Civil Beat Staff
Chad Blair
Kalany Omengkar/Civil Beat/2023
Hot Political Topics Are Stoking Sunshine Bills This Year
Now that the bill-filing deadline has passed, here’s our handy roadmap for following hundreds of government accountability and political reform bills proposed for the 2026 session.
Hawaiʻi Governor Pledges To Build On Tax Cuts, Homelessness, Cost Of Living
Gov. Josh Green talked up the wins so far in his first term during his State of the State address.
Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026
House GOP Caucus Wants Voters To Pick Chief Election Officer
Election integrity is a key initiative in the minority party’s legislative package for the 2026 session.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Start New Session Under ‘Dark Cloud’
The investigation into a possible $35,000 bribe to a legislator can’t be ignored even as lawmakers promise more work on perennial state issues such as affordable housing.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2015
Power Players: Our Guide To Who To Keep An Eye On In The 2026 Legislature
Civil Beat’s longtime political writers help you understand who’s running the show at the Legislature.
Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026
State Lawmakers Want To Protect Hawaiʻi Kids From AI Chatbots
Proposed legislation comes in response to threats by Trump and local kids exposed to harmful content and manipulation.
Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi
Domestic Abuse Allegations Prompt Democrats To Scuttle Legislative Nominee
The party has pulled back its nomination of Inam Rahman of Waipahu as one of three choices to fill a legislative vacancy.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
Hawaiʻi Governor’s Proposed State Budget Anticipates More Federal Cuts
Facing reductions caused by President Trump’s policies, the state’s budget will prioritize essential services such as health care and food security.
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Is Hawaiʻi Doing Enough To Rein In Artificial Intelligence?
States are leading the way to regulate AI, but a national report finds the Aloha State comes up short.