Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Senate Panel Narrowly Approves Chief Justice Nominee
Chair Karl Rhoads voted no in the 3-2 vote. Vladimir Devens now awaits a final vote from the full Senate.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets
Cameras at 10 major accident hot spots are catching red light runners and speeders. But ticketing more of them would overwhelm the state’s courts.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Shelve Petition To Further Probe $35K Paper Bag Case
House Speaker Nadine Nakamura tabled the citizen petition with little advance notice or discussion.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators
Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party.
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing?
The House and Senate have to work out major differences if the bill is to pass in the next two weeks.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021
Hawaiʻi Transportation Officials Want A New Military Partnership
A bill being considered by the Legislature would allow the state DOT to act as a military contractor to expedite federal projects for improvements to airports and roads.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
Confusing Donation Drops Run By For-Profits Targeted By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers
Advocates say the measure will protect people from mistakenly thinking they’re donating to charities.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Justice’s Past Political Activity Is Raising Fresh Questions For Some Senators
The Senate is considering whether to confirm Vladimir Devens for the position of Supreme Court chief justice.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
How The Legislature Is Violating A 187-Year-Old Constitutional Right
The Legislature has always acted quickly on petitions. Why is it delaying this one? Especially in the face of strong citizen support.
Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026
Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Guard Against Federal Immigration Enforcement
Bills are advancing to prohibit face coverings, protect the right to record police and limit state cooperation.