Let The Sunshine In Archives

Civil Beat held its first Civil Caf of the 2025 legislative session on January 22nd, 2025,with Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ron Kouchi. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025)

How The Legislature Is Violating A 187-Year-Old Constitutional Right

by Alexander Silvert April 16, 2026April 15, 2026

The Legislature has always acted quickly on petitions. Why is it delaying this one? Especially in the face of strong citizen support.

With the height of fire season approaching in Hawaii, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke emphasizes preparedness during a press conference to update residents about the Crater Road Fire on Haleakala on Maui. (Cammy Clark/Civil Beat/2024)

Opinion

The Sunshine Blog: Is The End In Sight For Sylvia Luke Spotlight?

by The Sunshine Blog April 15, 2026April 14, 2026

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

Voters at Honolulu Hale on King Street in Honolulu were met with Poll workers as they drove through the election only lane that had been set aside and coned to allow drivers to either hand off their ballots to Poll workers or drop them into several Ballot boxes placed and manned along King Street. The lines snaked around the rear of Honolulu Hale, out to the walkway in the rear and then went all the way to Ala Wai and back providing wait times in excess of 2 hours (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024)

Opinion

Will Hawaiʻi Voters Once Again See Long Lines On Election Day?

by Chad Blair April 12, 2026April 12, 2026

Voters may be forced to wait in line this election season after the death of legislation that would have funded more county voter service centers.

Rain falls on Tadashi Sato’s 1969 “Aquarius” glass mosaic in the Capitol as a Kona Low storm arrives on O‘ahu Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Honolulu. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026)

Opinion

The Sunshine Blog: No Rain Check For State Lawmakers

by The Sunshine Blog April 12, 2026April 10, 2026

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

Opinion

Hawai‘i Might Just Slay Citizens United — And You Can Help

by Della Au Belatti and K. Kanani Souza April 12, 2026April 10, 2026

We have the authority — and the responsibility — to get rid of dark money.

FILE - The Supreme Court is seen on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Washington. The Supreme Court on Monday, April 24, rejected appeals from oil and gas companies that are fighting lawsuits from state and local governments over whether they can be held responsible for harms resulting from global warming. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Opinion

Can Hawaiʻi Deliver All Of America From Citizens United?

by Chad Blair April 5, 2026April 5, 2026

A state Senate bill proposes a novel approach that one legal expert says would make the controversial national campaign finance law irrelevant in the islands.

Opinion

The Sunshine Blog: Driving While MAGA

by The Sunshine Blog April 5, 2026April 4, 2026

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