Civil Beat Staff

Brittany Lyte

Brittany Lyte is a general assignment reporter for Civil Beat who specializes in watchdog reporting, narrative storytelling and coverage of neighbor island and social issues. Prior to joining the Honolulu newsroom in March 2018, Brittany lived on the north shore of Kaua’i, where she juggled a freelance writing career. Her writing during this period appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic and Hana Hou! magazine. In 2021 she moved back to Kaua’i to help expand Civil Beat’s coverage on the outer islands. Previously, she worked for Hearst Newspapers in Connecticut. An Upstate New York native, she has a degree in journalism from Boston University.

In a decade of reporting, Brittany has traveled to Russia, Poland and across the U.S., interviewing subjects ranging from the Dalai Lama to Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan. Her writing has explored a similarly vast range of topics, from the plight of an accused cannibal on the run from police to an investigation into undocumented toxic waste buried beneath suburban Connecticut homes. Her series on the latter subject earned national accolades and inspired the state legislature to adopt a new real estate disclosure law to better protect homebuyers.

In pursuit of a good story, Brittany has learned to fly an M-26 Air Wolf and chased down a suspected killer while wearing heels and a silk dress.

Maui Clerk Rejects Petition Over Riki Hokama’s Residency Ludwig Laab/Civil Beat/2022

Maui Clerk Rejects Petition Over Riki Hokama’s Residency

Questions about whether the County Council candidate met eligibility requirements to run for the Lanai seat lingered for months after the election.

Mokulele Airlines Promises To ‘Step Up’ Service  For Molokai And Lanai Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Mokulele Airlines Promises To ‘Step Up’ Service For Molokai And Lanai

More planes are planned to avoid further travel disruptions for frustrated residents.

The Shift To A Green Energy Future Is Renewing Plantation-Era Water Wars On Kauai Brittany Lyte/Civil Beat/2023

The Shift To A Green Energy Future Is Renewing Plantation-Era Water Wars On Kauai

A proposed hydro project — the first of its kind in the world — could supply up to a quarter of the island’s power by diverting 4 billion gallons a year from the Waimea River.

Larry Ellison’s Company Helps Hawaii Find Housing For Key Mental Health Hire Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Larry Ellison’s Company Helps Hawaii Find Housing For Key Mental Health Hire

Pulama Lanai held a space for a social worker that patients say is critical to their care.

Lanai Water Utility Seeks Significant Increase In Rates Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Lanai Water Utility Seeks Significant Increase In Rates

Discounted water for agricultural producers is also part of the company's proposal.

Police: Suspect In Killing Of Father Believed To Be Dead In Remote Kauai Wilderness Flickr: Deb Nystrom

Police: Suspect In Killing Of Father Believed To Be Dead In Remote Kauai Wilderness

Family members say the suspect suffered from mental illness, according to police.
Hawaii Spent Decades Developing Community-Managed Fishing Areas. Lawmakers May Undo That Courtesy: DLNR

Hawaii Spent Decades Developing Community-Managed Fishing Areas. Lawmakers May Undo That

Despite overwhelming testimony in opposition, a measure is moving forward in the Senate.

Kauai Council Appoints Kagawa To Seat Vacated By Evslin Courtesy: Léo Azambuja/2014

Kauai Council Appoints Kagawa To Seat Vacated By Evslin

The council approved the appointment by a 5 to 1 vote.
New Kauai Drug Camp Treats At-Risk Teens Like Family — Not Patients Courtesy: Keala Foundation

New Kauai Drug Camp Treats At-Risk Teens Like Family — Not Patients

A scrappy grassroots group is finding success through a program that features strength conditioning, outdoor adventure and the healing power of forgiveness.