Chad Blair

Honolulu

Politics and Opinion Editor at Honolulu Civil Beat

Politics and opinion editor for @CivilBeat

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Articles

Lawmakers agree to pay $807 million into Lahaina wildfires settlement fund

1 day ago | apnews.com | Chad Blair

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
Lawmakers Agree To Pay $807 Million Into Lahaina Wildfires Settlement Fund

1 day ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

The legislation is part of a $4 billion deal that includes money from HECO, Kamehameha Schools and others. It’s not often that applause breaks out in the audience after a vote at the Hawaiʻi Legislature, but that happened Tuesday afternoon. The measure was House Bill 1001, and the subject was settling claims related to the August 2023 Maui wildfires.
Hawaiʻi County Moves To Adopt Nepotism Rules For Government Employees

3 days ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

A lot of people know each other on the Big Island, and thatʻs all the more reason to be above reproach, a council member says. It was an awkward moment for the Hawaiʻi County Council. Last week, the nine-member board was considering the mayor’s nomination of Rebecca “Kawehi” Inaba to serve on the island’s Leeward Planning Commission. The discomfort had nothing to do with her qualifications, experience or reputation.
Watered Down Property Seizure Bill Moves Forward

3 days ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

House Bill 126 was intended to require a conviction before property forfeiture is allowed. Lawmakers are backing away from requiring someone be convicted of a felony before seizing their property. A conference committee is expected to take up the issue one more time Monday. But last week they significantly watered down House Bill 126, which would have made it harder for law enforcement to take vehicles, houses, currency and other valuables as part of an investigation.
Watered Down Property Seizure Bill Moves Forward

3 days ago | ij.org | Chad Blair

House Bill 126 was intended to require a conviction before property forfeiture is allowed. Lawmakers are backing away from requiring someone be convicted of a felony before seizing their property. A conference committee is expected to take up the issue one more time Monday. But last week they significantly watered down House Bill 126, which would have made it harder for law enforcement to take vehicles, houses, currency and other valuables as part of an investigation.
The Sunshine Blog: Look Who's Taking Big City Council Pay Raises After All

4 days ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

Blog Short takes, outtakes, our takes and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawai‘i. Short takes, outtakes, our takes and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawai‘i.
Senate slashes millions of dollars from University of Hawaii budget request

1 week ago | apnews.com | Chad Blair

The University of Hawaiʻi needs an additional $37.9 million for programs and services at its 10-campus system for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1. The money would be used to pay for a range of things, including nursing programs, debt service for the UH Cancer Center, information security, financial aid counselors and athletic programs.
Senate Slashes Millions Of Dollars From UH Budget Request

1 week ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

The cuts by Hawaiʻi budget writers come as the University of Hawaiʻi faces major reductions in federal funds as well. UH had been hoping the state would help plug some of those holes. The University of Hawaiʻi needs an additional $37.9 million for programs and services at its 10-campus system for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1.
Senate slashes millions of dollars from University of Hawaii budget request

1 week ago | plaindealerin.com | Chad Blair

The University of Hawaiʻi needs an additional $37.9 million for programs and services at its 10-campus system for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1. The money would be used to pay for a range of things, including nursing programs, debt service for the UH Cancer Center, information security, financial aid counselors and athletic programs. kAmqFE[ 244@C5:?8 E@ 2?
The Sunshine Interview: Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm

1 week ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

Q&A The wide-ranging discussion addressed sports betting, fireworks, relations with HPD, staffing challenges and priority legislation. The wide-ranging discussion addressed sports betting, fireworks, relations with HPD, staffing challenges and priority legislation. Editor’s note: Honolulu Civil Beat editors and reporters met with Steve Alm, prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, on Friday.