Civil Beat Staff

Cassie Ordonio

Cassie Ordonio is a reporter for Honolulu Civil Beat. She joined the news organization as an intern in 2021, having previously interned at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for a year, covering the Legislature, social issues, education and more.

She also reported for San Francisco-based newspapers El Tecolote, 48 Hills, Ingleside Light and Castro Courier.

Cassie, of Filipino and Chamorro descent, was born and raised in California. She recently graduated from the University of Hawaii Manoa with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Pacific Islands studies.

Along with working for Civil Beat, she is also one of 22 fellows for AAJA Voices, a mentorship program that aims to increase diversity in journalism while providing mentors from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN to train them.

When she’s not working, she’s on a desperate search for some good horchata or simply trying to keep her house plants alive.

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A Tale Of 2 Monarchies: Queen Elizabeth’s Death Stirs Up Mixed Feelings In Hawaii AP/2022

A Tale Of 2 Monarchies: Queen Elizabeth’s Death Stirs Up Mixed Feelings In Hawaii

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While millions mourned the death of the longest reigning British monarch, others have criticized that monarchy’s colonial past.

New Mauna Kea Stewards Will Need To Balance Astronomy And Cultural Values Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

New Mauna Kea Stewards Will Need To Balance Astronomy And Cultural Values

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Some members of the new panel, including former TMT protesters, may find their values challenged now that they have a vote over what happens to Hawaii’s tallest mountain.

Honolulu Has Many Vacant Positions Open On Boards And Commissions Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Honolulu Has Many Vacant Positions Open On Boards And Commissions

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Candidates will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Honolulu City Council.

Hawaii High School Students To Get Free Rides On Public Transportation Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Hawaii High School Students To Get Free Rides On Public Transportation

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The state-funded pilot program is aimed at helping families amid a school bus driver shortage that has dragged on for more than a year.

The University Of Hawaii Lifts Its Indoor Mask Mandate Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

The University Of Hawaii Lifts Its Indoor Mask Mandate

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Masks will no longer be required indoors at UH campuses after Friday after the university sought advice from health experts.

Federal Judge Denies Katherine Kealoha’s Request For Bail Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Federal Judge Denies Katherine Kealoha’s Request For Bail

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A hearing will be held later to determine whether Kealoha can appeal her conviction.

Hawaii Steps Up Efforts To Track Monkeypox Cases CDC/Cynthia S. Goldsmith

Hawaii Steps Up Efforts To Track Monkeypox Cases

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A new dashboard will log confirmed cases and vaccination rates

A ‘Tremendous Need’ For Affordable Housing In Hawaii Leads To Long Waitlists Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

A ‘Tremendous Need’ For Affordable Housing In Hawaii Leads To Long Waitlists

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As Honolulu officials push for more affordable housing, people are applying to multiple waitlists to get into available units.

Tax Refunds Are On The Way To Hawaii Households Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Tax Refunds Are On The Way To Hawaii Households

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Residents who filed income taxes this year are eligible to receive $100 or $300, depending on income.