essays, analysis, opinion
Let the Sunshine In
Tracking Corruption And Government Accountability
Civil Beat opinion writers are closely following efforts to bring more transparency and accountability to state and local government — at the Legislature, the county level and in the media. Help us by sending ideas and anecdotes to sunshine@civilbeat.org.
It’s Time For Hawaiʻi’s Elders To Let Go
We need to rebuild the expectation that leadership includes succession.
Grassroot Institute Aims To Keep Growing Its Political Influence
Now in its 25th year, the nonprofit policy research organization wants to play a larger role in influencing state and county governance.
The Sunshine Blog: You'll Never Believe Who's (Finally) Riding The Rail
Short takes, outtakes, our takes and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawai‘i.
Pay Attention To Your Neighbor. It Could Save Their Life
A simple text message, a quick phone call or a brief conversation with a neighbor might be an act of public safety.
Editorials and Interviews
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: US Rep. Ed Case
December 2, 2024 · 31 min read
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami
November 21, 2024 · 32 min read
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Hawaii's Climate Advisory Team
November 11, 2024 · 27 min read
The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: US Sen. Brian Schatz
August 18, 2024 · 25 min read
Now We Know The Scale Of Pay-To-Play Politics In Hawaii. It's Long Past Time To Act
April 21, 2024 · 5 min read
Community Voices
Kauaʻi, Big Island Poised To Take Step Forward For Mental Healthcare
Senate Bill 847 would expand access by allowing appropriately trained psychologists to help reduce wait times in rural neighbor islands.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2018
Ronen Zilberman/Civil Beat/2021
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Kirstin Downey/Civil Beat/2026
Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen via Wikimedia Commons
Kirstin Downey/Civil Beat/2026
Kirstin Downey/Civil Beat/2026
Denby Fawcett/Civil Beat/2026
Department of Land and Natural Resources photo
Denby Fawcett/Civil Beat/2026
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Flickr: The Official CTBTO Photostream
Ludwig Laab/Civil Beat/2021
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2018
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022
Ronen Zilberman/Civil Beat/2022
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Screenshot/2026
Christina Jedra/Civil Beat/2026
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Getty Images
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023
Screenshot
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
The White House/2025
Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2024
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Catherine Toth Fox/Civil Beat/2024
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021
Catherine Toth Fox/Civil Beat/2024
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Screenshot: Multidisciplinary team report/2024
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020
(Naka Nathaniel/Civil Beat 2024
Jonathan Salvador photo/2024
Cory Lum / Civil Beat
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2022
Angelo Villagomez
Charlie Kaijo/Civil Beat
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Ben Lowenthal/Civil Beat/2017
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Jonathan Okamura/Civil Beat/2024
Courtesy Bernie Llanes/Aggressive Gamefarm
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021
Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service