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.聽This project will shine a light on the story of those who鈥檝e had to bear the brunt of Hawaii鈥檚 trash.
The Next Community To Host Oahu’s Landfill Can Learn From The Westside Ku鈥榰 Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2021

Chapter 1: 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.’

From ‘Sacred Place’ To ‘Dumping Ground,’ West Oahu Confronts A Legacy Of Landfills Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

Chapter 2: 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.

Climate Change Will Make It Harder To Protect The Environment Around Oahu’s Next Landfill Ku鈥榰 Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2021

Chapter 3: 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.

How This Kauai Community Is Benefiting From Hosting The Island’s Landfill Ku鈥榰 Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 4: 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.

The Kauai Landfill ‘Conundrum’ Could Quickly Become A ‘Public Health Hazard’ Ku'u Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2022

Chapter 6: 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.