Civil Beat Categories

Legislature 2024

Hawaii Governor: State Biosecurity Chief’s Contract Will Not Be Renewed David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii Governor: State Biosecurity Chief’s Contract Will Not Be Renewed

Gov. Josh Green had discussions with several people before making the decision after critics raised concerns over conflicts of interest.

Hawaii To Pay Government Workers Up To $20K Each For Hazardous Work During Pandemic Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Hawaii To Pay Government Workers Up To $20K Each For Hazardous Work During Pandemic

Two-tiered settlement with the Green administration awards government employees back pay of either $10,000 or $20,000, depending on how many days they worked.

Emails Reveal A State Senator’s Unrelenting Demands On The University Of Hawaii David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Emails Reveal A State Senator’s Unrelenting Demands On The University Of Hawaii

Donna Mercado Kim continually sends requests for detailed responses about a range of issues, from anonymous complaints to spending concerns.

‘Bad Blood’: Hawaii Legislators Clash With UH Amid Leadership Shakeup Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

‘Bad Blood’: Hawaii Legislators Clash With UH Amid Leadership Shakeup

Are legislators overstepping when it comes to the University of Hawaii, or are they just doing their jobs?

Death Of Foster Child Leads To $750,000 Settlement Pending Approval By Legislature Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Death Of Foster Child Leads To $750,000 Settlement Pending Approval By Legislature

The caregivers said the child was injured after falling from a 3-foot bench while playing a video game.

Frequent Turnover At Hawaii’s Education Board Is Weakening School Oversight Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Frequent Turnover At Hawaii’s Education Board Is Weakening School Oversight

A lack of institutional knowledge among board members and staff is limiting the BOE’s effectiveness and leaving it open to legislative interference, education advocates say.

1,100 Pieces Of Testimony Against A Bill Went Missing For Days. The Bill Passed And Then The Opponents’ Letters Showed Up Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

1,100 Pieces Of Testimony Against A Bill Went Missing For Days. The Bill Passed And Then The Opponents’ Letters Showed Up

Hundreds of Lahaina fire victims came out strongly against a bill that could allow HECO to impose a new fee on customers to help prevent wildfires.

Retired State Ag Official’s Return To The Agency Has Critics Concerned Over Conflicts Of Interest David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Retired State Ag Official’s Return To The Agency Has Critics Concerned Over Conflicts Of Interest

Carol Okada had been sidelined at the Department of Agriculture because of personality clashes and her relationship with nurseries.

The Last Major Tax Bills Still Alive This Session Would Cut Income And Estate Taxes Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

The Last Major Tax Bills Still Alive This Session Would Cut Income And Estate Taxes

It’s a tight budget year and lawmakers are being criticized for advancing a major reduction in the state inheritance tax that would only benefit Hawaii’s wealthiest families.