Civil Beat Categories

Community Health

Students Return To Lahaina Schools As EPA Seals Down Toxic Ash Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency

Students Return To Lahaina Schools As EPA Seals Down Toxic Ash

State health and education officials say it’s safe for kids to come back but some parents and teachers have doubts.

Maui’s New Tent Shelter Offers Second Chance To Homeless Fire Survivors And Others David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Maui’s New Tent Shelter Offers Second Chance To Homeless Fire Survivors And Others

In a dirt lot across from Kahului Airport, air-conditioned field tents, a mess hall, a clinic and wrap-around services give clients a shot at recovery at Pu‘uhonua o Nene.

Concerns Grow Over How To Control Toxic Ash As Re-Entry To Lahaina Picks Up Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Concerns Grow Over How To Control Toxic Ash As Re-Entry To Lahaina Picks Up

The Environmental Protection Agency is awaiting county approval to deploy Soiltac, a dust suppressant with glue-like qualities that the agency says is safe to use.

Hawaii Gets Federal Funding Boost In Mental Health Support For Maui Fire Victims Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Hawaii Gets Federal Funding Boost In Mental Health Support For Maui Fire Victims

While concerns mount about the psychological stress fire victims are experiencing, officials say there has not been an increase in suicide rates.

Micronesian Tenants Fight Back Against ‘Terrible’ Apartment Conditions David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Micronesian Tenants Fight Back Against ‘Terrible’ Apartment Conditions

Advocates call for the state’s landlord-tenant code reformed to better protect tenants from “unscrupulous” landlords.

Lahaina Residents Begin Returning Home For Closure, Keepsakes David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Lahaina Residents Begin Returning Home For Closure, Keepsakes

The opening of the first zone for reentry marked the start of the next phase in the recovery.

Gearing Up: What Lahaina Fire Survivors Should Wear When Reentering The Burn Zone Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Gearing Up: What Lahaina Fire Survivors Should Wear When Reentering The Burn Zone

Health officials recommend masks, goggles, gloves, coveralls and disposable shoe covers to prevent exposure.

Hispanics Are The Fastest Growing Demographic In Hawaii. They Need More Services To Keep Pace David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Hispanics Are The Fastest Growing Demographic In Hawaii. They Need More Services To Keep Pace

More translators, interpreters and other services are critical for residents and visitors who have been moving here in increasing numbers.

These Maui Tenants Didn’t Lose Their Homes In The Fire, But They’re Still Being Displaced Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

These Maui Tenants Didn’t Lose Their Homes In The Fire, But They’re Still Being Displaced

Advocates say the decision by some landlords to oust renters risks leaving more people homeless in an already tight housing market.