Let The Sunshine In

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Introduce A Lot Of Bills. See Whose Pass — And Fail Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Introduce A Lot Of Bills. See Whose Pass — And Fail

Committee chairs and legislative veterans have the best track record, a review of the data shows. But even they only get a fraction of what they introduce through.

Campaign Commission Will Push Again For Reforms Lawmakers Keep Rejecting Kalany Omengkar/Civil Beat/2023

Campaign Commission Will Push Again For Reforms Lawmakers Keep Rejecting

It will reintroduce measures that were killed late in the last session with no public explanation. 

Why Understanding Hawaiʻi’s Budget Is An Important Civic Duty Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2025

Why Understanding Hawaiʻi’s Budget Is An Important Civic Duty

An engaged and informed public is the most powerful tool for change we have.

Senator Voted For Bills Backed By Lobbyists He’s Going To Work For Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Senator Voted For Bills Backed By Lobbyists He’s Going To Work For

Meanwhile, the state Ethics Commission plans to consider addressing the “revolving door” between state officials and the private sector.

The Sunshine Blog: Strange Suit That Ensnared Maui Police Chief May Unravel Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

The Sunshine Blog: Strange Suit That Ensnared Maui Police Chief May Unravel

Short takes, outtakes, our takes and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawai‘i.

The Sunshine Interview: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen And Recovery Chief John Smith Blaze Lovell/Civil Beat/2025

The Sunshine Interview: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen And Recovery Chief John Smith

The county’s chief executive and head of the Maui Office of Recovery discuss federal funding for the rebuilding of Lahaina and Upcountry.

‘There Can Be Peace’: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green Wants To Heal The Country Patti Epler/Civil Beat/2025

‘There Can Be Peace’: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green Wants To Heal The Country

In a wide-ranging conversation, the governor makes it pretty clear where his head is at when it comes to combining his ongoing efforts for Hawaiʻi with his future national ambitions.

The Sunshine Blog: A Political Pot-Boiler Unfolds At The Hawaiʻi Senate Screenshot/2025

The Sunshine Blog: A Political Pot-Boiler Unfolds At The Hawaiʻi Senate

Short takes, outtakes, our takes and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawai‘i.

Look Who’s Talking — Or Not — At Hawaiʻi’s Legislature Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Look Who’s Talking — Or Not — At Hawaiʻi’s Legislature

For some lawmakers, quietly is the most effective way to legislate. Others feel the public should hear exactly where they stand.

Who Is Your Lawmaker Listening To? See For Yourself How They Vote David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Who Is Your Lawmaker Listening To? See For Yourself How They Vote

Hawaiʻi legislators make many decisions on bills behind closed doors. Civil Beat’s new searchable tracker of archived information helps you connect the dots.