Chad Blair

Honolulu

Politics and Opinion Editor at Honolulu Civil Beat

Politics and opinion editor for @CivilBeat

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Articles

Benefits Of Early Learning Extend Far Beyond Classroom

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Chad Blair

Former President Joe Biden makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosisFormer first lady Jill Biden and the former president's daughter Ashley posted photos of the family attending a high school graduation. Former President Joe Biden on Friday attended his grandson's high school graduation, marking his first public appearance since he announced last weekend that he was …
Maui’s STR Phaseout Could Provide Real Economic Benefits

2 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Peter Sabonis |Chad Blair

The removal of short-term rentals in West Maui from the Minatoya list is not just a policy change — it’s a chance to reclaim community and secure a sustainable future. Maui County’s plan to phase out short-term rental use from the apartment zone is a critical step in reigning in rampant real estate speculation and extractive tourism policies that have prioritized profits for outside interests over locals’ essential needs.
Chief Justice Says He’ll Retire On High Note After Rare Legislative Success

2 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

In his last year on the Supreme Court, Mark Recktenwald helped secure funding for Judiciary programs throughout Hawaiʻi. Forty-four years ago, the future leader of Hawaiʻi’s court system began his professional career in the islands working for the Legislature. The Harvard graduate was hired as a committee clerk by state Sen. Ann Kobayashi, then a Republican.
We Must Preserve The Human Rights Of Children Who Commit Crimes

3 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Brett Peterson |Douglas Overbey |Chad Blair

The Hawaiʻi Legislature just passed bills that will lead to greater human rights protections for system-involved youth in Hawaiʻi. Too often vulnerable and abused children end up in our juvenile and adult criminal justice systems where they are subject to practices that run afoul of human rights norms. In Hawaiʻi, for example, there is no minimum age for when a child can be prosecuted in juvenile court.
Hawaiʻi Governor Creates National PAC To Support 'Pro-Science Candidates'

3 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

Josh Green appeared with his Heal America political action committee partners while on a state-sponsored trip. At the same time that he was in Washington, D.C., at Hawaiʻi taxpayer expense opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Gov.
Fossil Fuel Reduction Isn't Just About Electricity

4 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Noel Morin |Chad Blair

Community Voice Transportation accounts for over a quarter of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation accounts for over a quarter of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Civil Beat’s recent article, “Hawaiʻi’s Pledge To Free Itself From Fossil Fuel Hits New Roadblocks,” highlighted the mounting challenges we face in achieving our clean energy goals.
Yamashita Ousted As Chair Of State House Finance Committee

1 month ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair |Blaze Lovell |Kevin Dayton

Lawmakers say Democrats were disappointed with his leadership, especially with the Hawaiʻi Legislature facing financial uncertainty from Trump. One of the most powerful people in the Hawaiʻi Legislature was removed from his leadership position late Tuesday. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura told the 51-member House in a memo that Rep. Kyle Yamashita has been replaced by Rep. Chris Todd to lead the powerful House Finance Committee. The change is effective Wednesday.
Yamashita Ousted As Chair Of State House Finance Committee

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Chad Blair

8 hours agoPresident Trump promised that during his presidency gasoline prices would drop and U.S. oil production would boom. One of those things is happening. Prices at the pump have indeed gone down, largely because the price of crude oil has dropped by nearly 25% since the start of January. West Texas …
How To Change The Pay-To-Play Culture in Hawaiʻi? Here Are Some Ideas

1 month ago | civilbeat.org | Richard Wiens |Patti Epler |Chad Blair

There’s still hope for much-needed reforms, but face it: There’ll be no help from legislative leaders. The regular session of the 2025 Hawaiʻi Legislature is over, and there can be no more pretending. Overcoming the dysfunction that plagues the Legislature and the wider tarpit of corruption that mars Hawaiʻi politics can be accomplished only by going around the current legislative leaders who block genuine reform efforts at every turn.
In Last-Minute Drama, Legislature Shelves Bill To Ban Assault Weapons

1 month ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair |Kevin Dayton

The legislation was opposed by gun-rights advocates who warned that hunters and Native Hawaiians would be harmed by the restrictions. Just five days ago Hawaiʻi legislative conference committees approved a bill that would ban high-powered semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with military features that can fire multiple rounds rapidly.