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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.