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: 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.

Neal Milner: Face It, Theyʻre Not Moving Back to Hawaiʻi Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Neal Milner: Face It, Theyʻre Not Moving Back to Hawaiʻi

Despite all those sentimental songs, the islands are a beacon, not a magnet.

Neal Milner: Firing Of UH Athletic Director Was By The Book. And That’s OK Civil Beat/2010

Neal Milner: Firing Of UH Athletic Director Was By The Book. And That’s OK

Save your conspiracy theories. You’ll never know why David Lassner fired Craig Angelos unless they tell you.

Neal Milner: The Two Stages Of Life When We’re Expected To Act Our Age Getty Images/iStockphoto

Neal Milner: The Two Stages Of Life When We’re Expected To Act Our Age

You’ll outgrow all those assumptions that are based on how old you are. Then they come roaring back.

Neal Milner: It’s Time To Disengage From Social Media And Reengage In Life Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Neal Milner: It’s Time To Disengage From Social Media And Reengage In Life

For some people, it may have seemed as if their entire lives depended on the 2024 presidential race.

Neal Milner: Has UH Exorcised The Ghost Of Evan Dobelle? Hawaii News Now

Neal Milner: Has UH Exorcised The Ghost Of Evan Dobelle?

The recent search for a new University of Hawaii president seemed to go pretty well. But running a university isn’t easy.

Neal Milner: It’s Important To Truly Understand Why Trump Might Win Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Neal Milner: It’s Important To Truly Understand Why Trump Might Win

There really are plausible reasons why half the country wants to give the ex-president his job back.