You might think a brand new black sand beach would be pristine. But microplastics have already been detected at Pohoiki in Lower Puna.
Alan D. McNarie
Alan D. McNarie has been covering the Big Island's people and issues for various publications for over a quarter century. He's published two novels: "Yeshua" and "The Soul Keys." He lives in Volcano. Email Alan at amcnarie@civilbeat.org
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: Noise From Helicopter Tours Leaves Residents With Frayed Nerves
It’s been a hot-button issue on the island for decades, but many say the problem has grown worse as more tourists are drawn to the site of the lava eruptions.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: Researchers Battle The Rat Lungworm Problem
More funding is leading to new discoveries as the parasite continues to sicken people in Hawaii.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: Is It A Waste Of Time To Complain About Illegal Building Here?
Understaffed and saddled with red tape, inspectors have a hard time dealing with issues like a proposed farm complex in Upper Puna that has neighbors upset.
Posted inEnergy
Big Island: Opponents Will Try To Stop Geothermal Plant From Reopening
Even though the power facility damaged by last year’s lava flows is expected to be “operational” by year’s end, it’s facing challenges.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: Unlikely Wranglers Oversee An Unusual Roundup
When a dairy farm cuts back operations the cows have to find new homes.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: No Aloha So Far For A Puna Spaceport
UPDATED: A public meeting Wednesday is the next chance for residents to hear about the idea of launching about 24 rockets a year.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: New Steam Cracks Plague Residents In Eruption Zone
The superheated steam is killing trees and forcing some residents from their homes, although there’s “no sign of magma.”
Posted inHawaiʻi
Big Island: Other Spaceport Plans Crashed — Will This One Fly?
The site of a proposed launch pad in Puna has not been revealed, but a preliminary possibility is described as “east or northeast of the macadamia nut farm.”