Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
$30 Million Invested. Hawaiʻi Island Homeless Population Still Grew
The county has tried to combat homelessness in recent years, but more people are living on the streets of Hilo and Kona.
Courtesy: Kona Community Hospital
Need A Doctor? Hawaiʻi’s Physician Shortage Keeps Getting Worse
Neighbor islands bear the brunt of the growing shortage, which contributes to uneven costs and poorer care.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Counties Are On A Hiring Spree, But Recruitment Challenges Linger
Some neighbor island jobs have the edge in salaries compared to their Oʻahu counterparts, adding to hiring difficulties.
Leilani Combs/Civil Beat/2025
Battling A Voracious Beetle In The Invasive Species Capital Of The World
Tactics vary by island in the ongoing fight to save Hawaiʻi’s iconic palms from coconut rhinoceros beetles.
Courtesy of HELCO
Hawaiian Electric Industries Sues Par Hawaiʻi Claiming Faulty Fuel Ruined Turbines
Utility claims metals in fuel caused millions of dollars in damage to a Big Island power plant, and also damaged a Kauaʻi facility.
Civil Beat Wants To Build Stronger Connections Across The Hawaiian Islands
A clear longing for more local media coverage emerged from our recent survey of Kauaʻi and the Big Island. We intend to meet that need.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023
Civil Beat’s Public Salary Database Is Updated. Here’s How To Use It
A few tips can help narrow search results and improve your experience while using this popular online tool.
Falls on Fire Facebook page
Festival Inspired By ‘Burning Man’ Ignites Big Island Debate
The events on private property outside of Hilo were held without permits, and critics say they should not be allowed to continue, especially on agricultural land.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Hawaiʻi Launches New Online Data Portal About Invasive Species
Lawmakers called on the agriculture department to create the dashboard so the public can keep an eye on what it’s doing to stem the spread of pests.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
How Overhauling A Big Island Sewer Plant Is Energizing A Long-Stalled Park
A lawsuit over a controversial wastewater system in Kona may finally lead to development of a new regional park.