Ashley Mizuo
Government ReporterAshley Mizuo is Hawaiʻi Public Radio’s government reporter. She previously worked at Crooked Media producing two podcasts: "Pod Save the World" and "Strict Scrutiny." Before that, she was the City Hall reporter at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and a general assignment reporter at HPR.
Born and raised on O’ahu, she's a graduate of ‘Iolani School and has a bachelor's in journalism and political science from Loyola University Chicago and a master's in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield.
When she's not reporting she can be found running, surfing (badly), consuming excessive amounts of coffee and obsessing over Taylor Swift.
Contact her at amizuo@hawaiipublicradio.org or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ashleymizuo.
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The Senate Public Safety Committee passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 149 requesting the Office of the State Fire Marshal to create a working group that would determine regulations for private property owners. -
Lawmakers are trying to reform a health insurance practice known as prior authorization, which was originally aimed at curbing unnecessary treatments. As HPRʻs Ashley Mizuo reports, critics say the practice is now making it difficult for many people to get medical services. -
Major initiatives that would have created a dedicated funding stream for climate resiliency are in jeopardy at the state Legislature. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports that uncertainty regarding federal funding is pushing lawmakers to make tough decisions. -
The costs can quickly add up for those caring for family members. That’s why lawmakers are considering a bill to help alleviate some of the financial burden.The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed a bill that would allow caregivers to claim a tax credit for out-of-pocket costs for supplies. There is no amount written in the bill, but the legislature is considering allowing caregivers to claim up to $5,000 per year. -
Families who lost loved ones in the deadly 2023 Lahaina fires are starting to receive $1.5 million settlement payments. The first family was paid last week. The other 22 families that are part of the One ʻOhana Fund settlement are expected to receive payments by the end of June. -
Lawmakers advanced a bill that would pay jurors $50 each day they spend in court. They currently receive $30. -
The state House of Representatives passed a $21 billion operating budget for the next two years. However, the budget remains in flux as decisions at the federal level create uncertainty at the state Capitol. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has more. -
Lawmakers are considering two bills that aim to create better protections for renters. It’s been over five years since bills to protect renters have advanced this far in the legislative session, according to advocates. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports. -
Kūpuna with lower incomes may not realize that they can qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare because it can be difficult to navigate through the application process. That’s why the state Department of Health’s Executive Office on Aging wants to set up the Medi-Medi Project to help them cut their health costs. -
Devin Thomas, a senior analyst at the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, explained that because capital gains are taxed at a flat rate, it's not fair to those with lower incomes.
