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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
(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.
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.
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.