Civil Beat Categories

Civil Beat Editorial

It’s Time To Scrap Voting ‘Yes With Reservations’ At The Legislature Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

It’s Time To Scrap Voting ‘Yes With Reservations’ At The Legislature

A long-standing tradition allows Hawaii lawmakers to avoid casting difficult votes that could make or break bills. But it’s really a way to avoid making tough calls.
Here’s An Easy Way To Help Watchdog Government. Tell Gov. Ige Not To Blow It Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Here’s An Easy Way To Help Watchdog Government. Tell Gov. Ige Not To Blow It

Hawaii Gov. David Ige needs to approve a bill making it easier and cheaper to get documents that can help shine a light on what agencies are doing.
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Hawaii Land Board Chair Suzanne Case Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2022

The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Hawaii Land Board Chair Suzanne Case

The Department of Land and Natural Resources leader talks about management of Mauna Kea, keeping up maintenance of parks and trails, developing in-stream flow standards and much more.
Legislature Erred In Letting Police-Involved Fatality Review Panel Expire Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Legislature Erred In Letting Police-Involved Fatality Review Panel Expire

Hawaii's Law Enforcement Officer Independent Review Board will cease at the end of this month in spite of a clear need for its work.

Don’t Let The Proposed Honolulu Police Ballot Questions Die Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Don’t Let The Proposed Honolulu Police Ballot Questions Die

City Council member Andria Tupola needs to reconsider her decision to let meaningful proposals go without even allowing public input.

The Honolulu Police Commission Is About To Make A Big Decision. Don’t Rush It Honolulu Police Commission

The Honolulu Police Commission Is About To Make A Big Decision. Don’t Rush It

Serious questions have been raised about the search for a new police chief and how long it's taken. But now that the candidates have been revealed, don't shortcut the vetting process.
Here Are Some Good Ideas That Are Poised To Make It Through The Legislature Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Here Are Some Good Ideas That Are Poised To Make It Through The Legislature

Bills establishing ranked-choice voting, a chief data officer, retirement programs and free copying of public records passed or are set to pass this week.
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Honolulu Police Commissioners Shannon Alivado And Jerry Gibson Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2022

The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Honolulu Police Commissioners Shannon Alivado And Jerry Gibson

The chair and vice chair discussed the search for a new chief, mainland versus local experience, transparency and communication, proposed charter amendments and HPD spending.
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Long-Term Care Ombudsman John McDermott Screenshot/2022

The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Long-Term Care Ombudsman John McDermott

How Hawaii cared for its older and most vulnerable residents during Covid, and on the need to hire more ombudsmen for the neighbor islands.
Let’s Talk About A Unicameral Legislature For Hawaii Wikimedia: Tony Webster

Let’s Talk About A Unicameral Legislature For Hawaii

Nebraska is the only state to have one, and it has cut costs, improved efficiency and reduced partisanship.