Honolulu

Should Animals Have Human Rights? Hawai‘i Court To Decide 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.

Honolulu Building Permits Moving Faster For Homes, Slower For Businesses 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

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.

Lawmaker’s Dogs Are ‘Terrorizing’ People, Neighbor Says After Attack 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.

Honolulu Council Member Is Shoo-In, But Can He Get More Done? 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.

Honolulu Council: Powerful Incumbent Faces Challengers Old And New 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.

Can Tommy Waters Even Run For A Third Honolulu Council 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.

Honolulu Ethics Watchdog Has New Leader 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.

Honolulu Council Passes Budget Mayor Vows To Veto  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.

Honolulu’s $46M Claims Bill: HPD Chases, Bike Accidents, A Tossed Surfboard 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.