Civil Beat Staff

Ben Angarone

Ben Angarone is a reporter for Civil Beat. He recently earned a master’s degree at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, focusing on politics and writing his magazine-length thesis on a virtual cryptocurrency community.

Ben was born in New Jersey and earned his bachelor’s degree at Princeton. He bounced between different STEM majors before landing on politics, and decided to pursue journalism senior year during a covid-driven virtual semester. Ben wrote feature stories for the Daily Princetonian, chronicling how communities adjusted to the pandemic.

In college, Ben led backpacking orientation trips along the East Coast, bringing unsuspecting frosh face-to-face with bears, rocky inclines and cheesy campfire songs. His eternal fun fact is that he used to operate rollercoasters at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Ozawa Challenges Waters’ Honolulu Council Candidacy In Court

Ozawa Challenges Waters’ Honolulu Council Candidacy In Court

This is the third time the two candidates have faced off in court over this city council seat.

Honolulu Council Member Is Shoo-In, But Can He Get More Done? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Council Member Is Shoo-In, But Can He Get More Done?

Weyer has the distinction of being both sidelined by the council majority and running unopposed for reelection.

Honolulu Council: Powerful Incumbent Faces Challengers Old And New Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Council: Powerful Incumbent Faces Challengers Old And New

Voters spanning Waikīkī to East Honolulu get to decide this year whether to replace Council Chair Tommy Waters or elect him to a third term.

Can Tommy Waters Even Run For A Third Honolulu Council Term? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Can Tommy Waters Even Run For A Third Honolulu Council Term?

Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is taking advantage of an ambiguity in the City Charter and hoping the courts don’t rule against his effort to get reelected.

Honolulu Council Passes Budget Mayor Vows To Veto  Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Council Passes Budget Mayor Vows To Veto 

Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he would veto the part of the city’s budget that cuts positions from the Office of Economic Revitalization.

Where, Oh Where, Have The Bikis Gone? Oʻahu Is Missing 800 Bikes Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Where, Oh Where, Have The Bikis Gone? Oʻahu Is Missing 800 Bikes

Only 478 bikes remained as of the end of April, down from a peak of roughly 1,300 bikes soon after its start.

Honolulu Officials Accept Raises Without Hearing Public Opposition Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Officials Accept Raises Without Hearing Public Opposition

Members of the public had little opportunity to comment on the raises, which are paid for with their tax dollars.

Amazon’s Proposed $600M Center In Kapolei Met With Some Skepticism Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Amazon’s Proposed $600M Center In Kapolei Met With Some Skepticism

The online retail giant proposes building a huge new warehouse in West Oʻahu to keep up with Hawaiʻi’s increasing demand.

Access To Oʻahu Outdoor Recreation Spot Still Restricted After Storm Damage Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Access To Oʻahu Outdoor Recreation Spot Still Restricted After Storm Damage

As crews continue to repair roads damaged by this spring’s Kona low storms, a reader asks when to expect restored access to a prized Oʻahu nature spot.