Reporter
Thomas Heaton
Thomas is a reporter for Civil Beat. He joined the news outlet in 2021 as a Li Center for Global Journalism Fellow at Honolulu Civil Beat.
At Civil Beat, Thomas focuses on agricultural, environmental and sustainability issues. He has a deep interest in Pacific affairs.
A Kiwi by birth, Thomas made his start with a regional daily newspaper in New Zealand, where he covered social issues, health, local politics and general news. He was a finalist for Regional Reporter of the Year at the national media awards for his coverage of regional flooding, and regional health care issues, in his first year of reporting.
Thomas has a propensity for slow travel and secondary fun, and he is always planning the next meal. Despite his army brat upbringing and nomadic life, the Pacific has always been home.
Feel free to contact him with tips and ideas at theaton@civilbeat.org
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.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Ranching Could Soon Come To An End On Moloka‘i. Paniolo Blame TB Testing
Quarantine rules to prevent bovine tuberculosis are crippling the industry — and a way of life — on rural Hawai‘i island.
Courtesy: Friendly Market Center
Empty Shelves: Young Brothers Misses 3 Shipments To Molokaʻi In 21 Days
The shipping monopoly has missed its past two shipments to the Friendly Isle, plus another last month, leaving residents frustrated by empty store shelves and costly alternatives.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Coqui Frogs: Is Haʻikū The New Hilo? Locals Try To Stop The Spread
Frustrated residents say they face a nearly impossible task in stopping the amphibians, as the under-resourced county group tasked with combating invasive species focuses on other priorities.
Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026
Fine Print Reveals Who’s To Blame For North Shore Flooding — To An Extent
The answer is unclear, largely due to the patchwork of land use agreements made during Dole’s decades-long land sell-off.
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023
Hawaiʻi Is Sending These Animals To The Mainland In Record Numbers
Local cattle are moving offshore despite state efforts to boost slaughterhouse capacity in the islands.
(Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026)
Amid Funding Fears, Food And Farming Bills Fared Better Than Expected
Lawmakers, farmers and agriculture advocates found tens of millions of dollars for key infrastructure projects this legislative session.
Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu Homeowners Turn To Goats, Sheep To Mow Yard Ahead Of Fire Season
Flocks of livestock are not a typical city sight. But with wildfire season looming, they’re becoming an increasingly attractive prevention measure.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
One Of Hawaiʻi’s Most Lucrative Crops Might Surprise You
Millions of pounds of Hawaiʻi-grown basil are exported to Canada and the U.S. mainland. The herb is now more profitable than some of the state’s most iconic crops.