Civil Beat Staff

Chad Blair

Chad Blair has been a writer, editor and teacher in Honolulu for more than 25 years. His job as reporter and editor is to cover Hawaii, especially how political decisions impact people and communities.

Chad has worked as a journalist for Pacific Business News, Hawaii Public Radio and Honolulu Weekly. He has taught at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu Community College, Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University of Honolulu.

A “military brat,” Chad was born on an Army base in Alabama and later lived with his family in Germany, Illinois, Nebraska and Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he edited the school newspaper. He also minored in Spanish and studied for a semester in Mexico.

Chad worked for a year on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, where he tracked satellites for the U.S. Air Force/NORAD. He then earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in American studies from UH Manoa. His dissertation, “Democracy in Hawaii: Class, Race and Gender in Local Politics” (1996), was published as “Money, Color and Sex in Hawaii Politics” (Mutual Publishing; 1998).

You can reach him by email at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @chadblairCB.

Here’s What Local Republicans Say A Trump Presidency Will Mean For Hawaii Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

Here’s What Local Republicans Say A Trump Presidency Will Mean For Hawaii

Trump supporters say a second term should bring peace and prosperity, a lower cost of living and help for Native Hawaiians.

Hawaii Legislature: Republicans Are Gaining Seats Even In The Aloha State David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii Legislature: Republicans Are Gaining Seats Even In The Aloha State

Democrats are expected to easily retain large majorities in the state House and Senate, but some races were close after the first batch of votes was released Wednesday.

Hawaii Voters Supporting Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Measure PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Hawaii Voters Supporting Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Measure

The amendment would remove discriminatory language from the state’s constitution. Another question on judicial selection is poised for passage.

Despite Trump’s National Win, Harris Holds Commanding Lead In Hawaii Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Despite Trump’s National Win, Harris Holds Commanding Lead In Hawaii

Democrats also are sweeping the congressional races, with Hirono, Case and Tokuda showing support that far exceeds that of their opponents.

Long Lines On Oahu And Maui Delayed Hawaii Election Results For Hours Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Long Lines On Oahu And Maui Delayed Hawaii Election Results For Hours

State officials and election advocates renewed calls for more in-person polling sites on Election Day.

Hawaii Voter Turnout Surpasses Primary Numbers David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii Voter Turnout Surpasses Primary Numbers

But general election ballot numbers are far below the 2020 presidential election.

Hawaii County Mayor’s Race Is Getting Lots Of Cash This Year David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii County Mayor’s Race Is Getting Lots Of Cash This Year

Most top legislative races have drawn less support from political donors.

Hawaii Voting On Pace To Exceed Dismal Primary Turnout Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2022

Hawaii Voting On Pace To Exceed Dismal Primary Turnout

But early returns of ballots suggest turnout may fall well short of the record set in 2020.

Why Blank Votes Count As No Votes For Hawaii Statewide Ballot Measures Hawaii Office of Elections

Why Blank Votes Count As No Votes For Hawaii Statewide Ballot Measures

Supporters of two proposed constitutional amendments are worried they will fail because of the requirement.