Civil Beat Staff

Richard Wiens

The Silent Treatment Is No Way To Run A Maui County In Crisis Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

The Silent Treatment Is No Way To Run A Maui County In Crisis

The county won’t talk about its communications strategy regarding the deadly Lahaina fire, including who is making decisions on what to tell the public.

Cynthia Thielen: Hawaii’s ‘Eisenhower Republican’ On Ethics, Polarization And Dianne Feinstein Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Cynthia Thielen: Hawaii’s ‘Eisenhower Republican’ On Ethics, Polarization And Dianne Feinstein

She served 30 years in the Legislature and might still be there if the state GOP caucus hadn’t alienated her.

What Does Hawaii Have In Common With These Red States? A Fear Of Direct Democracy Flickr: Sheree Zielke

What Does Hawaii Have In Common With These Red States? A Fear Of Direct Democracy

Mainland Republicans are trying to roll back the rights of citizens to pursue statewide ballot initiatives but island Democrats have never allowed it either.

A State Senator Describes The Day Lahaina Burned: ‘I’ll Never Forget That As Long As I Live’ Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

A State Senator Describes The Day Lahaina Burned: ‘I’ll Never Forget That As Long As I Live’

Angus McKelvey was one of the thousands who lost their homes in the deadly fire. He’s been working ever since to help other survivors.

Make Your Voice Heard At This Week’s Maui County Council Session Marina Riker/Civil Beat/2023

Make Your Voice Heard At This Week’s Maui County Council Session

The council has scheduled a meeting Tuesday that offers the public a chance to get involved in the daunting task of planning for the future.

‘The Dance Between The Media And Public Officials At A Moment Like This Is Incredibly Important’ Christina Jedra/Civil Beat/2023

‘The Dance Between The Media And Public Officials At A Moment Like This Is Incredibly Important’

As Lahaina smolders, the work of government leaders and journalists will sometimes be at cross-purposes.

Critics Of Legislative Term Limits Need To Start Shooting Straight Kalany Omengkar/Civil Beat/2022

Critics Of Legislative Term Limits Need To Start Shooting Straight

No, it’s not a given that more turnover in the House and Senate would make special interests more powerful.

Honolulu Council Member Augie Tulba: A 64% Pay Raise Is Absurd, And That’s No Joke Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Honolulu Council Member Augie Tulba: A 64% Pay Raise Is Absurd, And That’s No Joke

The City Council member who also works as a radio personality and stand-up comedian talks about balancing all those gigs.

Everyone Loved Civic Education Bills. The Legislature Killed Them Anyway Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

Everyone Loved Civic Education Bills. The Legislature Killed Them Anyway

In an era of rampant misinformation, the measures sought to improve students’ critical thinking skills and help them better understand how government works.