The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: US Rep. Ed Case
The congressman looks ahead to budget negotiations in December, his priorities for Hawaii and a Republican governing trifecta in D.C. come January.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami
The chief executive discussed the county's landfill, wastewater infrastructure, disaster response, affordable housing and more. He's also interested in running for governor or lieutenant governor,...
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Hawaii’s Climate Advisory Team
The CAT, formed by Gov. Josh Green this summer, is tasked with crafting policy recommendations to address the impacts of future climate-related natural disasters and to speed recovery from physical...
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: US Sen. Brian Schatz
He says Democrats have momentum in the presidential race, but there are very unpredictable times ahead.
View ArticlePay-To-Play Politics Is Staring Us In The Face. What Are We Going To Do About...
The feds tried. A jury looked the other way. Lawmakers are dodging needed changes. Now it's up to us.
View ArticleNow We Know The Scale Of Pay-To-Play Politics In Hawaii. It’s Long Past Time...
Companies that get government contracts can’t give directly to campaigns but their owners, officers and family members can. That's long been an enormous loophole that legislators just failed to...
View ArticleThe Theatrics To Kill Full Public Election Financing Would Be Amusing If They...
Sometimes lawmakers are at their most imaginative when they are derailing legislation to reform government.
View ArticleAfter All The Hoopla, Legislators Have Just One More Shot At Major Reform...
If they can’t push through public financing of campaigns, state lawmakers won’t have much to show for all the efforts to combat corruption.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Maui Police Chief John Pelletier
The former Las Vegas cop talks about the Lahaina fires, officer wellness, recruitment and retention, reviving cold cases, drones, dogs, DNA and adjusting to island life.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: University Of Hawaii Leaders
The Board of Regents chair explains the search for a new president, while the current president and CFO talk about academic freedom, budget priorities and Maui recovery.
View ArticleDark Clouds And A Little Sunshine: Here’s The Forecast For Legislative Reform...
Campaign spending bills are where the action is, with the big one being public financing for candidates.
View ArticleA Public Advocate Would Be A Big Help In Making Sure The Legislature Plays Fair
Hawaii lawmakers should embrace this idea for a new legislative umpire to "call balls and strikes" and otherwise have the public's back.
View ArticleHawaii Rank-And-File Lawmakers Need To Take It Upon Themselves To Beef Up...
Senate and House leaders have wielded total power for so long that it’s easy to forget what can be accomplished with simple majorities.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: UH Economists Sumner La Croix And...
The economists say Maui's economy appears to be in better shape than anticipated, and they don't expect Japanese visitors to return to pre-pandemic levels anytime this decade.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Care Advocates Deborah Zysman And...
Hawaii and the nation have made progress in caring for children, seniors and others in need, but there is much more that can be done, starting with paid family medical leave.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee
She discusses economic concerns following the August wildfires, the steep challenges in rebuilding, and why it's important for public officials to speak directly and frequently with the media.
View ArticleNow We Know: The Need For Legislative Reform Can Be A Matter Of Life And Death
State leaders consistently neglected wildfire prevention, but that’s how things work — or don’t work — at the Hawaii State Capitol.
View ArticleThe Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi
Preparing for wildfires is the top priority for Honolulu, but so is bringing down crime, providing affordable housing and hiring workers. There's also a solution in the works for the landfill.
View ArticleIt’s Long Past Time For The Maui Mayor To Answer The Public’s Questions About...
Just talk to us. These scripted videos and written statements are a slap in the face to anxious citizens who are losing confidence by the day in county leadership.
View ArticleAmid The Rubble, Respect Property Rights And Listen To All The Voices Of Lahaina
Everyone lost precious belongings and assets when the town burned, but no one should be revictimized because they lack political clout.
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