The incumbent has stalled council bills considered crucial for the project, while the challenger is a close ally of the mayor who leads the charge for rail.
Natanya Friedheim
Natanya Friedheim was a reporter at Civil Beat. She covered city government, general assignments and produces video content.
Natanya joined Civil Beat as an intern in August 2016 after completing an internship at Pacific Business News. Born and raised on Oahu, Natanya moved to Oakland, California to attend Mills College. As a student, Natanya taught civics classes at a public middle school in Oakland and worked in a preschool classroom. Upon completing her B.A. in literary and cultural studies with a minor in government, she returned to Oahu to settle down and start her career in journalism.
In her free time, Natanya is at the beach, waist deep in mud at a lo'i kalo or makes goofy videos for her social media platforms.
Posted inHonolulu
From Capri Suns To Resumes: Meeting The Needs Of Homeless Young People
A first-of-its-kind program specializes in helping those 18-24 move from the street to independent living.
Posted inHonolulu
This Waianae Homeless Camp Is Going Legit
Residents, who fought off state plans to sweep the camp at the Waianae Boat Harbor, want to create a new self-made village for up to 300 homeless people.
Posted inPolitics
These Two City Council Candidates Are Political Worlds Apart
In the shadow of Honolulu rail, one envisions a future built around train stations. The other wants to rein in runaway rail spending.
Posted inHonolulu
Council Rejects Big Bus Fare Hikes For Seniors And The Disabled
Taxpayers will continue to subsidize public transportation at a higher level than called for in city guidelines.
Posted inHonolulu
That Long Line For A Driver’s License May Get Even Longer
The number of expiring licenses increased from about 2,000 per month in the summer of 2017 to 12,000 per month this summer.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Why The Hawaii Elections Office Doesn’t Do More To Encourage Voting
Federal voter-education dollars can’t be used to promote voting, and state elections officials say it’s not their job anyway.
Posted inHonolulu
Caldwell’s Push To Clear Sidewalks Runs Into Opposition
Honolulu’s mayor wants to ban camping on sidewalks islandwide, but critics insist more housing and services for the homeless are needed first.
Posted inHonolulu
Fighting To Save The Crumbling Koko Crater Trail
A group of devoted hikers is hauling bricks up the steep trail to rebuild crumbling steps. Now they want the city to help.