Richard Wiens – Honolulu Civil Beat https://www.civilbeat.org/author/rwiens/ Honolulu Civil Beat - Investigative Reporting Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:04:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Suit Challenges How Legislators Turn Blank Bills Into Mid-Session Surprises https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/09/suit-challenges-how-legislators-turn-blank-bills-into-mid-session-surprises/ Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1731603

League of Women Voters targets the use of short-form measures that start out as empty shells.

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League of Women Voters targets the use of short-form measures that start out as empty shells.

]]> A Targeted Campaign To Register More Voters Comes To Hawaiʻi https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/08/a-targeted-campaign-to-register-more-voters-comes-to-hawai%ca%bbi/ Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1730398

The CEO of a national nonprofit says he's hoping to get more Hawaiʻi voices heard in elections, especially people of color, unmarried women and young adults.

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The CEO of a national nonprofit says he's hoping to get more Hawaiʻi voices heard in elections, especially people of color, unmarried women and young adults.

]]> Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green Is Walking A Tightrope With The Trump Administration https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/08/hawai%ca%bbi-gov-josh-green-is-walking-a-tightrope-with-the-trump-administration/ Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1727783

As Trump's domestic military moves and threats play out in DC and LA, the need to balance legal challenges and relationship-building isn't lost on Hawaiʻi.

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As Trump's domestic military moves and threats play out in DC and LA, the need to balance legal challenges and relationship-building isn't lost on Hawaiʻi.

]]> Why Hawaiʻi’s Senators Raise So Much Money, And Give So Much Away https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/08/why-hawai%ca%bbis-senators-raise-so-much-money-and-give-so-much-away/ Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1726484

In Congress, it’s not enough to keep getting yourself elected and reelected. Leadership PACs are a must.

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In Congress, it’s not enough to keep getting yourself elected and reelected. Leadership PACs are a must.

]]> Don’t Be Complacent: These Alerts Aren’t False Alarms https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/07/dont-be-complacent-these-alerts-arent-false-alarms/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1724404

Hawaiʻi's alert system is warning of real danger as determined by experts and science even if it turns out to be less than worst-case scenario.

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Hawaiʻi's alert system is warning of real danger as determined by experts and science even if it turns out to be less than worst-case scenario.

]]> Here’s How The Legislature Is Slow-Walking A Reform Hawaiʻi Needed Years Ago https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/07/heres-how-the-legislature-is-slow-walking-a-reform-hawai%ca%bbi-needed-years-ago/ Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1723420

Many lawmakers keep saying they support longer sessions. But it never happens.

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Many lawmakers keep saying they support longer sessions. But it never happens.

]]> Case May Not Always Vote With Dems, But His Fundraising Is Going Just Fine https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/07/case-may-not-always-vote-with-dems-but-his-fundraising-is-going-just-fine/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1721953

A look at the latest campaign finance filings for Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation.

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A look at the latest campaign finance filings for Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation.

]]> House’s New Money Man Talks About His Hopes For Changing The Legislature https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/07/new-house-money-man-hopes-to-change-the-legislature/ Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1720958

Rep. Chris Todd thinks too many bills in past sessions have been referred to the Finance Committee he now chairs.

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Rep. Chris Todd thinks too many bills in past sessions have been referred to the Finance Committee he now chairs.

]]> Blue State Blues: One-Party Control? In Hawaiʻi It’s More Like No-Party Control https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/07/blue-state-blues-one-party-control-in-hawai%ca%bbi-its-more-like-no-party-control/ Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1719614

Running as a Democrat or Republican says more about political calculation than party allegiance or ideology.

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Running as a Democrat or Republican says more about political calculation than party allegiance or ideology.

]]> Some Hawaiʻi Counties Are Shortchanging Efforts To Keep Government Ethical https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/06/how-to-make-hawai%ca%bbis-volunteer-county-ethics-boards-better-provide-staff/ Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1715910

Experts agree full-time staff support is essential to the success of the neighbor island boards, but only Maui is taking that step.

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Experts agree full-time staff support is essential to the success of the neighbor island boards, but only Maui is taking that step.

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