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Environment

Ჹɲʻ Official Winces As LA Residents Ignore Health Risks To Survey Ruins Ku‘u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2023

Ჹɲʻ Official Winces As LA Residents Ignore Health Risks To Survey Ruins

Just like in Lahaina, residents returning to assess damage could be exposed to toxins in the ash of burned buildings and vehicles.

Will NOAA’s Race To Make Papahānaumokuākea A National Sanctuary Survive Trump? Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

Will NOAA’s Race To Make Papahānaumokuākea A National Sanctuary Survive Trump?

The added protection for the environmentally and culturally sensitive area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is set to take effect in March.

Invasive Species In Ჹɲʻ: Lawmakers Float New Plan As Urgency Mounts Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2023

Invasive Species In Ჹɲʻ: Lawmakers Float New Plan As Urgency Mounts

Draft legislation proposes consolidating programs under a renamed Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, but critics say the agency already has a spotty track record on invasive species.

Some Legislators Unhappy With Proposed Site For New Oʻahu Landfill Screenshot/Department of Environmental Services

Some Legislators Unhappy With Proposed Site For New Oʻahu Landfill

The City and County of Honolulu wants to build it in Wahiawā, but some lawmakers ask if there are alternatives.

Hawaiian Knowledge And Western Science: A Recipe For Reef Recovery? Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaiian Knowledge And Western Science: A Recipe For Reef Recovery?

Kahaluʻu Bay on the Big Island has become a focal point for blending science, tourist education and cultural know-how. So far, hopeful signs abound.

What’s In A Name? Scientists Are Tying Hawaiian Islands Back To Their Roots Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

What’s In A Name? Scientists Are Tying Hawaiian Islands Back To Their Roots

A movement is taking hold to restore the original Hawaiian names of places and species.

Neal Milner: The Impossible Task Of Building A New Landfill On Oʻahu Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Neal Milner: The Impossible Task Of Building A New Landfill On Oʻahu

Donʻt be fooled by the mayor’s announcement about a Wahiawā site. Itʻs far from a done deal.

Will This Be The Year Ჹɲʻ Charges Visitors For Their Environmental Impact? Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Will This Be The Year Ჹɲʻ Charges Visitors For Their Environmental Impact?

Updated: Since he took office, Gov. Josh Green has pushed for a green fee to offset tourism’s impact on climate and the environment in general. So far, Legislature has balked.

Wind Turbines Set To Come Down, Threatening Ჹɲʻ Renewable Energy Goals Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Wind Turbines Set To Come Down, Threatening Ჹɲʻ Renewable Energy Goals

UPDATED: Civil Beat has updated the story to reflect that the wind turbines are not certain to come down at the end of their power contracts. Kahuku’s wind turbines, which irked neighbors, might have to come down at the end of their 20-year contracts after a Honolulu City Council decision last week.

As Seas Rise, Marshes May Still Trap Carbon — And Cool The Planet Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

As Seas Rise, Marshes May Still Trap Carbon — And Cool The Planet

Rising seas spell doom for coastal wetlands trapping carbon — or do they? New research reveals that as these ecosystems transition, they can still trap carbon and possibly cool the planet.