Reporter

Thomas Heaton

Thomas is a reporter for Civil Beat. He joined the news outlet in 2021 as a Li Center for Global Journalism Fellow at Honolulu Civil Beat.

At Civil Beat, Thomas focuses on agricultural, environmental and sustainability issues. He has a deep interest in Pacific affairs.

A Kiwi by birth, Thomas made his start with a regional daily newspaper in New Zealand, where he covered social issues, health, local politics and general news. He was a finalist for Regional Reporter of the Year at the national media awards for his coverage of regional flooding, and regional health care issues, in his first year of reporting.

Thomas has a propensity for slow travel and secondary fun, and he is always planning the next meal. Despite his army brat upbringing and nomadic life, the Pacific has always been home.

Feel free to contact him with tips and ideas at theaton@civilbeat.org, or find him on Twitter and Instagram

Coqui Frogs: Is Haʻikū The New Hilo? Locals Try To Stop The Spread Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Coqui Frogs: Is Haʻikū The New Hilo? Locals Try To Stop The Spread

Frustrated residents say they face a nearly impossible task in stopping the amphibians, as the under-resourced county group tasked with combating invasive species focuses on other priorities.

Fine Print Reveals Who’s To Blame For North Shore Flooding — To An Extent Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026

Fine Print Reveals Who’s To Blame For North Shore Flooding — To An Extent

The answer is unclear, largely due to the patchwork of land use agreements made during Dole’s decades-long land sell-off.

Hawaiʻi Is Sending These Animals To The Mainland In Record Numbers Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Hawaiʻi Is Sending These Animals To The Mainland In Record Numbers

Local cattle are moving offshore despite state efforts to boost slaughterhouse capacity in the islands.

Amid Funding Fears, Food And Farming Bills Fared Better Than Expected (Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026)

Amid Funding Fears, Food And Farming Bills Fared Better Than Expected

Lawmakers, farmers and agriculture advocates found tens of millions of dollars for key infrastructure projects this legislative session.

Honolulu Homeowners Turn To Goats, Sheep To Mow Yard Ahead Of Fire Season Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Homeowners Turn To Goats, Sheep To Mow Yard Ahead Of Fire Season

Flocks of livestock are not a typical city sight. But with wildfire season looming, they’re becoming an increasingly attractive prevention measure.

One Of Hawaiʻi’s Most Lucrative Crops Might Surprise You Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

One Of Hawaiʻi’s Most Lucrative Crops Might Surprise You

Millions of pounds of Hawaiʻi-grown basil are exported to Canada and the U.S. mainland. The herb is now more profitable than some of the state’s most iconic crops.

Oʻahu’s North Shore: Where The Buffalo Roam? Courtesy of Ian Nelson/2018

Oʻahu’s North Shore: Where The Buffalo Roam?

If the state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity approves, American bison from Montana will soon be on a plane to Hawaiʻi.

‘Godzilla’ El Niño And Recent Floods Bring Risky Fire Forecasts To Hawaiʻi Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

‘Godzilla’ El Niño And Recent Floods Bring Risky Fire Forecasts To Hawaiʻi

This year’s heavy rain has turbocharged the growth of vegetation statewide. When the inevitable dry months come, it will become extra fuel for wildfires.

Honolulu’s Right To Food, A Trailblazing Proposal, Faces The Axe Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Honolulu’s Right To Food, A Trailblazing Proposal, Faces The Axe

More than a dozen groups are calling on the Honolulu Charter Commission to disregard recommendations to kill a proposal to make food an inalienable right.