Civil Beat Categories

Honolulu

One Way To Ease Honolulu’s Building Permit Backlog: Pay Workers More Christina Jedra/Civil Beat/2023

One Way To Ease Honolulu’s Building Permit Backlog: Pay Workers More

The permitting director says her employees are underpaid. But the mayor has not tried to negotiate raises for plan reviewers, saying there’s more to the problem than pay.

Honolulu Mayor’s Proposed Budget Would Increase Investment In Equipment And Public Safety Ben Angarone/Civil Beat/2024

Honolulu Mayor’s Proposed Budget Would Increase Investment In Equipment And Public Safety

The pandemic’s reverberations are still being felt through disrupted supply chains, an increased concern for public safety and hazard back pay.

City Faces Legal Bill After Losing Short-Term Vacation Rental Battle Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

City Faces Legal Bill After Losing Short-Term Vacation Rental Battle

But a measure in the Legislature would allow Honolulu to phase out short-term rentals over time.

Honolulu Mayor Signs Bill To Give Financial Relief To Businesses Hurt By Rail Construction David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Honolulu Mayor Signs Bill To Give Financial Relief To Businesses Hurt By Rail Construction

The city’s upcoming budgeting process will determine how much funding is available to dole out.

Honolulu Permitting Office Making Progress While Delays Persist, Audit Says Christina Jedra/Civil Beat/2023

Honolulu Permitting Office Making Progress While Delays Persist, Audit Says

Permit review times at the troubled permitting office are worse than before, but the department has taken steps to improve its processes. 

Miske Trial Resumes After Weeklong Recess Due To Juror Illness David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Miske Trial Resumes After Weeklong Recess Due To Juror Illness

Sara Tufele, who has a child with one of Miske’s former top associates, testified that she felt threatened after her boyfriend began cooperating with authorities.

Rick Blangiardi Is Running For A 2nd Term As Honolulu Mayor David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Rick Blangiardi Is Running For A 2nd Term As Honolulu Mayor

Nobody has completed the paperwork to run against him, but potential candidates have until June 4 to do so.

‘Chronic Abuse’ Led To A 10-Year-Old’s Death. How Did It Go Undetected So Long? Courtesy: HPD

‘Chronic Abuse’ Led To A 10-Year-Old’s Death. How Did It Go Undetected So Long?

Geanna Bradley’s legal guardians and a grandmother were arrested nearly a month after police found her body with severe injuries in their home.

How Much Housing Should Be Allowed In Oahu’s Business Districts? Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2021

How Much Housing Should Be Allowed In Oahu’s Business Districts?

The City Council is considering a bill that would expand the number of mixed-use districts in Honolulu amid a worsening housing crisis.