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
Hawaiʻi Can’t Catch A Break From Storms. It Has To Adapt
As the state recovers from multiple natural disasters, residents and officials are starting to talk about what needs to change to make the islands more resilient.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Hurricane Lowell: Parts Of Kaua‘i ‘Like A War Scene’
The brunt of storm damage was still being assessed on Kauaʻi. One person was killed on Oʻahu from a falling tree.
Courtesy: Joel Guy/2026
Hurricane Lowell Hit Kauaʻi Hard, But Worst Fears Averted
Almost all of Kauaʻi was without power Tuesday, as officials assess damage and community members start to clean up.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
ʻUlu On The Up: Hawaiʻi Breadfruit Production Keeps Booming
This year’s stormy weather might drive a dip in production. But if longer-term forecasts are accurate, breadfruit could get closer to resuming its status as a Hawaiian staple.
Courtesy: Andrew Sullivan-Haskins/2026
Rare Hawaiian Birds Weather Hurricane Lala But More Storms Loom
The birds and ecosystems of Kamole are in recovery after Hurricane Lala passed over the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2024
Hawaiʻi Ag Leaders Planned To Oust Official Despite Public Praise
Agribusiness Development Corp. Executive Director Wendy Gady resigned days after the agency’s board celebrated progress.
(Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026)
Hawaiʻi Ranchers Welcome Rain But Endure Weather Whiplash
Broken fences, destroyed roads, new gulches, dead cattle and lost land may soon be the price to pay for greener grass as climate change aggravates extreme weather events.
National Weather Service/2026
How Is Climate Change Shaping Tropical Storm Lala?
Warmer ocean temperatures play a role in the strength of storms.
Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026
As Flood Aid Trickles Out For North Shore, Southeast Asian Farmers Are Left Behind
For some Thai and Laotian farmers, language barriers and immigration status stand in the way of seeking help they need after the Kona lows.