Civil Beat Categories

Legislature 2021

Dru Kanuha Named Senate Majority Leader Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Dru Kanuha Named Senate Majority Leader

He replaces outgoing majority leader J. Kalani English.

Danny De Gracia: Pandemic Lessons Should Prepare Us For The Next Crisis Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Danny De Gracia: Pandemic Lessons Should Prepare Us For The Next Crisis

We need to select leaders who can build defenses against problems, and when a problem does occur, can 鈥減ush the button鈥 with quick action before it becomes a crisis.

A Cautious Legislature, Locked In The Capitol, Played It Safe Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

A Cautious Legislature, Locked In The Capitol, Played It Safe

Critics hoped the pandemic would be the catalyst for significant changes to address long-term problems facing Hawaii. But the budget shortfall dominated the 2021 session.

Make Hawaii’s Law Enforcement Review Board Permanent Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Make Hawaii’s Law Enforcement Review Board Permanent

Two recent officer-involved shootings in Honolulu illustrate why an independent and transparent accounting is so necessary.

Lawmakers Credit Federal Relief Funds For Saving Session Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Lawmakers Credit Federal Relief Funds For Saving Session

But Gov. David Ige questions the need to reduce funding for the Hawaii Tourism Authority and moving around some state agencies.

Ritte, DeCoite Seek To Succeed English In State Senate

Ritte, DeCoite Seek To Succeed English In State Senate

The two faced off in a close primary election for DeCoite’s House seat in 2020.

House Creates Panel To Probe Land Fund, Agriculture Agency Cory Lum/Civil Beat

House Creates Panel To Probe Land Fund, Agriculture Agency

A resolution to create the special investigative committee cites audits of the DLNR’s land and development fund, and the Agribusiness Development Corp.

Who Should Lead Hawaii Schools? State Lawmakers Have Some Ideas Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Who Should Lead Hawaii Schools? State Lawmakers Have Some Ideas

A bill passed this week would establish new minimum qualifications for the school superintendent, drawing criticism of legislative overreach.

This Bill Aims To Prevent A Wave Of Evictions But Critics Say It Falls Short Anthony Quintano/Civil Beat

This Bill Aims To Prevent A Wave Of Evictions But Critics Say It Falls Short

The state eviction moratorium is currently expected to expire June 8 but could be extended through the summer.

New County Hotel Tax Is Approved In Final Vote Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

New County Hotel Tax Is Approved In Final Vote

The Hawaii Legislature also approved a hefty rental car surcharge increase to squeeze more money out of tourists. The visitor industry is not pleased.