Senior Reporter

Kevin Dayton

Kevin Dayton is the former Capitol Bureau chief for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. He was formerly Capitol Bureau chief and Big Island Bureau chief for The Honolulu Advertiser, which was Hawaiʻi’s largest circulation daily newspaper until it closed.

He also reported for the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Hilo, the Honolulu bureau of the Associated Press, Sun Press weekly newspapers in Kāneʻohe, and the Tucson Citizen.

He also worked as an executive assistant and executive director for Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi, and is a former U.S. Army infantry sergeant.

He holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arizona.

He and his wife Mahealani live in Hilo and have eight children, five of them grown. They have been state-licensed foster parents since 2009.

That Cop Pulling You Over May Soon Be A State Deputy Sheriff Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

That Cop Pulling You Over May Soon Be A State Deputy Sheriff

Traditionally the sheriffs have done little traffic enforcement, but that may change on Oʻahu highways.

Trump Tariffs, Immigration Crackdown Could Increase Hawaiʻi Inflation David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Trump Tariffs, Immigration Crackdown Could Increase Hawaiʻi Inflation

A University of Hawaiʻi economist says if the president-elect makes good on his promises it could affect everything from tourism to real estate.

Another Hawaii Inmate And Guard Are Attacked At An Arizona Prison Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2016

Another Hawaii Inmate And Guard Are Attacked At An Arizona Prison

An inmate seized keys and released other prisoners, who then attacked another inmate, officials said.

Will Tragedy Change How Hawaiʻi Polices Illegal Fireworks? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Will Tragedy Change How Hawaiʻi Polices Illegal Fireworks?

A task force created to find and stop shipments has seized more than 100 tons of explosives — but no criminal charges have followed.

Did The Legislature Have Authority To Defer Pay Raises During the Pandemic? Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Did The Legislature Have Authority To Defer Pay Raises During the Pandemic?

Two prominent members of the state Salary Commission question whether lawmakers violated the state constitution in 2021 and 2022.

Green Proposes Spending Another $30 Million On A New Oʻahu Jail Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Green Proposes Spending Another $30 Million On A New Oʻahu Jail

Ultimately it could be a $1 billion project. Meanwhile, some are advocating for greater emphasis on keeping people out of prison.

Another Honolulu Rail Contractor Demands More Money, Citing Years Of Delays David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Another Honolulu Rail Contractor Demands More Money, Citing Years Of Delays

In a $324 million lawsuit, a key contractor alleges the city hasn’t resolved its claim because it wants to avoid further public criticism.

Green Says Budget Has Room For Public Worker Pay Raises, Even With Tax Cuts Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Green Says Budget Has Room For Public Worker Pay Raises, Even With Tax Cuts

The governor is also budgeting $400 million in each of the next two years to settle claims from the Lahaina wildfire victims.

Hawai‘i House Finance Chair Has Plans For Big Changes In The Tax Code Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Hawai‘i House Finance Chair Has Plans For Big Changes In The Tax Code

Rep. Kyle Yamashita has been talking about shifting millions of dollars in tax surcharge revenue from the counties back to the state.