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John Pritchett: Into The Sunset John Pritchett/Civil Beat/2023

John Pritchett: Into The Sunset

Longtime East Honolulu lawmaker Sam Slom died last week. For many years he was the only Republican in the state Senate where he served from 1996 to 2016. He was 81.

Make Government Reform A Long-Term Commitment Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Make Government Reform A Long-Term Commitment

It is imperative for Hawaii’s policymakers to continually explore meaningful ways to make government at every level more open, transparent, deliberative and responsive.

The Sunshine Blog: Rumblings Of Recall Amid Honolulu Pay Raise Uproar Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

The Sunshine Blog: Rumblings Of Recall Amid Honolulu Pay Raise Uproar

Short takes, outtakes, observations and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawaii.

Participatory Budgeting Paves Path For Community-Centered Energy Planning Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2022

Participatory Budgeting Paves Path For Community-Centered Energy Planning

It's important for the community to be aware and involved in the decision-making process.

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.

A Single Stairway To Heaven? Larch Lab

A Single Stairway To Heaven?

Single-stair construction is an idea that Hawaii should consider implementing.

Beth Fukumoto: Next Year’s Elections Are Already Taking Shape — Quickly AP Photo/Patrick Semansky/2022

Beth Fukumoto: Next Year’s Elections Are Already Taking Shape — Quickly

Both parties are firming up their plans for their 2024 presidential caucuses.

An ‘Empty Homes’ Tax Won’t Fix Hawaii’s Housing Crisis Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

An ‘Empty Homes’ Tax Won’t Fix Hawaii’s Housing Crisis

There is a distinct negative correlation between housing prices and vacancy rates.

Naka Nathaniel: Iam Tongi Shared An Important Message About Life In Hawaii Screenshot/"American Idol" on ABC/2023

Naka Nathaniel: Iam Tongi Shared An Important Message About Life In Hawaii

The inconvenient truth of how hard it is for people to make ends meet in the islands isn’t part of the normal sun and surf narrative.