Civil Beat Staff

Erin Nolan

Originally from New Jersey, Erin studied journalism and political science at Emerson College in Boston, and she has written for local newspapers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. She has investigated fatal police shootings, covered a celebrity’s criminal assault trial, written about artificial intelligence-powered companion robots designed to befriend lonely older adults and interviewed presidential candidates on the campaign trail, and she has covered local and state governments in six states.

Maui Residents Anxious About More Military Telescopes Atop Haleakalā Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Maui Residents Anxious About More Military Telescopes Atop Haleakalā

The final environmental and cultural review is expected by the end of the year.

Maui County Boards Ground To A Halt. Voters Could Change That Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Maui County Boards Ground To A Halt. Voters Could Change That

Voters on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi will decide on charter amendments aimed at reducing vacancies on panels designed to tackle crucial local issues.

No Relief For Maui Wildfire Survivors Losing Thousands To Contractors Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

No Relief For Maui Wildfire Survivors Losing Thousands To Contractors

Homeowners rebuilding in Lahaina have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to unlicensed or unreliable contractors. Government officials have so far failed to hold anyone accountable.

Maui May Allow Even More Condos To Stay Vacation Rentals

Maui May Allow Even More Condos To Stay Vacation Rentals

Using sea level rise exposure for justification, two resolutions before the council could help more units avoid being phased out for long-term housing.

Rural Maui Residents Still Isolated After Lala Washed Away Bridge Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Rural Maui Residents Still Isolated After Lala Washed Away Bridge

Emergency crews are flying in supplies to Nāhiku but a decades-long debate over who owns the bridge is complicating a long-term solution for this small community along the Road to Hāna.

Maui Election Results: Bissen Out Ahead Of Sugimura In Mayor’s Race Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

Maui Election Results: Bissen Out Ahead Of Sugimura In Mayor’s Race

Voters also narrowed down the top two County Council candidates to advance to the general election in certain district races.

Hawaiʻi Primary Winds Down Saturday Evening As Last Ballots Cast Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Primary Winds Down Saturday Evening As Last Ballots Cast

The election drew both newcomers and veterans to the state’s voter service centers across the islands.

Maui Wildfires 3 Years Later: The Recovery In Photos (Sean Hower/Civil Beat/2026)

Maui Wildfires 3 Years Later: The Recovery In Photos

Residential building has picked up the pace but the commercial district still struggles.

Wildfire Fatigue? Community Support Is Dwindling For Maui Fire Survivors Sean Hower/Civil Beat/2025

Wildfire Fatigue? Community Support Is Dwindling For Maui Fire Survivors

While a greater number of displaced residents have found stable housing and employment, wildfire survivors continue to struggle with mental and physical health.