About

Christina Jedra is a watchdog reporter for Honolulu Civil Beat, a nonprofit news organization in Hawaiʻi. Her work seeks to hold the government accountable for how it spends money and makes decisions that affect people's lives. 

In 2024, Christina and her Civil Beat colleagues were recognized as finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for their breaking news coverage of the deadly Maui wildfires of August 2023. Her stories exposed the questionable hiring of an inexperienced emergency manager as well as state and county agencies’ failure to plan for a foreseeable disaster. 

For years, Christina has been Hawaii’s lead reporter covering the Red Hill water contamination crisis in which U.S. Navy fuel tainted the drinking water of 93,000 Pearl Harbor water customers. Christina’s reporting before and after the disaster occurred demonstrated how the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility was a threat to the drinking water for years and that there were inadequate safeguards to detect a problem. 

Her stories have also revealed Navy efforts to silence those who raised concerns about the facility and hide information from regulators and the public. Despite these obstacles, Christina was the first journalist to obtain video footage of the catastrophic fuel leak that contaminated the drinking water in November 2021. 

Christina’s reporting on Red Hill has earned an Emmy Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award in partnership with Hawaii News Now and first place investigative reporting prizes from the Institute for Nonprofit News and Hawaii’s Society of Professional Journalists. In 2023, the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) awarded Christina a Best in Business award for her “spectacular use of leaked video and other information to inform the public about a shocking hazard.”

Christina has also covered cops, courts and city and state government. Her stories have shed light on the failures of Honolulu’s labyrinthine permitting department, questionable spending of federal aid dollars and excessive overtime at the Honolulu Police Department, the lack of professional discipline for unscrupulous prosecutors and the dangers “forever chemicals” pose to Hawaii’s people and environment. 

Previously, Christina was an investigative reporter for The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware where her work sparked investigations and legislative changes. Her examination of a Wilmington City Council slush fund exposed abuse of taxpayer dollars and led to the criminal conviction of the former council chair. And her probe of a Delaware prison's addiction treatment program found that counselors were falsifying records, sparking an Attorney General investigation.

Christina's first job in journalism was at The Capital newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland. 

Her work has also been published in The Baltimore Sun, The New England Center for Investigative Reporting, The Boston Globe, and USA Today. She has a degree in journalism from Emerson College in Boston.

Christina was born and raised in New Jersey and has strong feelings about quality bagels and pizza. She is the daughter of immigrants from Cyprus and Poland.

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Publications

  • All
  • Honolulu Civil Beat
  • The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)
  • The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland)

Categories

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  • City Watchdog
  • Data
  • Explanatory
  • Follow The Money
  • General Enterprise
  • Homelessness
  • Investigation
  • Media Interviews
  • Police Accountability
  • Politics
  • Public Records
  • Red Hill
  • Solutions Journalism
Public Records • General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Is Failing To Fast-Track Affordable Housing ProjectsDevelopers of much-needed affordable housing are supposed to get permits approved or denied within three months. It's taking far longer.June 19, 2025Public Records • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatCriminals Mailing Illegal Fireworks To Hawaiʻi Mostly Get Away With It People are sending undeclared explosives via U.S.P.S. on a regular basis. Few face arrest or prosecution.May 21, 2025Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatHawaiʻi Lawmaker Recieved $35,000 Under FBI SurveillanceThree years after the handoff, the identities of an unnamed man and the lawmaker he paid remain unknown to the public.March 27, 2025General Enterprise • Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu's Illegal Fireworks Market Fueled By Miske EnterpriseMiske's operation sold thousands of fireworks to dealers on Oʻahu between 2008 and 2010.Jan. 23, 2025Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Yanks ‘Renovation Aloha’ Permit After Civil Beat Exposes Illegal WorkHonolulu Yanks ‘Renovation Aloha’ Permit After Civil Beat ExposéDec. 6, 2024Investigation • Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatFor 'Renovation Aloha,' Permit Violations Are The Cost Of Doing Business'Renovation Aloha' Flippers Profit Despite Permit ViolationsDec. 4, 2024Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: HGTV's "Renovation Aloha" violates permit lawsCivil Beat reports that public records show the Kalamas went ahead with construction and even sold them often before the permits were approved.For more Local...Dec. 4, 2024Public Records • Follow The Money • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatGovernment Workers In Hawaii Get Paid Not To Work As Misconduct Investigations Drag On For Months Or YearsA system meant to protect worker rights and resolve disciplinary cases fast has turned into something much different, with taxpayers picking up the tab for employees told not to come to work.July 10, 2024Investigation • General Enterprise • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatRed Hill Whistleblower Details How Her Warnings Were Ignored Even As Disaster LoomedShannon Bencs has never spoken publicly about her experience at Red Hill until now.June 25, 2024Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatIllegal 'Straw' Donations Spotlighted By Mitsunaga Case Are Rarely ProsecutedLurking in the background of an alleged conspiracy to bribe Honolulu’s prosecutor is a separate but related issue: donations made under a false name to circumvent campaign limits.March 25, 2024Solutions Journalism • City Watchdog • Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatOne Way To Ease Honolulu's Building Permit Backlog: Pay Workers MoreThe permitting director says her employees are underpaid. But the mayor has not tried to negotiate raises for plan reviewers, saying there's more to the problem than pay.March 5, 2024Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatDelays in Honolulu's planning and permitting department: Mayor Rick Blangiardi Q&AHonolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi sat down with Reporter Christina Jedra to answer your questions about the permit pileup at the Honolulu Department of Planning...Feb. 29, 2024Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: Controversy grows into possible lead contamination from Marines' shooting rangeHonolulu Civil Beat Report Christina Jedra breaks down the controversy behind possible lead contamination in Ewa Beach from the Puuloa Range Training Facility.Jan. 10, 2024General Enterprise • Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatA Legal Fight Over Abortion Pill Access Could Have Major Impacts For Rural HawaiiA Supreme Court decision restricting use of the pill could make it difficult if not impossible for many Hawaii women to get an abortion.Dec. 27, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: How high court's decision over abortion pill access could have major impacts in HawaiiCivll Beat's Christina Jedra explains the next topic of discussion in the country's courtroom.Dec. 27, 2023Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu's Building Permit Delays: A 'Nightmare' Decades In The MakingConstruction industry professionals say it’s taking longer than ever to get a permit in Honolulu. The delays disrupt lives and put a drag on the economy.  Dec. 6, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: Honolulu's building permit delays was a 'nightmare' decades in the makingHonolulu Civil Beat Reporter Christina Jedra breaks down the massive delays for building permits in Honolulu.Dec. 6, 2023Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatMaui's Shorthanded And Underpaid 911 Dispatchers Improvised During Lahaina FireA small team did their best to juggle a wave of calls and radio transmissions simultaneously. Despite their best efforts, many callers’ questions went unanswered.  Nov. 15, 2023Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatIt Will Be Years Before Clean Water Is Restored In LahainaRebuilding the water system is likely to cost tens of millions of dollars and could be a limiting factor in rebuilding the town. Nov. 7, 2023Public Records • Data • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatSome Honolulu Building Permit Applicants Sailed Through Despite Long Waits For MostA Civil Beat analysis raises questions about the fairness of wide disparities in how fast permits get approved. Bribery, political influence, people skills and other factors help determine a permit application's speed.Oct. 18, 2023Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatA Cascade Of Breakdowns In Lahaina Fire Exposes Flaws In Emergency Management SystemEmergency preparedness plans identified West Maui as high risk. Under an inexperienced emergency manager, the plans didn’t translate into action.Aug. 28, 2023Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatWas Maui's Emergency Operations Chief In Over His Head?Herman Andaya lacked formal experience in emergency response but beat out 40 other applicants for the job and says he was prepared.Aug. 16, 2023Investigation • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatRed Hill's Fuel Director Raised An Alarm Before Pipes Leaked. The Navy Removed HerLt. Cmdr. Shannon Bencs reported problems with Red Hill’s infrastructure and leadership culture just months before fuel leaks contaminated the drinking water.July 28, 2023Follow The Money • Public Records • Politics | Honolulu Civil BeatHawaii LG Sylvia Luke Needed Bailout From Governor, Documents ShowAt the 11th hour, Gov. Green pulled the lieutenant governor’s budget out of the red. July 27, 2023Public Records • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatNo Safety Check, No Problem: Honolulu Clerks Helped Car Dealers Cheat SystemResidents may be driving cars that haven't been certified as safe, a city report said. July 19, 2023General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatHawaii Foster Kids Are Sleeping In Hotels And State Offices. They Have Nowhere Else To GoUPDATED: Fourteen children slept in offices and hotels in the last year.June 27, 2023General Enterprise • Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatFoster Child Abuse Case Highlights Concerns About Lax State OversightHawaii caseworkers struggle to keep up with federal requirements to meet with foster kids every month, data shows.June 14, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: Disgraced HPD chief Louis Kealoha tells his side of the story in new bookCivil Beat's Christina Jedra tells us more about Kealoha's new book titled "Louis Looks Back: The Rise and Fall of Honolulu's Top Cop."For more Local News fr...May 24, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: Should chicken fighting be a felony instead of a misdemeanorThe pros and cons to chicken fighting in Hawaii. Morning Beat explores both sides of the issue with Civil Beat reporter Christina Jedra.For more Local News f...May 10, 2023Public Records • General Enterprise • Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Problem With Hawaii's Secret Court Files  In confidential lawsuits, a select few can keep sometimes embarrassing legal disputes hush-hush in ways that experts say may violate the First Amendment. May 1, 2023Solutions Journalism • Explanatory | Honolulu Civil Beat'Forever Chemicals' Have Been Found In Hawaii’s Environment. Now What? Increased testing for PFAS may reveal a problem Hawaii is not prepared to deal with. March 15, 2023Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Military's Public Information Black HoleThe military regularly fails to share what are supposed to be public records.Feb. 21, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: Pesticide use concerns in HawaiiHonolulu Civil Beat's Christina Jedra joins HNN to talk about her story on pesticides in Hawaii.Feb. 1, 2023Public Records • City Watchdog • Follow The Money • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Permitting Inspector OK'd His Own Company's ProjectsThe county permitting department said it had no idea one of its inspectors was approving his own company's work.Jan. 18, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: DPP inspector under scrutiny after signing off on his own company projectsHonolulu Civil Beat's Christina Jedra breaks down the controversy of a city permitting inspector who's been approving his own projects.Jan. 18, 2023Investigation • Public Records | Honolulu Civil Beat'Where's The Hammer?' Hawaii Prosecutors Dodged Public Discipline For 40 Years Despite MisconductProsecutors sometimes cross the line. But for a host of reasons, the Hawaii Supreme Court does not sanction them.Jan. 11, 2023Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatMorning Beat: Prosecutorial Misconduct in HawaiiCivil Beat's Christina Jedra looks at a lack of public discipline for prosecutorial misconduct in Hawaii.Jan. 11, 2023Police Accountability • Follow The Money | Honolulu Civil BeatGraveyard Shift: Honolulu Pays Police $1 Million In Overtime To Guard Morgue TrailersThe city is paying up to five times the cost of private security but says it's worth it.Dec. 21, 2022Public Records • Investigation • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatFirefighting Foam Spilled At Red Hill Before. The Navy Didn't Notify AnyoneMilitary officials requested emergency funding to respond to an AFFF spill in 2020, but told health inspectors later that no foam had been released. Dec. 18, 2022General Enterprise • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatConcerns Over Leadership At St. Louis School Prompt Resignations, InvestigationBoard members said they’ve taken steps to improve the situation, but not before a slew of departures. Nov. 14, 2022General Enterprise • Explanatory • City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatGame: How Long Does It Take To Get A Permit From Honolulu?Civil Beat built a game to allow players to step into the shoes of a DPP permit applicant and gain a sense of the challenges and choices that appear throughout the process.Oct. 23, 2022General Enterprise • Explanatory • City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatEfforts To Reform Honolulu's Troubled Permitting Office Face An Uphill Battle. Here's WhyContractors and property owners describe bureaucratic hurdles and delays in the application process that sometimes last years.Oct. 23, 2022Media Interviews | Honolulu Civil BeatDrinking Navy jet fuel following spills caused long-term health issues, families sayIn a new lawsuit, four families allege spilled jet fuel contaminated the U.S. Navy base's water supply causing chronic health issues. Oct. 21, 2022General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatFighting For Workers Or Fleecing Them? An Ousted Honolulu Union Boss Faces His ReckoningThe trial of Brian Ahakuelo, accused of leading a conspiracy to line his pockets while head of IBEW Local 1260, begins Thursday.Oct. 11, 2022Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatA Navy Captain Was Faulted For His Red Hill Response. But He's Still Working ThereThe Navy says officers who are removed from leadership posts may be reassigned to positions consistent with their training and experience.July 27, 2022Investigation • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatWATCH: Fuel Spewed 'Full Blast' Into Red Hill Tunnel In NovemberNew video of the leak reveals new details about what happened as a water contamination crisis unfolded. July 5, 2022Public Records • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatOSHA: 'Disabled' Red Hill Firefighting System Put Employees In DangerThe Navy said it turned off the automatic deployment of firefighting foam after a leak in the system.June 3, 2022General Enterprise • Explanatory • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatIs It Time For Hawaii To Renegotiate Its Relationship With The Military?The Red Hill water contamination crisis has prompted outrage, even among those who have traditionally supported the military.May 23, 2022General Enterprise • City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatThis Honolulu Architect Admitted To Bribery. But He Still Has His LicenseDespite pleading guilty to a job-related felony, William Wong was able to renew his license for another two years.May 19, 2022General Enterprise • Red Hill • Investigation | Honolulu Civil BeatNavy Inspectors Found Problems With Hawaii Fuel Operations Before Contamination CrisisU.S. Navy fuel operations in and around Pearl Harbor were found out of compliance with environmental protection rules in 2019. May 12, 2022Follow The Money | Honolulu Civil BeatTupola's City Council Term Limit Proposal Raises Ethics ConcernsThe councilwoman hasn't disclosed that she is getting paid by a candidate who would benefit from her legislation. May 6, 2022General Enterprise • Explanatory • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatWhere Is The Red Hill Contamination Moving? Experts Are 'Working Blind'The contamination crisis exposed how little regulators know about how groundwater – and fuel pollution – flow under the Red Hill facility.April 4, 2022General Enterprise • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatHow Hawaii Activists Helped Force The Military’s Hand On Red HillThe Pentagon reversed years of opposition to closing the fuel storage facility near Pearl Harbor amid political pressure from the community.March 14, 2022General Enterprise • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatRegulators Were Watching The Navy's Red Hill Fuel Facility. What Went Wrong? A monitoring agreement signed in 2015 failed to prevent a catastrophe six years later.Feb. 25, 2022Investigation • Public Records • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatRed Hill's Firefighting System Was Damaged Long Before Contamination CrisisThe system would deploy water automatically in case of a fire at the Navy's fuel facility, but firefighting foam would have to be turned on manually, a spokeswoman said.Feb. 14, 2022General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatIndictment Puts Spotlight On One Of The Most Connected Men In HonoluluMax Sword, a former tourism industry lobbyist, is one of three former city officials facing federal conspiracy charges.Feb. 8, 2022General Enterprise • Explanatory • Investigation • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatNavy Water Contamination Crisis Highlights Flaws In Early Warning SystemWater testing was supposed to detect a disaster before it hit people’s faucets. But thousands of military families in Hawaii never got a warning.Feb. 2, 2022General Enterprise • Explanatory • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatHow The Red Hill Fuel System Has Threatened Oahu’s Drinking Water For Decades Built in haste during World War II, the facility has a history of leaking despite the Navy's assurances that it is secure.Dec. 12, 2021Police Accountability • Follow The Money • City Watchdog • Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatHow Police Overtime Leaves Taxpayers On The Hook For Jacked Up PensionsState lawmakers cracked down on pension spiking in 2012 – but only for new employees. The old-timers continue to stick taxpayers with ever-growing bills from the state pension system. Nov. 17, 2021Investigation • Red Hill | Honolulu Civil BeatAmid ‘Political Concerns,’ Navy Kept Quiet About Red Hill Pipeline Leaking Into Pearl HarborAs the health department held hearings on whether the Navy could operate its Red Hill fuel facility safely, fuel from a Red Hill pipeline was leaking into Pearl Harbor.Oct. 8, 2021Public Records • City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatYears Before Indictments, Honolulu Permitting Department Was Warned About Corrupt CultureA city watchdog had raised red flags for years about potential corruption in Honolulu’s planning and permitting department. Sept. 29, 2021General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatFour Years After A Toddler Died Of Scalding, Her Mother Still Seeks AnswersAs the anniversary of her baby’s death approaches, a Las Vegas mother is renewing calls for answers and accountability.Sept. 21, 2021Public Records • Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Brady List: Why Police Are Supposed To Tell Prosecutors About Dishonest CopsThe U.S. Supreme Court says the accused has a right to know about officers who have credibility issues. But Honolulu defense attorneys say they're often left in the dark.Aug. 23, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Joins A National Debate: When Should Police Bodycam Footage Be Released?The city prosecutor is asking the public to be patient. But some feel body camera footage should be released right away. June 7, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatHPD Officer At The Center Of A $1 Million Wrongful Death Settlement Has A History Of ComplaintsCpl. Scott Valdez has faced criminal charges, which led to hung juries, two lawsuits that led to settlements and a Honolulu Police Commission complaint.June 3, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Police Don't Always Turn On Their Body Cams. That Needs To Change, Commissioners SayOfficers in dicey situations may be incentivized to keep their cameras off. There are growing calls for police to make sure that doesn't happen.May 24, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatCity Pays $365,000 To Motorist In Crash With HPDPolice initially said the driver hit the police car. But witnesses disputed that.May 3, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Prosecutors Have Long Been Stymied When Investigating Police Killings. That's About To ChangeThe city largely leaves it to the police to investigate themselves when a civilian is killed. The new prosecuting attorney has plans for reform.April 28, 2021Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatA Building Inspector Took Money From A Homeowner. Her Punishment: 2 Years Paid Time OffThe 2018 investigation was supposed to wrap up in a few weeks but dragged on for two years. No criminal charges have been filed.April 13, 2021General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatCOVID-19 Is Airborne. So Why Doesn't Hawaii Have Pandemic Air Quality Standards?Public health agencies haven’t adequately warned the public about the dangers of sharing air during the pandemic, experts say, even as Honolulu businesses are opening back up. March 11, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatFeds Examining Honolulu Police CARES Spending On ATVs, Robot DogRequests for information about the audit were denied by HPD and ignored by the mayor's office.March 9, 2021Solutions Journalism | Honolulu Civil BeatHere's What Happens When Social Workers, Not Police, Respond To Mental Health CrisesMore cities are adopting a model for de-escalation that has the potential to benefit people with mental illness, allow police to focus on serious crime and save taxpayer dollars. March 1, 2021Solutions Journalism | Honolulu Civil BeatProposal Would Streamline Involuntary Treatment Of Those With Severe Mental IllnessPublic defenders are obliged to fight involuntary treatment for their clients. Lawmakers are considering cutting them out of the process.Feb. 25, 2021Solutions Journalism • Police Accountability • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil BeatHawaii Homeless Program Failed After Prosecutors And Police Wouldn't Play BallThe idea was to offer help to homeless people in lieu of criminal charges. Instead, HPD increased the number of citations it handed out.Feb. 11, 2021Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatWill This Watchdog Bite? The Honolulu Police Commission Is At A CrossroadsMayor Rick Blangiardi's appointment could determine how aggressively the commission oversees the Honolulu Police Department.Feb. 10, 2021Police Accountability • Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatCivil Beat Sues Honolulu Police To Make Officer Overtime Data PublicHPD has refused to hand over information that is routinely shared in other cities.Jan. 29, 2021City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatShe Was About To Lose Her Job. Then Her Dad's Department Hired HerHonolulu officials say there's no reason to believe that Manny Valbuena, the former acting director of budget and fiscal services, was involved in the hiring of his daughter.Jan. 25, 2021Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatCongresswoman Concerned About Hawaii Pandemic Response Got No Answers From IgeQuestions about testing and contact tracing in Hawaii were left unanswered.Jan. 15, 2021Follow The Money • Police Accountability • Public Records • Data | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Police Spent $150,000 In CARES Funds On A Robot DogFlush with CARES Act cash, the Honolulu Police Department has spent millions on what one officer called “toys.” Jan. 10, 2021City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatCaldwell's Top Aide Lands City Council Gig To Cash In On Retirement BenefitsThe six-month job will set up former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya for benefits he can access for the rest of his life.Jan. 6, 2021Politics • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil BeatKirk Caldwell's Legacy As Honolulu Mayor Is Marred By Rail And HomelessnessAs the city's top official leaves office, we look back at the ups and downs of the Caldwell era.Dec. 29, 2020Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatAre Open-Book Tests Making It Too Easy To Become A Honolulu Police Officer?HPD says the change emphasizes critical thinking, but others argue police must know some things by heart.Dec. 28, 2020Police Accountability • Follow The Money | Honolulu Civil BeatSome Honolulu Police Officers Are Doubling Their Salaries With OvertimeRecords show police officers' overtime has increased while the crime-solving rate has declined.Dec. 23, 2020Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatWhat Did HPD Do To Prevent Another Kealoha Scandal? Not Much, Chief SaysCity Councilman Tommy Waters identified holes that remain in the department's handling of misconduct, especially when it involves the chief.Dec. 17, 2020Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Sorry State Of Public Information In Hawaii – And Why You Should CareGov. David Ige gutted the state's public records law in the name of the coronavirus. Now it's the norm for government agencies to ignore requests for information.Dec. 2, 2020Politics | Honolulu Civil BeatWhy Honolulu Chose Rick Blangiardi Over Keith AmemiyaFirst-time candidates Rick Blangiardi and Keith Amemiya couldn't run on their political records, so experts say it came down to personality.Nov. 5, 2020Police Accountability • Public Records • Data • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil BeatEasy Targets? Some Oahu Homeless Have Been Ticketed Dozens Of Times During The PandemicA Civil Beat analysis of court data on HPD's pandemic enforcement shows homeless people account for nearly 25% of pandemic violations despite making up less than 1% of the population.Nov. 2, 2020City Watchdog • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil BeatNo Rest For The Homeless: Bill Would Ban Sitting Almost Anywhere On OahuCity and state officials say housing is the answer to homelessness. But criminalization can be more politically expedient.Oct. 22, 2020Public Records • City Watchdog • Follow The Money | Honolulu Civil BeatFederal Bailout Money Is Speeding Up Gun Permits But Help With Rent Still LagsNew data released by Honolulu shows police continue to rack up overtime but a hardship relief fund to help people pay their bills is about to be maxed out.Oct. 22, 2020Police Accountability • Data | Honolulu Civil BeatHPD Crime-Solving Record Is The Worst It's Been In At Least 40 YearsHPD won't talk about it, but FBI data shows Honolulu has one of the worst records in the country when it comes to solving property crimes as well as violent crimes.Sept. 30, 2020Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Police Are Issuing An 'Unprecedented' Number Of Pandemic TicketsMany are being dismissed. But the court system is struggling to keep up as thousands of violators are forced to appear before a judge anyway.Sept. 17, 2020Police Accountability • Follow The Money | Honolulu Civil BeatHPD Is Getting Millions To Enforce The Shutdown While Aid For Struggling Residents LagsHonolulu City Councilman Tommy Waters says the city's priorities are backwards, pointing to money for police overtime and training, new ATVs and "paddy wagons," among other items.Sept. 11, 2020City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatPayments From Honolulu's $25 Million Hardship Fund Are Mired In Red TapeLess than 10% of the money has been handed out in the past three months due to onerous application requirements and concerns about fraud.Aug. 28, 2020City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatBeaches, Parks, Trails Closed? Honolulu Mayor's COVID-19 Rules Defy Science, Experts SayEpidemiologists say keeping beaches, parks and hiking trails shut down without justification could backfire, driving people indoors and increasing distrust in government at a critical time.Aug. 24, 2020Police Accountability | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Police Officer Awaiting Trial For Domestic AbuseThe woman reported that an HPD officer assaulted her, destroyed her phone and harassed her.Aug. 23, 2020Explanatory • General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatGetting A Ballot In The Mail For Your Dead Relative Is Not As Weird As It SeemsElections officials are reluctant to purge voter rolls. But cases of people actually voting on someone else's behalf almost never happen.July 28, 2020Politics | Honolulu Civil BeatWhere Honolulu's Prosecutor Candidates Stand On Criminal Justice ReformThe acting prosecutor and three of his opponents are pitching very different solutions.July 23, 2020Politics | Honolulu Civil BeatKeith Amemiya: Political Outsider Or Establishment Insider?Despite deep political ties to numerous state and local officials, Keith Amemiya says he has the fresh perspective that Honolulu needs in the mayor’s office.  July 10, 2020Politics | Honolulu Civil BeatRick Blangiardi: This Former TV Exec Wants To Be CEO Of HonoluluRick Blangiardi regularly used his platform on Hawaii News Now to criticize from the sidelines. Now he admits he doesn't have all the answers either.July 9, 2020Politics • Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatHow Rick Blangiardi Got Caught Up In A 1980s Bank Fraud SchemeThirty-five years ago, the federal government sued Rick Blangiardi for his participation in a loan scam. The mayoral candidate says he was duped by criminals.July 2, 2020City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Pay Keeps Flowing For Accused Honolulu Officials On LeaveAccused workers are presumed innocent, but some question whether they should continue to be paid as months turn into years.May 21, 2020General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Navy Replaced Its Leaky Fuel Tanks In California. Why Not Oahu? In California and Washington, the Navy said its World War II-era tanks should be retired. But in Hawaii, the Navy says its tanks from the same era are working great. May 20, 2020City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatA Prominent Developer Was Charged With Assault. Then The Case Languished For A YearA politically connected Honolulu real estate mogul didn't receive a summons until Civil Beat started asking questions.May 5, 2020City Watchdog • Follow The Money • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu's Spending On Homeless Stagnates Even As Problem PersistsThe city says it needs the state to expand mental and behavioral health services for the homeless population for more spending to do any good.March 24, 2020City Watchdog • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil Beat'Borderline Criminal': Honolulu Not Following CDC Advice For HomelessWhen it comes to public bathrooms, Honolulu is doing the opposite of what the CDC advises.March 23, 2020General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatCondo 'Disaster': Waikiki Maintenance Fees Hit $1,800Maintenance fees more than doubled in the last five years at the Waikiki Marina tower as the board has struggled with how to cover major repairs, especially a faulty elevator.March 17, 2020Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Agrees To Post Financial Disclosures OnlineThe city decided to make the forms more easily available following a Civil Beat report earlier this week.March 4, 2020City Watchdog • Public Records | Honolulu Civil BeatHART Employee Reported Improper Use Of Federal Funds In 2015Worried about financial mismanagement, a HART employee said she was asked to resign when she spoke up.Feb. 24, 2020City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatThe Honolulu Morgue Is Still A MessWhen Civil Beat asked for a tour of the facility this month, the city rushed to clean up its image. But problems persist. Jan. 29, 2020City Watchdog | Honolulu Civil BeatFree Lunch From A Contractor Is Annual Tradition at Honolulu HaleThe Ethics Commission is considering a zero-tolerance policy on "tokens of aloha."Dec. 27, 2019General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatWhy Corrupt Public Employees In Hawaii Keep Their PensionsFor those convicted of abusing public office, the pension payments don’t stop at the guilty verdict. Dec. 17, 2019General Enterprise • Homelessness | Honolulu Civil BeatHonolulu Homeless Sweeps Will Continue Despite Supreme Court DecisionLt. Gov. Josh Green called for the immediate halt of sweeps, but Honolulu says it will continue pushing homeless people out of public areas.Dec. 17, 2019General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatSecurity Deposits Put Housing Out Of Reach For Some In HawaiiAs housing costs rise, renters have to cut bigger and bigger checks just to get in the door.Dec. 3, 2019General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatHow Honolulu's Japanese, Spurned At The Library, Made Their Own Bookstore CultureWhen Honolulu's library first opened, it ignored the needs of Japanese readers. In response, Japanese shop owners stepped up to provide books. Of 41 booksellers of that era, one store remains.Oct. 11, 2019Explanatory • General Enterprise | Honolulu Civil BeatHefty Property Fine? Honolulu Will Happily Settle For 10%City officials say they're less interested in raising money than in getting property owners to comply, so are willing to take much less when the violation is corrected.Sept. 27, 2019General Enterprise • Explanatory | Honolulu Civil BeatWhy The Growing Demand For AC Threatens Hawaii's Renewable Energy GoalsFar more residents now have air conditioning to deal with a warming climate. But their increased electrical use makes the problem worse.Sept. 20, 2019Investigation • Public Records | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Three years later, family sees excruciating last moments of loved one's death in prisonA prison surveillance video shows staff waiting 18 minutes to call 911 for an unresponsive prisoner who ultimately died.May 22, 2019General Enterprise | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)'A University of Delaware student raped me. His punishment: House arrest and community service'A former University of Delaware student faced up to 15 years for raping a classmate. Instead, a judge gave him house arrest and community service.May 20, 2019Investigation • Public Records | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Prison contractor falsified records to conceal inadequate addiction treatment, sources sayA taxpayer-funded addiction treatment program run by Connections has been delivering inadequate care and falsifying patient records, sources said.May 10, 2019Public Records | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Buried report: Sussex inmate died after Connections nurse's 'incompetent' actionsThe inmate was unresponsive, had lost bladder control and was foaming at the mouth, but no one called 911 until he lost his pulse, a report says.Feb. 6, 2019City Watchdog • Public Records | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Wilmington warned about lack of fire training 17 years before fatal Canby Park blazeThe feds warned Wilmington about a lack of firefighter training nearly 20 years ago. They reiterated the advice after three firefighters died.Jan. 16, 2019City Watchdog • Public Records | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Loitering, panhandling can get you banned from WilmingtonSeveral people accused of loitering and illegal panhandling have court orders banning them from the entire city of Wilmington.Dec. 5, 2018City Watchdog | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Muslim swimmers asked to leave Wilmington public pool; mayor apologizesA Muslim camp leader said her children were forced out of the Foster Brown public pool in Wilmington based on an unwritten rule.July 14, 2018Investigation • Public Records | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Delaware-funded construction training program exploits ex-offenders, participants sayWorkers say they were exploited by a nonprofit and that it used them as free labor on the taxpayer's dime.April 26, 2018City Watchdog • Public Records • Investigation • Follow The Money | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Council president earmarked grant for himself before leaving officeBefore leaving office last fall, Wilmington City Council President Theo Gregory earmarked $40,000 for his own nonprofit.Oct. 26, 2017City Watchdog • Follow The Money • Investigation | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Wilmington council president gave $40,000 in taxpayer money to predecessorThe first big check Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz cut was for her predecessor.July 28, 2017City Watchdog • Follow The Money | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Little oversight for Wilmington City Council discretionary fundWith a loosely defined purpose and no public oversight, hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent quietly on what one expert calls "political lubrication."July 14, 2017City Watchdog | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)Wilmington Ethics Commission quietly disbanded under Mayor WilliamsThe Wilmington Ethics Commission, which investigated conflicts of interest, collusion or other unsavory behavior by city employees, disbanded in 2015.July 12, 2017Police Accountability • City Watchdog • Follow The Money | The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)$112,000 Wilmington police contract yields few tangible resultsCharles Ramsey was paid $112,000 last year to advise Wilmington police, but there is no written record of his impact.Feb. 1, 2017General Enterprise | The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland)Induction Day 2016: Sir, my day as a plebe, sirThe Capital's Naval Academy reporter Christina Jedra experiences first-hand Induction DayJune 30, 2016General Enterprise | The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland)Uncharted Territory: Recent Naval Academy graduate's career stalled by Defense Department transgender policyAlexandra Marberry should have gone to flight school in October, but the 2015 Naval Academy graduate never made it to Pensacola, Florida. Marberry is transgender. Her gender identity is different from the male body she was born into.June 26, 2016General Enterprise | The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland)New policy bans first hugs and kisses on visits to Maryland state prisonsA new policy -- affecting all 24 state correctional facilities -- bans touching at the beginning of a visit, kissing on the mouth and taking pictures, according to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Hugging or kissing on the cheek is limited to the end of the visitation period.Dec. 12, 2015General Enterprise | The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland)Missing snow plows lead to investigationTwenty-three snow plows, which would cost about $69,000 new, went missing earlier this year from a maintenance yard in Glen Burnie, State Highway Administration officials said.Oct. 8, 2015

Contact

Email: cjedra@civilbeat.org

Twitter: @ChristinaJedra

LinkedIn: Christina Jedra