Special Report

Land Filled

About The Project

Land use in an island state is always a highly charged issue, especially when considering how and where to dispose of waste. This project will shine a light on the story of those who’ve had to bear the brunt of Hawaii’s trash.
The Next Community To Host Oahu’s Landfill Can Learn From The Westside Ku‘u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2021

The Next Community To Host Oahu’s Landfill Can Learn From The Westside

As the city searches for a new site, the Westside offers lessons on how a place can turn into the island's perceived 'dumping ground.'
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From ‘Sacred Place’ To ‘Dumping Ground,’ West Oahu Confronts A Legacy Of Landfills Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

From ‘Sacred Place’ To ‘Dumping Ground,’ West Oahu Confronts A Legacy Of Landfills

Mental health professionals say the community is working to overcome the negative stereotypes associated with decades of hosting the island's less desirable municipal facilities.
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Climate Change Will Make It Harder To Protect The Environment Around Oahu’s Next Landfill Ku‘u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2021

Climate Change Will Make It Harder To Protect The Environment Around Oahu’s Next Landfill

The effects of a warming planet are also expected to make it more expensive to safeguard land and water.
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How This Kauai Community Is Benefiting From Hosting The Island’s Landfill Ku‘u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2022

How This Kauai Community Is Benefiting From Hosting The Island’s Landfill

The west Kauai community has received more than $2 million through a benefits fund that residents have used for solar projects, youth sports and more.
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Future Of Oahu Landfill Is Uncertain After Committee Rejects Alternatives Ku‘u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2021

Future Of Oahu Landfill Is Uncertain After Committee Rejects Alternatives

The city has until the end of the year to choose a new landfill site.
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The Kauai Landfill ‘Conundrum’ Could Quickly Become A ‘Public Health Hazard’ Ku'u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2022

The Kauai Landfill ‘Conundrum’ Could Quickly Become A ‘Public Health Hazard’

The island's only landfill is filling up fast. But the places available to put a new landfill are severely limited.
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