Bright Spots

A column about people and programs that are helping make Hawaiʻi a better place.

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Bites & Bev Snack Shop Is A Major Capitol Improvement Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026

Bites & Bev Snack Shop Is A Major Capitol Improvement

There is finally a decent place to grab a quick meal and a tasty beverage for visitors and workers at the Hawaiʻi Legislature.

A Reporter’s Work Exposing Corruption Has Helped Shape Hawaiʻi Public Policy Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

A Reporter’s Work Exposing Corruption Has Helped Shape Hawaiʻi Public Policy

Longtime investigative reporter Ian Lind has been helping guide public policy through his good-government work and by ferreting out abuse of the public trust.

For Cynthia Thielen, Decades Of Public Service Are ‘Just The Right Thing To Do’ Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

For Cynthia Thielen, Decades Of Public Service Are ‘Just The Right Thing To Do’

The former longtime legislator, attorney and community activist is still deeply involved in her community.

The Oldest Group Of Influential Hawaiʻi Citizens You’ve Never Heard Of Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

The Oldest Group Of Influential Hawaiʻi Citizens You’ve Never Heard Of

The Social Science Association is still going strong after 143 years. But its once high-profile community presence has faded from public view.

Bright Spots: Shining A Light On Making Hawaiʻi A Better Place Getty Images/iStock.com

Bright Spots: Shining A Light On Making Hawaiʻi A Better Place

Help us give some much-needed attention to people and programs that are working well in Hawaiʻi.