Civil Beat Categories

Legislature 2015

Early Education, After-School Bills Clear Senate Committee Alia Wong/Civil Beat

Early Education, After-School Bills Clear Senate Committee

One measure would fund Preschool Open Doors Program, which was inadvertently left out of the governor’s budget.

Special Committee Finds Rep. Say Qualified to Continue Serving

Special Committee Finds Rep. Say Qualified to Continue Serving

The challenge over his residency wrapped up in a five-minute hearing Friday.

Meet the People Helping to Shape Ige’s Administration Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Meet the People Helping to Shape Ige’s Administration

The Hawaii governor finally released the names of those in his inner circle who advise him on key appointments.

Ige Urges Senators to Support Carleton Ching Nomination for DLNR Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Ige Urges Senators to Support Carleton Ching Nomination for DLNR

The governor sent a letter to senators listing reasons to support his controversial nominee, ranging from his executive experience to the fact that he grew up in Hawaii.

Another Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Clears a Senate Committee Anita Hofschneider/Civil Beat

Another Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Clears a Senate Committee

Opponents decry the possible impact on youths, but supporters say the proposal would help teens avoid criminal convictions.

Decriminalizing Homelessness: Bills Take Aim at City Policies Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Decriminalizing Homelessness: Bills Take Aim at City Policies

Hawaii legislators are considering several proposals aimed at helping homeless residents affected by Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s “compassionate disruption” policies.

Proposed $500,000 Vanpool Grant the Latest ‘FrankenBill’ Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Proposed $500,000 Vanpool Grant the Latest ‘FrankenBill’

UPDATED. Supporters say it was necessary to tack the Honolulu grant onto what started out as a bicycle safety bill, but open-government advocates worry about transparency.

‘Emergency’ Money Moves Swiftly Through Hawaii Legislature 401(K) 2012/Flickr

‘Emergency’ Money Moves Swiftly Through Hawaii Legislature

Facing budget deficits, state agencies are asking for $30 million to see them through this fiscal year.

House Lawmakers to Make Recommendation Friday on Rep’s Residency Cory Lum/Civil Beat

House Lawmakers to Make Recommendation Friday on Rep’s Residency

A group of voters has questioned whether Speaker emeritus Calvin Say lives in the district he represents.

Shield Law Bill Clears House Judiciary Committee sskennel/Flickr

Shield Law Bill Clears House Judiciary Committee

The measure would protect journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources.