Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Should Animals Have Human Rights? Hawai‘i Court To Decide
The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is being asked to free two elephants at the Honolulu Zoo based on the idea that the animals are entitled to legal personhood.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Honolulu Building Permits Moving Faster For Homes, Slower For Businesses
The city is planning to expand its use of AI software after it showed promise in prescreening applications.
Ozawa Challenges Waters’ Honolulu Council Candidacy In Court
This is the third time the two candidates have faced off in court over this city council seat.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Lawmaker’s Dogs Are ‘Terrorizing’ People, Neighbor Says After Attack
A neighbor who says he was attacked by the dogs in March says the animals have been menacing neighbors for two years.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu Council Member Is Shoo-In, But Can He Get More Done?
Weyer has the distinction of being both sidelined by the council majority and running unopposed for reelection.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu Council: Powerful Incumbent Faces Challengers Old And New
Voters spanning Waikīkī to East Honolulu get to decide this year whether to replace Council Chair Tommy Waters or elect him to a third term.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Can Tommy Waters Even Run For A Third Honolulu Council Term?
Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is taking advantage of an ambiguity in the City Charter and hoping the courts don’t rule against his effort to get reelected.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu Ethics Watchdog Has New Leader
The new director is an attorney chosen for her vision on how the commission can develop public trust.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu Council Passes Budget Mayor Vows To Veto
Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he would veto the part of the city’s budget that cuts positions from the Office of Economic Revitalization.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu’s $46M Claims Bill: HPD Chases, Bike Accidents, A Tossed Surfboard
Taxpayers are on the hook for more than 90 claims a year on average, from minor property damage to major injuries.