As part of its observation of Hawaii’s fiftieth anniversary of statehood, PBS Hawaii will broadcast two documentaries, each providing its own historical viewpoint on the people, issues and events that surrounded the path to statehood.

“John A. Burns: The Man and His Times” will be broadcast uninterrupted on PBS Hawaii at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, and will be re-broadcast at 11 p.m.. It will begin with a live interview with retired Chief Judge of Hawaii’s Intermediate Court of Appeals and son of the late governor, the Honorable James S. Burns.
John A. Burns had a pivotal role in helping to bring statehood to Hawaii in 1959. This documentary, produced by Emme Tomimbang Multi-Media Enterprises, looks back at what shaped the man and how, in turn, he helped create many social and political legacies that continue today.
Remembrances from Governor George Ariyoshi, Governor Benjamin Cayetano, former Bishop Estate Trustee Matsy Takabuki, former Chief Justice William S. Richardson, the late Lieutenant Governor Thomas Gill and Senator Daniel Inouye round out the show.
“Insights on PBS Hawaii Presents: State of Aloha” will be a special two-hour broadcast beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, including a live panel discussion hosted by Dan Boylan.
Viewers will be invited to participate by calling in with their questions and comments.
The special begins with a one hour documentary produced by the University of Hawaii’s Academy of Creative Media. ACM students began working on the project in 2004, funded by a federal research grant. Through personal narratives, the students explored different viewpoints on the issues that surrounded statehood.