Ben Lowenthal grew up on Maui. He earned his undergraduate degree studying journalism at San Francisco State University and his law degree at the University of Kansas. He is a deputy public defender on Maui practicing criminal defense in trial and appellate courts. He previously wrote “The State of Aloha” column at The Maui News. He is a deputy public defender practicing criminal defense in trial and appellate courts. He also runs “Hawaii Legal News,” a blog covering Hawaii appellate courts. You can reach him at ben.lowenthal@civilbeat.org.
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a fetus is not a person and cannot be a crime victim in 2005, a decision that carries extra weight in a post-Roe world.
Failed prosecutions are no reason to roll back protections against unconstitutional search and seizure.
A look at the state's history shows that homegrown support for Donald Trump and extreme right-wing organizations didn't materialize overnight.
Plans for converting Honolulu's Bethel Block into affordable housing won't make a dent in the shortage any time soon.
Lengthy probation periods can be detrimental to families and community and to chances of reintegrating offenders.
The Unity March in Lahaina was a reflection of both Native Hawaiian values and the unique culture of the Valley Isle.
Instigators of the 1893 coup against the Hawaiian monarchy would go on to hold prominent office.
The life story of the longtime Upcountry resident personifies the need to embrace the ups and downs of the Valley Isle.
Traditional coverage relies on publicly shaming people who have been arrested but haven't been convicted of a crime.