Reporter
Megan Tagami
Megan Tagami is a reporter covering education for Honolulu Civil Beat.
Megan earned her degree in political science and public affairs from UCLA, where she wrote for the school paper, the Daily Bruin.
Megan previously interned for the Wall Street Journal and CalMatters, covering K-12 and higher education. She also was an intern for Civil Beat.
Megan was born and raised in Honolulu. In her free time, she is out looking for a good cup of coffee or finding new hiking trails with her cousin.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Teen Surfers Make Hawaiʻi History In First-Ever State Championship
Students and coaches had advocated for years for surfing to be recognized as an official high school sport.
Courtesy: Shana Cruz
Hawaiʻi Slashes Pay For Autistic Student Aides On Neighbor Islands
The education department offered more money for specialists serving autistic students on the neighbor islands. Four years later, it’s retracting its offer.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Free School Meals Are Popular. Hawaiʻi Isn’t Sold.
Three years after lawmakers first considered making school meals free for all kids, students and teachers are still pushing for change.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
More Hawaiʻi Students Are Prepped For College. Will They Attend?
Hawaiʻi has been pushing for more college and career readiness for high school students, but college enrollment is stagnant.
Courtesy Josh DeWeerd
$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers
The case raises questions about whether the state could be on the hook for millions of dollars if other charter schools close.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Hawaiʻi Storms: Governor Orders Oʻahu Shutdown Friday
Public schools, parks, libraries and most government offices on Oʻahu will close amid forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Early Education Bill Gutted, Replaced With School Leadership Restrictions
Language from one of the Senate education chair’s failed bills suddenly reappeared in an unrelated piece of legislation. Critics say that could be unconstitutional.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Hawaiʻi School Contract Failures Triggered Holdup Of $30M+ For Meals
Scrutiny of Hawaiʻi school contracting comes as lawmakers raise more questions about the costs of producing school lunches.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
Should Hawaiʻi Pay More For Teachers With Master’s Degrees?
Teachers with master’s degrees have a higher starting salary than those with bachelor’s degrees, but research suggests these degrees may not improve educator quality.