Big Island

$30 Million Invested. Hawaiʻi Island Homeless Population Still Grew 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.

Need A Doctor? Hawaiʻi’s Physician Shortage Keeps Getting Worse 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.

Counties Are On A Hiring Spree, But Recruitment Challenges Linger 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.  

Battling A Voracious Beetle In The Invasive Species Capital Of The World 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.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Sues Par Hawaiʻi Claiming Faulty Fuel Ruined Turbines 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

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.

Civil Beat’s Public Salary Database Is Updated. Here’s How To Use It 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.

Festival Inspired By ‘Burning Man’ Ignites Big Island Debate 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.

Hawaiʻi Launches New Online Data Portal About Invasive Species 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.

How Overhauling A Big Island Sewer Plant Is Energizing A Long-Stalled Park 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.