaulani Kauanui, Associate Professor of American Studies and Anthropology–Wesleyan University; George Hudes, Community Activist The guests discuss the Palestinian Civil society's call for the academic boycott of Israel in the context of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) worldwide movement. The discussed the American Studies Association's (ASA) process of arriving at the resolution that passed a democratic vote.
14-Mar-14 Latinos in Hawaiʻi Monisha Das Gupta, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women Studies–UH Mānoa, Director of Center of South Asian Studies–UH Mānoa; Sue Haglund, PhD Candidate–UH Mānoa; Jennifer Jung, Staff Attorney–Hawaiʻi Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid Hawaiʻi The program deals with the state of Latinos in Hawaiʻi by focusing on a study of Mexicans in the state sponsored by the Mexican Government and conducted by a team headed by Dr. Monisha Das Gupta. The discussion also included immigration policies, racial profiling, and racism towards Latinos in the state.
14-Feb-14 The Middle East: Between Conflict and Negotiations Farideh Farhi, PhD, Affiliate Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The program deals with US policy in the Middle East with a focus on Iran, Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
13-Dec-13 The Tribunal Twenty Years On Nalani Minton, Director of ʻIke Ao Pono at the School of Nursing–UH Mānoa; Ty Tengan, Chair of Ethnic Studies and Associate Professor of Anthropology–UH Mānoa The current significance of the Tribunal to the policies of Self-Determination 20 years after the 12-21 August state-wide event.
8-Nov-13 GMO: OMG! Kanaloa Schrader, Student Coordinator for Service Learning at the College of Social Sciences–UH Mānoa; Hector Valenzuela, Professor of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources–UH Mānoa; Nomi Carmona, Babes Against Biotech The guests discuss the adverse effects of GMO on humans, the environment and the economy. The relationship between the political elite and transnational agribusiness is highlighted. The conversation includes suggestions about how to change the political equation in favor of the public.
11-Oct-13 A Visit to Occupied Palestine Cynthia Franklin, Professor of English–UH Mānoa Professor Franklin shares her experiences during her visit to occupied Palestine. She describes Palestinian lives under occupation and the cruelty of the Israeli settler-colonial state in its treatment of the indigenous Palestinians.
13-Sep-13 Education Through Civic Engagement Ulla Hasager, PhD, Director of Civic Engagement College of Social Sciences–UH Mānoa; Lillie Makaila, Graduate Student in Urban and Regional Planning–UH Mānoa The academic and pedagogical significance of civic engagement is explored. Student learning is advanced through engagement with the community through service learning projects.
10-May-13 Education, Budget, Economy and Legislation Hawaiʻi State Senator Jill Tokuda; Hawaiʻi State Senator Will Espero, 20th Senatorial District and Vice-Chair for Special Senate Committee to Consider Approaches to Teacher Furloughs (SCTF); Jonathan Y. Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The discussion focused on the way in which the Hawaiʻi State Legislature dealt with educational and budgetary matters in the context of the political economy extant.
12-Apr-13 Obama's Middle East Policy Farideh Farhi, Independent Researcher and Adjunct Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The discussion centered on recent developments in US foreign policy towards the Middle East under Obama. Special attention was paid to the ongoing upheaval in the Arab world and the US policy towards Iran.
8-Mar-13 The Ethnic Rainbow Revisited Ulla Hasager, Assistant Specialist in Civic Engagement in Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa Does the multiethnic, multinational population of Hawaiʻi constitute an ethnic rainbow or do discrimination and inequalities exist in society? What can be done to alleviate those social and economic tensions to achieve a healthy diversity based on equality?
8-Feb-13 Israel, Palestine and the US Raji Abuzalaf, Community Peace Activist Latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinean conflict and the US role in support of the state of Israel are discussed.
14-Dec-12 Arab Upeheaval and the US Dr. Fikry Andrawes, PhD, Writer; Jairus Grove, Assistant Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The making and development of the recent Arab upheaval and its implication to regional and international politics.
9-Nov-12 Obama's Second Term Jairus Grove, Assistant Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa; Noel J. Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa A discussion of Obama's election second term and what it might mean for domestic and foreign policies.
12-Oct-12 Immigration, Undocumented Students, and the UH Ruben Campos, Graduate Student of Anthropology–UH Mānoa; Caroline Torres, Ethnic Studies Undergraduate Major–UH Mānoa Students discuss the situation of undocumented UH students and why it would be just to allow them to pay resident tuition fees instead of non-resident fees. Students from the Ethnic Studies Student Association (ESSA) were also interviewed for the program. ESSA students' testimonies before the Student Affairs Committee of the UH Board of Regents were also discussed. The discussion was situated in the context of the larger immigration question.
14-Sep-12 Palestine, Zionism and Occupation Raji Abuzalaf, Community Peace Activist; Robert Stiver, Community Peace Activist The program discusses Xionism, its origins, philosophy and practices. The focus is on the repression of the indigenous Palestinian population on the hands of the Israeli state authorities.
11-May-12 Iran and the US Farideh Farhi, PhD, Independent Researcher and Adjunct Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The discussion about Iran's geo-political and geo-strategic place in the Middle East gave a context with the country's relations with the US and Western Europe. Rivalry among multiple regional players (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, etc) was focused on. The complicated nature of the regional political situation, especially with events in Syria make for heightened uncertainty and the regional war danger becomes elevated.
13-Apr-12 Micronesians in Hawaiʻi Ulla Hasager, Assistant Specialist in Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Leonard Leon, BA Candidate in Creative Media and Anthropology–UH Mānoa; Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH–JABSOM UH Mānoa; Joakim "Jojo" Peters, PhD candidate in Special Education–UH Mānoa The discussion focused on the relationship between the US and Micronesia to give a background for the presence of Micronesians in the US, especially in Hawaiʻi. The conditions of the Micronesian communities and the discrimination, both structural (institutional) and societal were discussed. Light was shed on the significance of the Micronesian communities to Hawaiʻi and the ways in which the situation of those communities can improved be markedly.
10-Feb-12 Egypt: The Revolution Continues Dr. Fikry Andrawes, PhD Recent political developments and continuing instability were discussed. The focus was on instability and the rise of political Islam and its competition with the military and progressive political movements.
9-Dec-11 Marion Kelly: June 4, 1919-November 12, 2011 Ulla Hasager, Assistant Specialist in Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Colleen Kelly, Activist, Marion's Daughter; Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The guests discussed the life-time accomplishments of Marion Kelly, her centrality to the establishment of Ethnic Studies as an academic field at UHM and her service to Hawaiʻi's people.
11-Nov-11 Palestine: One State or Two? Raji Abuzalaf, Peace Activist; Dr. Ramzi Hasan, MD; Robert Stiver, Peace and Justice Activist Arguments were put forth for either having two states in Geographic Palestine or one non-sectarian, democratic state where individuals would enjoy equal rights regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.
14-Oct-11 The Middle East in Transition Farideh Farhi, Independent Scholar, Adjunct Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The discussion revolved around the impetus for the uprisings in the Arab world and their future trajectories. Discussed also were U.S. and Western policies vis a vis the uprisings.
9-Sep-11 APEC: Globalization and Civil Liberties Kit Grant, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawaiʻi; Carolyn Hadfield, World Can't Wait Organization; Manfred Steger, Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The discussion centered on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) annual meeting in Hawaiʻi in the context of globalization. A discussion of the ideology of globalism shed light on neoliberal policies in the age of globalization. The guests discussed the concerns about the civil liberties of protesters during the upcoming APEC Hawaiʻi meeting.
13-May-11 Israel-Palestine: A History Raji Abuzalaf, Peace Activist; Amal Mull, Public School Teacher; Robert Stiver, Peace and Justice Activist The guests gave a concise history of the area referred to as the Holy Land from the beginning of human settlement to recent times.
8-Apr-11 Civil Liberties and the Law Eric Gill, Secretary-Treasurer–Local-5 Unite/HERE; Jeanne Ohta, Executive Director–Drug Policy Forum of Hawaiʻi; Katie Reardon, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations–Planned Parenthood; Laurie Temple, Staff Attorney–American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawaiʻi The guests discussed current issues relating to civil liberties in Hawaiʻi and bills at the Hawaiʻi Legislature. The role of the ACLU in protecting civil liberties was highlighted.
11-Feb-11 Mubarak Out! Dr. Fikry Andrawes, PhD Dr. Andrawes discusses the causes of the Egyptian uprising of January 25, 2011 and its development. The uncertain future of the uprising and its consequences, including the plebiscite on the Constitution and the upcoming elections are also discussed.
14-Dec-10 Reflections: Ethnic Studies 40 Years On Jonathan Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies—UH Mānoa The discussion centered on the place of Ethnic Studies in the academy on the 40th anniversary of the department at UHM. Discussed also was the unique place of the department at UHM and its location nationally among ethnic studies and Asian American departments and programs.
9-Nov-10 Narrating Ethnicity, Gender and Hawaiian Culture Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies—UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies—UHM; Ty Tengan, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies and Anthropology—UH Mānoa The guests discussed their respective books: McGregor's Nā Kuaʻāina: Living Hawaiian Culture, Tengan's Native Men Remade, and Okamura's Ethnicity and Inequality in Hawaiʻi.
12-Oct-10 Ethnic Studies: 40 Years On Eric Gill, Secretary-Treasurer–Local-5 Unite/HERE; Representative Roy Takumi, 36th Representative District and Chair of the Education Committee (EDN); John Witeck, Human Resource Specialist—UH Mānoa and Community Activist Community supporters of Ethnic Studies who played important roles historically in ensuring that Ethnic Studies was established at UHM speak about the continued significance of Ethnic Studies to the UH and the community.
14-Sep-10 Year of Ethnic Studies Amy Agbayani, Director of Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity—UH Mānoa; Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies—UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Professor of Ethnic Studies—UH Mānoa The guests discussed the beginnings and development of Ethnic Studies at UHM and its significance to Hawaiʻi's people and their history of struggle.
11-May-10 Prison, USA Kat Brady, Coordinator–Community Alliance on Prisons; Robert Perkinson, Associate Professor of American Studies—UH Mānoa The politics of incarceration nationally was the focal point in the discussion. The Hawaiʻi case was explored regarding state expenditures and causes of the increasing incarceration rate. Discussed also was the social cost of sending inmates to prisons in the continental US.
13-Apr-10 Public Education: What's Going On? Senator Will Espero, 20th Senatorial District and Vice-Chair for Special Senate Committee to Consider Approaches to Teacher Furloughs (SCTF); Representative Roy Takumi, 36th Representative District and Chair of the Education Committee (EDN) The discussion revolved around the situation on Furlough Fridays and ways to deal with its impacts on the community.
9-Mar-10 Students Talk Ethnic Studies Jasmine Fernandez, Brent Yamada, Chris Mendoza Ethnic Studies students discuss their experiences in Ethnic Studies as a field of studies.
9-Feb-10 Narrating Dissent Ann Wright, Retired US Army Reserve Colonel and Former U.S. Diplomat The discussion centered on her book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience, co-authored with Susan Dixon and her trip to the Egyptian border with Gaza.
8-Dec-09 Hawaiians: 1959-2009 Kekuni Blaisdell, Professor Emeritus of Medicine–UH Mānoa; Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Keanu Sai, PhD in Political Science The discussion centered on the status of Native Hawaiians after 50 years of statehood.
10-Nov-09 Furloughs, Students and Politics Senator Will Espero, 20th Senate District and Vice Chair–Special Committee to Consider Approaches to Teacher Furloughs; Noel J. Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa A discussion about teacher furloughs in public schools and the adverse implications on students because of Governor Linda Lingle's policy regarding furloughs and the Hawaiʻi state budget. The discussion dealt with solutions that could alleviate the adverse effects on K-12 public education.
13-Oct-09 Shministim Maya Wind, Israeli Conscientious Objector; Netta Mishly, Israeli Conscientious Objector Two female Israeli conscientious objectors discuss their opposition to serving in the Israeli armed forces because of the Israeli state's oppression of the Palestinian people inside the state of Israel and the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza.
8-Sep-09 Iran: Regime, Opposition and the West Farideh Farhi, Independent Scholar and Affiliate Graduate Faculty of Political Science–UH Mānoa A discussion about the 2009 Iranian presidential elections and the political instability generated by the reelection of President Ahmadinejad that the opposition accused of rigging the elections. The discussion included the relations between the West, especially the US and Iran as a consequence of the election results that have exacerbated an already deteriorating situation.
12-May-09 Palestinian Life in Israel Dolores Kanaʻaneh, Bed, MPH; Dr. Hatim Kanaʻaneh, MD, MPH A discussion about the discrimination Palestinian citizens, living in Israel, experience under Israeli democracy.
14-Apr-09 Crisis in the Hawaiian Economy Byron Gangnes, Associate Professor of Economics–UH Mānoa, Director–Hawaiʻi Economy Group UH Economic Research Organization; Eric Gill, Financial Secretary–Treasurer Local 5 Union; John Witeck, Community Activist; Bart Dame, Community Activist A discussion on the current economic crisis throughout the Hawaiian Islands in relation to the recent recession and President Obama's stimulus package.
10-Mar-09 Fundraising for Gaza Erphrosine Daniggelis, The Steering Committee for the Rays of Hope for Gaza Fundraiser; Shekaiba Saidy, The Steering Committee for the Rays for Hope for Gaza Fundraiser A discussion introducing the community organized fundraiser "Rays of Hope for Gaza" with a special performance from the Tamr Henna Ensemble.
10-Feb-09 Gaza: Israel, The U.S. and The Palestinians Farideh Farhi, Independent Scholar & Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Political Science–UH Mānoa A discussion on the current situation of the Palestinians living within and around occupied territories in the Israel. Special attention is given to Israel and the United States' inability to implement an effective peace agreement.
9-Dec-08 Budget Cuts at Mānoa Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Richard Nettel, Assistant Professor of English–UH Mānoa, Board & Executive Committee–UHPA A discussion of the political and economic environment in which budget cuts at the University of Hawaiʻi are being proposed and how the University administration plans to implement those cuts.
11-Nov-08 Susan Nathan: The Palestinians in Israel Susan Nathan, Israeli Writer Israeli author Susan Nathan discusses her experiences living in a Palestinian town in Israel and the discrimination Palestinian citizens are subjected to. Nathan's experiences speak to the architecture of institutional discrimination designed by the Israeli state.
14-Oct-08 The Contemporary Hawaiian Movement Ikaika Hussey, Convenor–MANA A discussion introducing the new indigenous party, Movement for Aloha No ka ʻĀina (MANA), describing recent developments such as state and federal policy that contradicts sustainable Hawaiian practices.
9-Sep-08 Democrats 2008 Bart Dame, Community Activist; Richard Port, Former Chair–Hawaiʻi State Democratic Party, Former Member of the DNC; Elisa White, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa A discussion about the Obama-McCain presidential race and the differences between the Democratic and GOP candidates. Special attention is given to the significance of a Black presidential candidate and the dynamics of Sarah Palin as running mate to McCain.
13-May-08 Race and Politics Noel Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Elisa White, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The political and economic situation in Hawaiʻi in the context of the national political scene is discussed. Special attention is given to the significance of the Democratic Party Primaries and the difference between the Obama and Clinton campaigns regarding political and economic reforms.
8-Apr-08 Islands in Crisis Bart Dame, Democratic Party Activist–Hawaiʻi; Ah Quon McElrath, Retired Social Worker–ILWU, Retired UH Board of Regents; John Witeck, Community Labor Activist, Lecturer–UH Mānoa The political and economic situation in Hawaiʻi in the context of the national political scene is discussed. Special attention is given to the significance of the Democratic Party Primaries and the difference between the Obama and Clinton campaigns regarding political and economic reforms.
11-Mar-08 Palestine: Occupation, Ethnic Cleansing and Resistance Professor Jess Ghannam, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry–UCSF, International Executive Committee of al-Awda (The Palestinian Right of Return) A discussion of Israeli settler-colonial practices of ethnic cleansing and repression and the native response to Israeli crimes against humanity.
12-Feb-08 Hawaiʻi People's Fund Nancy Aleck, Executive Director–Hawaiʻi People's Fund; Richard Rodrigues, Grant-Making Coordinator–The Hawaiʻi People's Fund; Morgan Cooper, Fund Grantee A discussion about the fund's vision and mission. What funding for social change means to the fund. Information on how to apply for funding and examples of projects that were funded are given. Relations with the community and other funding agencies in Hawaiʻi and nationally are also discussed.
11-Dec-07 Annapolis George Hudes, Jewish Voice for Peace; Ramsis Lutfy, Co-Producer–Holy Land Peace A discussion about the Annapolis Conference for Middle East peace and what the conference means to the various participants.
7-Nov-07 Racial Slurs Pensri Ho, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Elisa White, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa A discussion of the use of racial slurs in the media and what their usage says about race relations in the US.
9-Oct-07 Israel's Apartheid Wall Morgan Cooper, Graduate Student in English–UH Mānoa; Reverend Barbara Grace Ripple, Former Superintendent–United Methodist Church; George Hudes, Jewish Voice for Peace An in depth discussion about the role that the Apartheid Wall plays in the system of apartheid practices to which Israel subjects Palestinian society on the West Bank.
11-Sep-07 A Wall of Oppression Morgan Cooper, Graduate Student in English–UH Mānoa A discussion about the separation of the Wall that Israel built in the West Bank and the impacts of the separation on Palestinian society.
8-May-07 Middle East Conversations Farideh Farhi, Adjunct Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa The role of the US in the Middle East is highlighted. Discussion about Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine/Israel demonstrate how the US has participated in the instability of the region.
10-Apr-07 Holy Land Realities Ramsis Lutfy, Assistant Director–Holy Land Peace Olelo Program; Robert Stiver, Director–Holy Land Peace Olelo Program The discussion revolves around the arguments presented by Israel about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the US Public and the significance of having programs that could present the other side.
13-Mar-07 Civil Liberties: What's in it for You Lois Perrin, Legal Director–ACLU Hawaiʻi Recent civil liberties issues are highlighted and why it is important for individuals and groups to protect constitutional rights and fight against the erosion of civil liberties.
13-Feb-07 Homelessness on the Rise Charmaine Crockett, Human Rights Activist; Utu Langi, Executive Director–Hawaiians Helping the Hungry have Hope (H-5); Steve Laudig, Legal Director–Kokua Legal Services, Attorney at Law; Margot Schrire, Director of Community Relations–Institute of Human Services; Laura Thielen, Chair–Partners in Care The roots of homelessness and what the existing advocacy agencies are doing to alleviate the plight of the homeless are discussed. The answer is not shelters but homes for the homeless. What stands in the way of achieving a permanent solution is highlighted.
12-Dec-06 Middle East Encounter Michael Bernardini, Political Science Major–UH Mānoa; Adrianna Overdorff, Political Science Major–UH Mānoa Students discuss how and why they became interested in Middle East issues and offer analysis of current developments in the context of historical development of war and conflict. The relations of the US to Middle Eastern countries are analyzed.
14-Nov-06 Democratic Route vs. Republican Route Ah Quon McElrath, Retired UH Board of Regents; Bart Dame, Community Activist The significance and impact of the 2006 mid-term elections nationally and locally are discussed.
10-Oct-06 Nationalism and Globalization Dean Alegado, Department Chair of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Pensri Ho, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Nandita Sharma, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Sociology–UH Mānoa The relationship of immigration to globalization is discussed. Xenophobia and its relationship to nationalism is demonstrated through actions of groups and individuals opposed to immigration. The role of national public policy in exacerbating "nativist" tendencies and the struggle against such policies are examined.
12-Sep-06 Imperial Designs: Iraq, Lebanon and Beyond Farideh Farhi, Adjunct Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa; Ramsis Lutfy, Retired Professor of Zoology US plans to dominate the Middle East are discussed with special emphasis on Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, Syria and Iran.
9-May-06 Iran, the U.S. and Politics Farideh Farhi, Adjunct Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa; Ramsis Lutfy, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi The relationship between Iran and the US and the impact of the US role on the Middle East region are discussed. Prospects of war with Iran and a widening of the on-going conflict are debated.
11-Apr-06 Blessed are the Peacemakers George Hudes, Jewish Voice for Peace, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi; Ramsis Lutfy, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi; Reverend Barbara Grace Ripple, Retired The work for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is highlighted. Reverend Ripple speaks about her recent trip to Israel/Palestine and George Hudes discusses his earlier trip there. Violation of human rights under occupation and the plight of the Palestinian population are discussed. The program title is inspired by the lecture given by Jerry and Sis Levin on April 6, 2006 at UHM. Both Jerry and Sis are members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT).
14-Mar-06 UARC Reloaded Ikaika Hussey, DMZ Hawaiʻi, Aloha Aina; Beverly Keever, Professor of Journalism–UH Mānoa; Miriam Sharma, Professor of Asian Studies–UH Mānoa, Save UH/Stop UARC Despite the overwhelming opposition from the university community system-wide, UH Interim President David McClain recommended the University Affiliated Research Center to the University's Board of Regents. The discussants expose McClain's machinations and how it would be a disservice both to the UH community and the people of Hawaiʻi.
14-Feb-06 FACE - Faith and Politics Gerry Madison, Chair–Jobs Committee, Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE); Godfrey Maeshiro, Vice-President–Local 5 and Labor Committee, FACE; Michelle Takemoto, Jobs Committee, FACE The relationship between faith and social activism for justice and equality is highlighted. FACE and its activism in the community, including community organizing, is highlighted. The importance of activism on all levels to effect social change comes into sharp focus.
Dec-05 Local 5: Global Hotels Elaine Hornal, Pantry Cook–Turtle Bay Resorts; Cathy Lowenberg, Law Student–UH Mānoa, Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel workers and Local 5 members discuss their working conditions and future contract negotiations with the hotels on Oʻahu. The transformation of hotel ownership into huge transnational enterprises and the role that this transformation has played is discussed.
Nov-05 I Kuʻu Pono, ʻAole Pau (Our Work For Justice Continues) Dean Alegado, Chair Department of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Monisha Das Gupta, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women's Studies–UH Mānoa; Jonathan Okamura, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The role of educators in society to help bring about justice and equality is discussed. The title of the program is also the title of the inaugural Ah Quon McElrath Distinguished Lecture in Social Change and Justice.
Oct-05 Classified Research, Militarization and Community Ruth Dawson, Professor of Women's Studies–UH Mānoa; Kyle Kajihiro, Program Director–American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Hawaiʻi The push for classified research at the University of Hawaiʻi and the overwhelming opposition from the university community to the UH leaders' plans to institute classified research is discussed. Also discussed are the reasons why faculty and students deem this type of research counter-productive to the UH and its mission.
Sep-05 Indigenous Rights–2005 Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻopua, PhD, Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School; Ty Tengan, Assistant Professor Ethnic Studies and Anthropology–UH Mānoa; ʻImai Winchester, Graduate Student–UH Mānoa, Teacher–Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School Indigenous voices discuss the Akaka Bill, the Kamehameha Schools controversy, Hawaiian rights, Activism, and issues of identity.
May-05 Students Talk Labor Patrick Filner, Student–UH Mānoa, ES 495 (Hawaiʻi Labor History); Kristy Ringor, Student–UH Mānoa, ES 495 (Hawaiʻi Labor History) Two graduate students discuss why they actively support labor struggles and unionization and how they arrived to that position.
Apr-05 Labor 2005: Whatʻs at Stake Steve Dinion, Musician's Union Hawaiʻi; Eric Gill, Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE), Local 5; Liana M. Petranek, PhD, Flight Attendant Local Labor issues are discussed in the context of globalization and war. Recent developments with the Musicians Union and hotel workers are also discussed.
Mar-05 Classified Research Ruth Dawson, Professor of Women Studies–UH Mānoa; Gary Fuller, Professor of Geography–UH Mānoa Classified research philosophy and policy are discussed. The latest developments regarding the establishment of University Affiliated Research Center are also discussed.
Feb-05 Politics ʻ05: What is at Issue? Ah Quon McElrath, Retired UH Board of Regents; Roy Takumi, Chair of Education Committee–Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives; Jonathan Okamura, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The state of legislative politics in the state regarding education and labor are highlighted. Critical analysis of both Democrats and Republican policies make for interesting discussion about the 2005 Legislative session and the immediate future that the state faces.
Dec-04 Palestine: Occupation or Independence George Hudes, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi Israeli policies and actions in the Palestinian occupied territories are discussed. Mr. Hudes shares aspects of his recent fact-finding trip to Israel/Palestine. Israeli settler activities on the occupied West Bank are highlighted.
Nov-04 The Next Four Years Bart Dame, Community Activist; Noel J. Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The discussion revolves around the re-election of George W. Bush and what it might mean for domestic and international politics. Guests also discuss presidential campaign of 2004.
Oct-04 Labor, War, and Empire Steve Dinion, Musicians Union and Coordinator, Co-founder of Hawaiʻi Labor for Justice and Peace; Liana Petranek, PhD Political Science, Flight Attendants Union (Hawaiian Air); John Witeck, President of the People's Fund, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association (HGEA) Guests discuss the effects of the wars the US is engaged in on labor and the union movement locally and nationally. The program also discusses the effect of the war in Iraq on the state of the labor movement in that country. The relationship between US wars in the Middle East and the US imperial project is also discussed.
Sep-04 The Peace Movement Bart Dame, Community Activist; Carolyn Hadfield, Not in Our Name (NION); Ruth Hsu, Associate Professor of English–UH Mānoa The state of the peace movement in Hawaiʻi and the US is discussed. Local activists discuss war and peace and the impacts of the war domestically and in the Middle East.
May-04 Frederic Bush: Israel in Palestine Margaret Brown, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi; George Hudes, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi; Robert Stiver, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi The guests discuss the harsh reality of Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and the suffering of the Palestinian people. The program was inspired by Professor Frederic Bush's visit to Israel/Palestine.
Apr-04 Ethnic Rainbow: Myth or Reality? Rick Baldoz, Assistant Professor of Sociology–UH Mānoa; Marion Kelly, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa (Retired); Jonathan Okamura, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa The discussion revolves around debunking the myth of the "rainbow" and looks at race and ethnic relations in Hawaiʻi in the contemporary period.
Mar-04 Faculty and the State Naoko Shibusawa, Assistant Professor of History–UH Mānoa, UHPA Board Member; Jeannie Lum, Associate Professor of Educational Foundations–UH Mānoa, UHPA Board Member A discussion by faculty about the state of higher education and public policy as revealed through Governor Linda Lingle's offer to the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly (UHPA). The discussion points out the larger strategy contemplated by the state to move the UH system more towards privatization. Faculty also express concerns about the adverse consequences of that strategy for public higher education.
Feb-04 Democratic Primaries 2004 Ah Quon McElrath, Board of Regents; Bart Dame, Representative–Kucinich Campaign; John Witeck, Labor and Community Activist The program discusses the political climate and the positions of the various Democratic candidates while focusing on Howard Dean, John Kerry, Dennis Kucinich, and John Edwards. Lively discussion reveals the unity of the Democrats, despite their fielding of several candidates, in their attempt to defeat George W. Bush in the General elections of 2004.
Dec-03 Homelessness on the Rise Ah Quon McElrath, Board of Regents–UH Mānoa; Margot L. Schrire, PR and Volunteer Manager–Institute for Human Services Discusses the social and political environment that breeds homelessness. It also shows the efforts of the Institute for Human Services (IHS), and Health Care for the Homeless in providing services for the homeless. The program points out what needs to be done.
Nov-03 Labor at a Crossroads Ah Quon McElrath, Board of Regents–UH Mānoa; Eric Gill, Financial Secretary/Treasurer–Local 5; Ray Camacho, ILWU Oahu Division Director The condition of labor in Hawaiʻi and the challenges that face it under republican administrations both on the national and state levels. New momentum in the trade union movement is highlighted.
Oct-03 Edward Said, 1935 - 2003 Sanakaran Krishna, Professor of Political Science–UH Mānoa; Monisha Das Gupta, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Women's Studies–UH Mānoa; Paul Lyons, Assistant Professor of English–UH Mānoa The life and works of the late Edward Said are discussed with a focus on Edward Said as a public intellectual and humanist committed to peace, justice, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Sep-03 Occupation: Iraq and Palestine Farideh Farhi, Department of Political Science–UH Mānoa; Ramsis Lutfy, Retired Professor of Zoology, Friends of Sabeel Middle East developments are discussed with focus on developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, especially the Bush "Roadmap" to "peace;" and the situation in Iraq and Iran. The role of the US in the Middle East conflict is also highlighted.
May-03 After the Invasion Farideh Farhi, Department of Political Science–UH Mānoa; Ramsis Lutfy, Retired Professor of Zoology, Friends of Sabeel A discussion about the US occupation of Iraq and what it might mean to prospects of peace in the Middle East region, including Iran and Palestine. Impacts of war on the environment are also discussed.
Apr-03 Workers Talk Turtle Bay Claire Shimabukuro, Community Organizer–Local 5, Executive Director–People's Fund; Daniel Kerwin, Organizer & Business Agent–HERE, Local 5; Jason Ward, Research Analyst–HERE, Local 5 Local-5 workers and organizers discuss the treatment of workers by the management of Turtle Bay Resorts. Management's relations with the community is also discussed.
Mar-03 Conquest for Peace? Vaughn Beckman, Pastor–First Christian Church, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi; Norrie Thompson, Retired Attorney at Law, Friends of Sabeel Hawaiʻi; Ramsis Lutfy, Retired Professor of Zoology, Friends of Sabeel A discussion of Israel's conquest of Palestinian Authority territories in the context of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza since 1967.
Feb-03 Labor Against War Ah Quon McElrath, Board of Regents–UH Mānoa; Claire Shimabukuro, Organizer–Local 5, Executive Director–People's Fund; John Witeck, Labor and Community Activist A discussion about why organized labor opposes the war. Economic, political and civil liberties reasons are advanced as arguments against war and for a peaceful option.
Dec-02 Civil Liberties, Uncivil Acts Vanessa Chong, Executive Director–American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi; Wayson Chow, Attorney–National Lawyers Guild; Chris Iijima, Associate Professor at the School of Law–UH Mānoa A discussion of the impact of the Patriot Act and other post 9-11 federal legislation on civil liberties for all US citizens.
Nov-02 The Day After Claire Shimabukuro, Community Organizer–Local 5, Executive Director–Peoples Fund; Bart Dame, Community Activist A discussion about the Hawaiʻi gubernatorial election and what a GOP victory might mean to Hawaiʻi's people, and the Democratic Party.
Sep-02 Mānoa to Otago Rachel Kaʻai Oldman, Exchange Student–University of Otago, New Zealand; Dean Muhata, Exchange Student–University of Otago, New Zealand; Jenny Samaan, Director at the Office of International Affairs–UH Mānoa A discussion with exchange students from the University of Otago, New Zealand and the Director of the Office of International Education, Jenny Samaan (UH) about the exchange program between Otago and the UH and the Otago students' experiences in Hawaiʻi. A must see for UH students considering exchange opportunities.
May-02 Israel in Palestine Miriam Sharma, Professor of Asian Studies–UH Mānoa; Ramsis Lutfy, Retired Professor of Zoology; Bart Dame, Community Activist A new look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with focus on the September 2000 Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation and Israel's invasion of Palestinian Authority-controlled territory. A fresh look at the meaning and practices of terrorism in light of the 9-11 attacks and the killing of civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Apr-02 University and Community Dean Alegado, Chair of Department of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Ulla Hasager, PhD, Systems of Service Project Director Service Learning Demonstrates the relationship between university and the grassroots community through interviews with students in Service Learning projects in communities and community members. Focus is on the responsibility of the university to the community and the benefit derived by the university and community from this engagement.
Mar-02 Homeless Mike Coleman, Central Union Church; Cindy Collison, Maili Housing and Catholic Charities; George Harris, Like a Child Presents a fresh outlook on the homeless and homelessness. Includes interviews with homeless and service providers.
Feb-02 Gambling on the Economy Noel J. Kent, Professor of Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa; Larry Meacham, Executive Director–Common Cause Hawaiʻi Discusses Hawaiʻi legislative politics and the way in which both Republican and Democrats pass legislation and devise public policy. Includes a discussion about the effects of these laws and policies on Hawaiʻi's people.
Dec-01 Afghanistan: Patriot Acts Farideh Farhi, the Middle East Institute, Washington, DC A discussion of the war in Afghanistan including a critique of US policy in the Middle East, South and Central Asia regions two months into the Afghanistan campaign. Discussed also is the erosion of civil liberties in light of the Patriot Act.
Nov-01 9/11: Islands in Crisis Miriam Sharma, Professor of Asian Studies–UH Mānoa; Kyle Kajihiro, Program Director–American Friends Service Committee, Ethnic Studies–UH Mānoa Discusses the impact of the 9/11 events on the Hawaiian economy and the politics associated with that. Includes a discussion on civil rights in view of the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath.
Oct-01 Hegemony and Power Farideh Farhi, Adjunct Scholar–Middle East Institute, Washington, DC; Tamara Albertini, Associate Professor of Philosophy–UH Mānoa A discussion of US government reaction to the 9/11 events and a critique of US policy in the Middle East and South Asia.
Sep-01 Labor: A New Beginning Ah Quon McElrath, Board of Regents–UH Mānoa; Eric Gill, Financial Secretary/Treasurer–Local 5; Mari Yoshimura, Assistant Professor of American Studies–UH Mānoa A discussion of labor issues in light of the political economy in Hawaiʻi. Emphasis is on labor organizing and tactics and strategies to achieve organizing goals in the context of contemporary local and global politics.
May-01 Global Impact A discussion about globalization and its impacts on local communities. Hawaiʻi's development in the context of the process of globalization is emphasized.
Apr-01 Labor and the State A discussion of the UHPA and HSTA strikes and the relationship between the state government and public workers.
Mar-01 Tenants on the Move A discussion of conditions in public housing and the social movement of tenants organizing in their own defense.
Feb-01 Indigenous Rights A discussion of Kanaka Maoli rights, including the impact of the Rice versus Cayetano US Supreme Court decision on those rights. The Akaka Bill and its implications on Kanaka Maoli rights are also analyzed.