Civil Beat Categories

Legislature 2021

Chad Blair: Who’s Leading The Hawaii House GOP? Nobody Knows Screenshot

Chad Blair: Who’s Leading The Hawaii House GOP? Nobody Knows

The four minority members are split 2-2 on who should represent the chamber. Meanwhile, the party’s chair has resigned over controversial tweets.

The State Of The State Address That Wasn’t Screenshot/2021

The State Of The State Address That Wasn’t

Gov. David Ige missed a singular opportunity to offer much-needed leadership to Hawaii.

Proposed Tourist Tax Could Help Hawaii Deal With Climate Change Impacts Flickr: Anson Chappell

Proposed Tourist Tax Could Help Hawaii Deal With Climate Change Impacts

Legislative leaders want to bump up taxes that could be assessed on the kinds of things sought by higher-spending tourists and travelers.

Legislative Leaders: Pay Raises For State Workers May Be Tough This Year Screenshot/2021

Legislative Leaders: Pay Raises For State Workers May Be Tough This Year

The state’s agriculture development agency also is still a target of legislative scrutiny as is the state auditor.

Ige’s Proposed ‘Sugar Tax’ Could Generate $60 Million A Year For The State Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Ige’s Proposed ‘Sugar Tax’ Could Generate $60 Million A Year For The State

Critics call it a regressive new tax and legislative leaders doubt it will pass.

Hawaii Chief Justice: Courts Must Address Systemic Inequities Screenshot: Hawaii Judiciary/2021

Hawaii Chief Justice: Courts Must Address Systemic Inequities

UPDATED: Hawaii’s Judiciary is stepping up efforts to combat racism and bias but it’s also grappling with possible budget cuts.

Bill Would Give Lawmakers Control Over Auditor’s Paycheck Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Bill Would Give Lawmakers Control Over Auditor’s Paycheck

The State Auditor continues to be a target of legislative leaders.

Vaccination Available For All Employees At Legislature Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Vaccination Available For All Employees At Legislature

The Health Department says it’s part of a prioritized schedule for COVID-19.

Ige’s State Of The State Speech Skips The Difficult Details Screenshot/2021

Ige’s State Of The State Speech Skips The Difficult Details

The Hawaii governor recapped impacts from the pandemic, but never mentioned furloughs, layoffs or possible tax increases.

Chad Blair: New Progressive Caucus Hopes To Be A Force At The Legislature Screenshot/2021

Chad Blair: New Progressive Caucus Hopes To Be A Force At The Legislature

The new caucus will advocate for issues members say are not getting the attention they deserve.