David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Governor: I’ll Be ‘Agnostic’ On How Hawaiʻi Spends Its New Green Fee
At the latest Civil Cafe, the governor weighed in on where we go from here with the country’s first-ever green fee, devoted to climate change and the environment.
Leilani Combs/Civil Beat/2025
Hawai’i Has A ‘Blue’ Fee. What Can It Tell Us About The New Green Fee?
The ocean stewardship fee aims to offset impacts of marine tourists. Unlike the green fee, its dollars go into a special fund.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022
Low-Flying Helicopter Caused Paraglider Crash At Makapu’u, Lawsuit Claims
A paraglider pilot injured in a 2023 accident is suing an Oʻahu air tour company for negligence.
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2025
Inside The ‘Out-Of-Control’ Debate Over Axing Maui Vacation Rentals
The Maui County Council plans to start deliberations next week on legislation aimed at converting thousands of short-term rentals into affordable housing.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Mismanagement Claims: State Tourism Officials Grilled By Lawmakers
The acting chief executive of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority spent Monday facing hard questions from lawmakers. The governor says he will ask for the entire HTA board to resign.
Courtesy: Friends of Haiku Stairs
Lawsuit Asks Court To Halt Haʻikū Stairs Demolition, Citing State Flip-Flop
The State Historic Preservation Division hasn’t adequately explained why it now supports the stairs’ removal, the suit says.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
With The HTA In Chaos, A New Hawaiʻi Tourism Leader Has Emerged
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority faces a major restructuring, staff defections and legal drama. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is filling the void.
National Transport Safety Board/2025
Investigators: High Winds, Rotor Flap Caused Fatal Kauaʻi Helicopter Crash
Three people died during an air tour over the Nāpali Coast in July 2024. Investigators attributed the accident to weather and a known weakness in the model of the helicopter.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2016
Top Hawaiʻi Tourism Official Claims Retaliation For Reporting Mismanagement
More problems within the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority are coming to light in the lawsuit by Isaac Choy, a former vice president of finance.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023
New Lawsuit Raises Concerns Over Labeling Of ‘Reef-Safe’ Sunscreens
Experts say labeling sunscreens “reef-friendly” is deceptive since even chemicals that aren’t banned can do widespread damage to coral reefs.