Two of 10 firms that got $2 million in city contracts have websites and four have listed phone numbers.

The former Honolulu mayor touts his record at Honolulu Hale as evidence he's ready to be governor. Civil Beat's analysis of the city's payroll during his tenure finds that the work force grew by 5 percent, the total payroll jumped 32 percent but that as a percentage of the total budget, payroll declined 2 percentage points, from 58 to 56 percent.

FIRST IN A SERIES: Half of the candidates tell Civil Beat they're for it. The other half? They're not so sure.

Losses at both the Honolulu Academy of Art and The Contemporary Museum could lead to closure of spectacular Makiki Heights galleries but strengthen the finances and collection of city's major art museum.

Honolulu has a long way to go to become a great city for bicycles despite its climate, terrain and friendly bus system. There aren't enough bike lanes, the roads are rough and riders aren't treated with respect by motorists. Safety is the No. 1 issue, the city's bicycling coordinator says.

Response to violence at Kalihi Valley Homes will set direction for a security approach at all state public housing complexes, Civil Beat learns. News comes on day of community meeting to discuss what to do as curfew expires.