Civil Beat Staff

Erin Nolan

Originally from New Jersey, Erin studied journalism and political science at Emerson College in Boston, and she has written for local newspapers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. She has investigated fatal police shootings, covered a celebrity’s criminal assault trial, written about artificial intelligence-powered companion robots designed to befriend lonely older adults and interviewed presidential candidates on the campaign trail, and she has covered local and state governments in six states.

3 Democrats Compete For West Maui House Seat In Primary Sean Hower/Civil Beat/2026

3 Democrats Compete For West Maui House Seat In Primary

Lahaina’s multibillion-dollar fire recovery has motivated candidates to run this election.

Maui’s Last Wild Beaches: Locals Fear Upgrades Will Sideline Them Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Maui’s Last Wild Beaches: Locals Fear Upgrades Will Sideline Them

Some members of the Maui community worry that proposed upgrades to Mākena State Park could pave the way for more transformative changes in the future.

Maui’s Speed Bump Bonanza Is Driving Some Locals Crazy Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Maui’s Speed Bump Bonanza Is Driving Some Locals Crazy

The county has installed dozens of traffic-calming devices to improve public safety. Some residents say it has gone too far.

Maui Council Races Could Reshape Power Balance Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

Maui Council Races Could Reshape Power Balance

This election will bring new faces — and possibly a progressive majority — to the county’s nine-member lawmaking body.

Despite A Death And Damage, Maui Stalls On Chronic Kīhei Flooding Sean Hower/Civil Beat/2026

Despite A Death And Damage, Maui Stalls On Chronic Kīhei Flooding

Residents remain frustrated by the county’s lack of progress in addressing the decades-long problem facing the burgeoning South Maui town.

Hawaiʻi Balks At Funding Maui Fire Victim Health Study

Hawaiʻi Balks At Funding Maui Fire Victim Health Study

Lawmakers did not pass a bill that would have funded the continuation of the most comprehensive study of the long-term health effects of the wildfires.

Lawsuit: Maui Mayor’s Former Chief Of Staff Claims Whistleblower Retaliation (Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026)

Lawsuit: Maui Mayor’s Former Chief Of Staff Claims Whistleblower Retaliation

Leo Caires says he was wrongfully terminated after reporting county fraud.

Maui Resort’s Plastic Barrier To Save Beachwalk Faces Public Pushback Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Maui Resort’s Plastic Barrier To Save Beachwalk Faces Public Pushback

State land officials are waiting for more information from the Hyatt before taking further action after meeting with community members, hotel representatives and local officials.

Maui AIDS Foundation At Risk Of Losing Money In Trump Budget Erin Nolan/Civil Beat/2026

Maui AIDS Foundation At Risk Of Losing Money In Trump Budget

The president’s budget denounced the nonprofit as radical while proposing the funding cuts.