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.

Teen Surfers Make Hawaiʻi History In First-Ever State Championship 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.

Hawaiʻi Slashes Pay For Autistic Student Aides On Neighbor Islands 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.

Free School Meals Are Popular. Hawaiʻi Isn’t Sold.  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.  

More Hawaiʻi Students Are Prepped For College. Will They Attend? 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.

$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers 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.

Hawaiʻi Storms: Governor Orders Oʻahu Shutdown Friday 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.

Early Education Bill Gutted, Replaced With School Leadership Restrictions 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. 

Hawaiʻi School Contract Failures Triggered Holdup Of $30M+ For Meals 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.

Should Hawaiʻi Pay More For Teachers With Master’s Degrees? 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.