Columnist

Neal Milner

Neal Milner is a former political science professor at the University of Hawaii where he taught for 40 years. He is a political analyst for KITV and is a regular contributor to Hawaii Public Radio's "The Conversation." His most recent book is The Gift of Underpants. Opinions are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Civil Beat's views.
Neal Milner: Cultural Competence Helps, But It Doesn’t Get The Job Done Hawaii News Now

Neal Milner: Cultural Competence Helps, But It Doesn’t Get The Job Done

The emphasis on playing The Culture Card is misguided and counterproductive.

Neal Milner: What Tom Hanks And Honeybees Can Teach Us About How To View Politics Getty Images/iStockphoto

Neal Milner: What Tom Hanks And Honeybees Can Teach Us About How To View Politics

Both gather information by picking up pieces in their environment that stick to them with valuable results.

Neal Milner: When Already? Hawaii Policymakers Just Can’t Get Past The Planning Stage David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Neal Milner: When Already? Hawaii Policymakers Just Can’t Get Past The Planning Stage

Efforts to build a new stadium and a new prison on Oahu have stalled for years. And the Hawaii Tourism Authority lives on.

Neal Milner: Aging US Politicians May Need To Just Get Off The Stage Dianne Feinstein/Facebook/2022

Neal Milner: Aging US Politicians May Need To Just Get Off The Stage

Mandatory retirement ages are blunt instruments. There's a better way to utilize their wisdom while passing the baton.

Neal Milner: Bullies Can Only Bully Because The Legislature Encourages It Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Neal Milner: Bullies Can Only Bully Because The Legislature Encourages It

Hawaii legislators can and do operate according to their own rules and norms.

Neal Milner: Theatergoers Need To Get Comfortable With Chinatown’s Homeless People David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Neal Milner: Theatergoers Need To Get Comfortable With Chinatown’s Homeless People

The risks outweigh the rewards to enjoy the variety of experiences in downtown Honolulu.

Neal Milner: Old Folks Are A Lot Less Fragile Than You Think Getty Images/iStockphoto

Neal Milner: Old Folks Are A Lot Less Fragile Than You Think

Stressed out Gen Zers could take a few lessons from the elderly.

Neal Milner: Honolulu Rail Officials Need To Just Cut The Crap David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Neal Milner: Honolulu Rail Officials Need To Just Cut The Crap

Trust is a thing of the past when it comes to the woefully over-budget and behind-schedule rail project.

Neal Milner: Gun-Free Zones May Work. Just Don’t Ask For Proof Marina Riker/Civil Beat/2018

Neal Milner: Gun-Free Zones May Work. Just Don’t Ask For Proof

With very few exceptions, research on the effectiveness of gun laws either doesn’t exist or is very weak. Does it matter?