Kevin Dayton

Honolulu

Senior Reporter at Honolulu Civil Beat

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Articles

Progress Report: A Series Of Child Abuse Deaths Failed To Spur Major Reform

4 days ago | civilbeat.org | Kevin Dayton

The legislative session was punctuated by an arrest in yet another child death, but lawmakers did not act on recommendations of a child welfare task force . The year leading up to the 2025 legislative session saw a series of tragedies that seemed certain to force lawmakers to pay close attention to Hawaiʻi’s troubled child welfare system.
An Inside Look At The Sudden Shake-Up In House Leadership

1 week ago | civilbeat.org | Kevin Dayton |Blaze Lovell

After replacing Finance Committee chair Kyle Yamashita, Chris Todd promises to reform how the House handles money bills. Conflicting versions have emerged of why one of the most powerful positions in the House of Representatives suddenly changed hands this week. But regardless of how Rep. Chris Todd came to replace Rep. Kyle Yamashita as chair of the Finance Committee, the repercussions were immediate.
Yamashita Ousted As Chair Of State House Finance Committee

1 week 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 Kyle Yamashita has been replaced by Rep.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.
Hawaiʻi Legislature Adjourns - For Now

1 week ago | civilbeat.org | Blaze Lovell |Kevin Dayton

Before ending the regular session for the year, lawmakers stashed away money to shield Hawaiʻi from federal budget cuts. The Legislature adjourned its 2025 session on Friday with a promise to return in the months ahead to aid programs facing federal funding cuts from the Trump administration. To accomplish that, lawmakers have set aside a $200 million fund that can be tapped for resources should federal dollars run dry.
In Last-Minute Drama, Legislature Shelves Bill To Ban Assault Weapons

2 weeks 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.
Prison Officials Agree To Make Sure Honolulu Medics Stay Safe In Facilities

2 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Kevin Dayton

The city and state quickly came to an agreement after EMS warned it would no longer enter Hālawa prison or the Oʻahu jail because of security concerns. The state prison system and the Honolulu Emergency Services Department have resolved a dispute over security at Oʻahu correctional facilities after the emergency services director warned last week medical crews would no longer enter jails or prisons to treat patients.
Honolulu EMS Chief Says Medics Aren't Safe In Oʻahu Prisons

2 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Kevin Dayton

Recent incidents at two state facilities prompted a letter to state prison officials telling them medical crews won’t be going inside the jails and prison anymore. The city’s emergency medical workers will no longer care for sick or injured inmates in state correctional facilities, and instead will require the prisoners be brought outside for treatment, according to the director of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services.
New Contracts Give More Than $1 Billion In Union Pay Raises

2 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Kevin Dayton

Counties also will have to come up with money to pay for raises for thousands of their workers, who are covered under the same contracts. Hawaiʻi lawmakers last week advanced a bundle of bills earmarking hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two years for raises for unionized state employees. Contracts also call for nearly $1 billion for the following two years. But some public workers are disappointed or angry at the outcome of this year’s bargaining.
Lawmakers settle on a new two-year budget that focuses on housing

2 weeks ago | chronicle-tribune.com | Kevin Dayton |Blaze Lovell

Hawaii lawmakers have earmarked nearly $400 million for housing subsidies and public housing developments over the next two years to try to make a dent in the increasingly desperate statewide need for affordable housing. That sizable sum includes $37 million for Gov. Josh Green’s signature kauhale program to provide tiny homes and other housing options for homeless people, and $68 million for the planned Ka Lei Momi initiative to to provide 10,000 new units by redeveloping state properties.
Lawmakers settle on a new two-year budget that focuses on housing

3 weeks ago | apnews.com | Kevin Dayton |Blaze Lovell

Hawaii lawmakers have earmarked nearly $400 million for housing subsidies and public housing developments over the next two years to try to make a dent in the increasingly desperate statewide need for affordable housing. That sizable sum includes $37 million for Gov. Josh Green’s signature kauhale program to provide tiny homes and other housing options for homeless people, and $68 million for the planned Ka Lei Momi initiative to to provide 10,000 new units by redeveloping state properties.