Big Island

Hawaii Island’s Population Drop Signals An Ominous Economic Trend April Estrellon/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii Island’s Population Drop Signals An Ominous Economic Trend

A natural decrease in population portends fewer younger working people supporting older residents.

Proposed Black Sand Beach Development On Big Island Hits Rocky Shores Courtesy: Leiahiena Ka'awa

Proposed Black Sand Beach Development On Big Island Hits Rocky Shores

The Windward Planning Commission granted petitions for a contested case hearing over a developer’s plans to build 225 units along a remote strip of coastline.

Volunteer Firefighters Are  Big On The Mainland. Not So Much In Hawaii Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Volunteer Firefighters Are Big On The Mainland. Not So Much In Hawaii

The ability of fire departments to muster extra help during major wildfires is a critical issue for the state as it grapples with how to prevent another disaster like Lahaina. 

Union Says Big Island Wastewater Plants Are Dangerously Understaffed Courtesy: Hawaii County

Union Says Big Island Wastewater Plants Are Dangerously Understaffed

It’s not uncommon for a lone worker to be responsible for operating sewage treatment facilities that have been plagued with problems.

Live Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles Found On Big Island David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Live Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles Found On Big Island

The destructive beetles pose a serious threat to palm trees and culturally important plants in Hawaii.

The Days Of The Army Leasing Land In Hawaii For $1 Are Likely Over. But What’s Next? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

The Days Of The Army Leasing Land In Hawaii For $1 Are Likely Over. But What’s Next?

The Board of Land and Natural Resources is trying to determine how the state should value thousands of acres long used for military training before leases expire.

Death Of Foster Child Leads To $750,000 Settlement Pending Approval By Legislature Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Death Of Foster Child Leads To $750,000 Settlement Pending Approval By Legislature

The caregivers said the child was injured after falling from a 3-foot bench while playing a video game.

Another Mauna Kea Telescope Will Soon Be Removed University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Another Mauna Kea Telescope Will Soon Be Removed

The work of decommissioning Hoku Kea Observatory is expected to take four months.

‘Acute Problems’ Plaguing Big Island’s Wastewater Treatment Systems Prompt EPA Crackdown Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021

‘Acute Problems’ Plaguing Big Island’s Wastewater Treatment Systems Prompt EPA Crackdown

A newly signed consent order will force county officials to make multimillion-dollar upgrades to treatment plants and take steps to eliminate large cesspools.

Hawaii’s Firefighting Leaders Share Their Lessons With Officials From Across The World Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii’s Firefighting Leaders Share Their Lessons With Officials From Across The World

Representatives from fire organizations statewide are at a conference this week in Reno about minimizing and managing wildfire threats.