Columnist

Neal Milner

Neal Milner is a former political science professor at the University of Hawaiʻi where he taught for 40 years. He is a political analyst for KITV and is a regular contributor to Hawaii Public Radio's "The Conversation." His most recent book is The Gift of Underpants. Opinions are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Civil Beat's views.
Neal Milner: The Courts Are No Match For Trump (AKA The Big Landlord) Scott via Flickr.com

Neal Milner: The Courts Are No Match For Trump (AKA The Big Landlord)

If you think the legal system is fast enough to save us from the chaos being unleashed by the White House, think again.

Neal Milner: Sorting Out Honolulu’s Stadium Aspirations And Fantasies David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Neal Milner: Sorting Out Honolulu’s Stadium Aspirations And Fantasies

If we could get this project right, it could be a model for Hawaiʻi actually doing big things successfully again.

Neal Milner: Believing In The Mysteries Of Life Kuʻu Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2020

Neal Milner: Believing In The Mysteries Of Life

Straying from the path of reality and letting your spiritual side run free offers a way to deal with trying times.

Neal Milner: What Police Actually Can Do About Illegal Fireworks Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Neal Milner: What Police Actually Can Do About Illegal Fireworks

To maintain order in our communities, cops must do more than just enforce the law.

Neal Milner: Making Progress On Fireworks? It Depends On Your Timetable Adrienne LaFrance/Civil Beat

Neal Milner: Making Progress On Fireworks? It Depends On Your Timetable

Post-tragedy, we want the problem solved, like, yesterday. But Hawaiʻi generally goes at a slower pace, which can be effective and frustrating.

Neal Milner: The Eldercide Of The Pandemic Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Neal Milner: The Eldercide Of The Pandemic

Some of those trapped in nursing homes were frail, others were simply abandoned.

Neal Milner: Illegal Fireworks Won’t Stop Until Neighbors Take Action AP Photo/Marco Garcia/2025

Neal Milner: Illegal Fireworks Won’t Stop Until Neighbors Take Action

Tougher laws won’t do the trick. It’s time to approach fireworks the same way we do public health education.

Neal Milner: The Pope Has A Message For Lahaina — Don’t Give Up Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Neal Milner: The Pope Has A Message For Lahaina — Don’t Give Up

A new long-term plan to rebuild Lahaina is likely going to change. Residents need to be persistent and flexible.

Neal Milner: The Impossible Task Of Building A New Landfill On Oʻahu Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Neal Milner: The Impossible Task Of Building A New Landfill On Oʻahu

Donʻt be fooled by the mayor’s announcement about a Wahiawā site. Itʻs far from a done deal.