Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2023
Kava Growers In Hawaiʻi Fear Being Associated With ‘Gas Station Heroin’
Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering regulating kratom and banning sales to minors. But kava advocates want an outright ban.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021
How The Pandemic Shutdown Opened Up Public Access To The Legislature
Covid-19 closures inspired a huge improvement in public access with livestreaming, video archiving and remote testimony.
Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2023
Invasive Species In Hawaiʻi: Lawmakers Float New Plan As Urgency Mounts
Draft legislation proposes consolidating programs under a renamed Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, but critics say the agency already has a spotty track record on invasive species.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023
Fireworks Come To Hawaiʻi On Passenger Jets ‘Almost Daily’
Shipments of illegal fireworks sent via the U.S. Postal Service have been seized on commercial flights.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
From Busboy To House Speaker: Longtime Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Calvin Say Retires
Say’s critics see him as emblematic of Hawaiʻi’s “old boys’” style of politics. He defends his cautious style as necessary to keep the state running smoothly.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022
Hawaiʻi Hemp Growers Say New State Rules Will Put Them Out Of Business
The hemp industry says CBD products are vital to its survival, and suggests limiting sales to people 21 and older.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Money For New State Fire Marshal Isn’t Nearly Enough, Fire Council Says
The State Fire Council will recommend spending far more than the Legislature has approved for the new office.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Legislators To Name 1st Female House Speaker In Hawaii History
Nadine Nakamura is expected to be selected as part of a leadership reorganization Thursday. Lawmakers must vote to make it official when the next session begins.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022
Hawaii Legislature Rarely Uses Its Own Process To Investigate Lawmakers
The dormant House Select Standards of Conduct Committee raises questions about whether self-policing really works or if an independent agency is needed.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Hawaii Lawmaker To Pay $12,500 To Settle Ethics Commission Complaint
Rep. David Alcos was accused of failing to disclose millions of dollars in debts to various creditors including the IRS and the state Tax Department.