Reporting Intern

Tia Lewis

Valentina Lewis, also known as Tia, was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, and moved to Oʻahu to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa. She previously served as a Civil Beat Sunshine intern, where she reported on a wide range of bills, including fireworks regulation, high school surfing funds, moped safety, and police enforcement.

Excited to be rejoining the team as an intern, Tia remains deeply committed to telling stories that reflect and uplift her community. Through her reporting, she aims to center local voices, elevate underrepresented perspectives, and bring greater visibility to the issues shaping life in Hawaiʻi.

Honolulu Cut Speed Limits By Schools But Didn’t Change The Signs Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Cut Speed Limits By Schools But Didn’t Change The Signs

The speed limit on Oʻahu school zones is 20 miles per hour. You wouldn’t know it by driving by.

Kendama Offers Old Fashioned Connection To New Generation In Hawaiʻi Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Kendama Offers Old Fashioned Connection To New Generation In Hawaiʻi

Fans say the handheld game is a refreshing motivation to put down their phones, get outside and spend time with others.

Deaf And Native Hawaiian: ʻŌlelo Sign Language Offers A Cultural Connection Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Deaf And Native Hawaiian: ʻŌlelo Sign Language Offers A Cultural Connection

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kuhi Lima is a growing initiative focused on creating hand signs rooted in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, cultural knowledge, and community practice.

Should Animals Have Human Rights? Hawai‘i Court To Decide 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.

Honolulu Ethics Watchdog Has New Leader Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Ethics Watchdog Has New Leader

The new director is an attorney chosen for her vision on how the commission can develop public trust.

Baby Monk Seal Is Oʻahu’s Newest Celebrity Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Baby Monk Seal Is Oʻahu’s Newest Celebrity

Kaimana Beach has become a favored birthing place for monk seal mom Kaiwi.

It’s Illegal To Ride A Moped Without A Helmet. Does Anyone Care? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

It’s Illegal To Ride A Moped Without A Helmet. Does Anyone Care?

Hawaiʻi made moped helmets mandatory last year, but police aren’t issuing tickets and few riders appear to be voluntarily donning the protective gear.

Hawaiʻi Banned Plastic Foam Food Containers. Are Bodyboards Next? Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Banned Plastic Foam Food Containers. Are Bodyboards Next?

Critics say cheap boards harm the ocean and give people a false sense of safety.

Bill Would Turn Kids Into Published Authors At Kalihi Schools Hawaii DOE/2020

Bill Would Turn Kids Into Published Authors At Kalihi Schools

Lawmakers are pushing for the education department to create more hands-on and project-based learning opportunities for students.