Reporter

Malia Manuel

Malia Manuel is a freshman journalism and political science student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her interest in journalism grew out of two lifelong passions: political activism and creative writing. Drawn to both civic engagement and storytelling, she discovered that journalism offered a way to bridge the gap between the two.

Through reporting, Malia has explored issues ranging from education and public policy to Native Hawaiian affairs, while developing a deeper understanding of the communities around her. Journalism has allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life, learn about the world through their experiences and continually strengthen her skills as a writer and storyteller.

As a reporting intern at Civil Beat, Malia is excited to continue honing those skills through in-depth, community-centered reporting that informs and empowers the public.

Honolulu Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless Over Shopping Carts David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Honolulu Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless Over Shopping Carts

Violators could be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for up to a month if found with shopping carts under this proposal.

Some Hawaiʻi Youth Love To Vape. Will New Limits Make Them Quit? Malia Manuel/Civil Beat/2026

Some Hawaiʻi Youth Love To Vape. Will New Limits Make Them Quit?

Hawaiʻi lawmakers approved some of the country’s most restrictive vaping regulations. Some doubt it will prompt youth to kick the habit.

These Historic Oʻahu Homes Pay Practically No Property Tax Hikari Mae Hida/Civil Beat/2026

These Historic Oʻahu Homes Pay Practically No Property Tax

Honolulu homes valued in the millions are getting a major tax break. One City Council member says the program is being abused.

‘We Fight’: Leaders Vow To Defend Native Hawaiian Programs Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

‘We Fight’: Leaders Vow To Defend Native Hawaiian Programs

The kickoff of the three-day annual convention began with a gut check about the toll budget cuts and legal attacks could take on Native Hawaiian-serving programs.

‘Keep Hawaiʻi Loud’: Car Stereo Enthusiasts Boo Increased Fines On Maui Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

‘Keep Hawaiʻi Loud’: Car Stereo Enthusiasts Boo Increased Fines On Maui

For some Maui residents, the noise is a source of repeated frustration. Others see the music as part of Hawai‘i’s local culture. 

Native Hawaiian Teens Learn To ‘Make Change’ For The Islands Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Native Hawaiian Teens Learn To ‘Make Change’ For The Islands

Youth from across the islands — and the continent — participated in a mock legislative event last week aimed at engaging students in shaping Hawai‘i’s future.

Should Animals Have Human Rights? Hawai‘i Court To Decide Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Should Animals Have Human Rights? Hawai‘i Court To Decide

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is being asked to free two elephants at the Honolulu Zoo based on the idea that the animals are entitled to legal personhood.