BeyondKONA: Politics & Policy
Power, politics, money, and finally policy are undeniably linked in every modern democracy, and Hawai’i is no different in this regard, yet the Aloha spirit can set Hawai’i apart from mainland and global political influences. Vested interests may work to divide us, but we are one island and one community living together here on Hawai’i Island.
Outsized voices seek to fulfill special interest agendas; some succeed by influencing government policy that benefits a few at the expense of many. Hawai’i can transition to a home grown clean energy economy that benefits all, and supports sustainable lifestyles once successfully practiced by the ancient Hawaiians serving as our guide for the 21st century.
Hawaii’s rich environment and its people are its primary assets. Community participation is the political engine that drives policy and solutions — both require public voices to be heard loud and clear in our island community and across the state legislature. All good things are possible when guided by science, progressive governance, cultural and economic fulfillment.
- Scientific review finds underwater EMF exposure can affect aquatic lifeby Environmental Health Sciences Staff on March 6, 2026 at 6:00 pm
A recent systematic review published in Marine Environmental Research by Elizabeth James et al. examined 35 years of peer-reviewed studies on underwater […]
- Every stage of plastic use — from production to disposal — harms human healthby Environmental Health Sciences Staff on March 6, 2026 at 2:36 pm
In a recent study published by The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers examined the health costs of pollutants released by plastics across their full […]
- Species slowdown: Is nature’s ability to self-repair stalling?by EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 2:33 pm
When scientists recently analyzed hundreds of studies of ecosystems, they were surprised to see a marked slowing in the rate of species turnover. If new […]
- Opinion: Chokehold: The Trump administration’s stealth plan to unleash poisonous airby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 2:02 pm
The EPA stopped valuing the lives it could save, setting up a deregulatory disaster that will be hazardous to your health.
- Scientists form independent autism panel, citing concerns over RFK Jr.by EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 1:50 pm
The scientists launched the independent autism advisory panel to counter what they see as the politicization of research by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy […]
- How protecting nature could make the world saferby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Debt-for-nature swaps and conservation funds to halt biodiversity loss are gaining traction as governments link ecosystem collapse to geopolitical instability.
- B.C. First Nation taps geothermal power for food securityby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:48 pm
In northeast B.C., fresh food is scarce. West Moberly First Nations is turning to an underground clean-energy solution.
- As Louisiana's wetlands erode, a fishing culture fights to surviveby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Shell Beach, where generations have made a living from the marshes, is battling rising waters and environmental degradation. That doesn’t stop efforts to […]
- Texas seizes the solar crown from California, and other key points from the latest electricity databy EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Utility-scale solar soared in 2025 across the country; coal also grew, while natural gas was down.
- Tackling air pollution should be part of government work to cut cancer rates, scientists sayby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:16 pm
New European Code Against Cancer calls on politicians to phase out use of fossil fuels in homes.
- After years of gains, GOP pushes to roll back chemical regulationsby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:15 pm
In Texas, environmental activists and experts raise the alarm about the impact on the state's petrochemical industry.
- Nature report, killed by Trump, is released independentlyby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:11 pm
A draft assessment of the health of nature in the United States is grim but shot through with bright spots and possibility.
- Babies are exposed to more forever chemicals in utero than previously thoughtby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:10 pm
New research into umbilical cord blood shows a startling number of PFAS.
- Maryland, South Carolina lose bid to try PFAS contamination cases in state courtsby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Maryland and South Carolina will have to press their cases for PFAS damages against 3M Co. in federal court, after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear […]
- Pollution, PFAS and plug-in solar bills died before becoming Indiana lawby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:08 pm
Indiana legislators tried to address pollution, PFAS, and plug-in solar bills this year. Here are the environmental bills that died before becoming law.
- Trump may have inadvertently invited a wave of climate action from blue statesby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 12:07 pm
The administration’s decision to rescind the Obama-era endangerment finding undercuts its own legal arguments against state-level climate superfund laws.
- ‘Reckless’ scrap yard with history of endangering a Watts high school is shutteredby EHN Curators on March 6, 2026 at 11:41 am
A Los Angeles County judge ordered the owners of a troubled metal recycler to pay $2 million in penalties and permanently cease operations next door to a high […]
- Washington takes another step to link its carbon market with California and Quebecby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 7:35 pm
Washington’s cap-and-trade program could soon link with carbon markets in California and Quebec, a move that agency officials say would decrease and […]
- World Book Day: Climate-related reads that offer hope, healing and growthby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 7:32 pm
Looking for an inspiring climate read? A bookworm shares five favorites.
- The Supreme Court case that could end local climate suitsby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 7:31 pm
Nearly a dozen states are suing the oil and gas industry over climate. The fossil fuel industry is pushing back.
- Prepping for a disaster? You’ll probably want to pack a little treatby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 7:29 pm
It’s not just sardines and dried beans. Self-identified preppers are also stashing luxuries like coffee and chocolate.
- What can you do with used plastic and 3D printers? Meet two prosby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 7:27 pm
Brayden and Angela Rogers run a Kelowna “recycling studio” that transforms discarded plastics into planters, soap dishes and toys using 3D printers.
- From litter picking, big things grow | Lettersby Guardian Staff on March 5, 2026 at 5:09 pm
Responding to an article by Amelia Hill, Gill Davidson says litter picks are proof that individual actions can have a global impact, while Ian Shaw praises […]
- War and uncertainty cloud Trump’s AI pledge rolloutby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Even without war, experts in energy markets expressed doubt that the tech companies’ promises can check fast-rising electricity prices.
- Study says millions more are exposed to rising seas than thoughtby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:36 pm
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot or about 30 […]
- Tesla’s secret weapon is a giant metal boxby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Elon Musk’s car company is quietly poised to power the AI boom.
- Senate GOP backs speedier chemical reviews; Dems cite health risksby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Proposed changes to the nation’s premier chemical safety law are necessary for American competitiveness, Senate Republicans said in a hearing on Wednesday, […]
- Toiling in toxic fields: child farmworkers exposed to toxic pesticides in Californiaby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:19 pm
California is failing to protect the health and safety of thousands of child farmworkers.
- Environmental advocates seek wider cleanup after Potomac River sewage spillby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:17 pm
The cleanup of the massive sewage spill near the District of Columbia needs to be much broader than what the owner of the ruptured pipe has proposed, […]
- Bayer wins preliminary court approval for its proposed Roundup class action settlementby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Bayer’s proposed $7.25 billion class action settlement of Roundup litigation received preliminary approval from a Missouri court on Wednesday, rejecting […]
- Climate deniers expected more resistance to Trump’s fossil fuel blitzby EHN Curators on March 5, 2026 at 12:15 pm
‘I’ve never seen anything like this,” longtime denier Marc Morano said recently of climate action advocates going ‘silent’ on the issue.
- Lobbyists send legal threats to councils over anti-wood burner campaignsby Fiona Harvey Environment editor on March 5, 2026 at 6:00 am
At least eight councils receive legal threats alleging flyers criticising wood burners are in breach of advertising codesLobbyists for the UK wood-burning […]
- Nothing beats the smell of oil and steam | Brief lettersby Guardian Staff on March 4, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Delights for the senses | Insomnia cure | Bed warmers | Clean seawater | Quick crosswordsRe your article (T rex breath and Queen Elizabeth’s car: scientists […]
- Protect caterpillars as UK’s moth population plummets, urge charitiesby Helena Horton Environment reporter on March 4, 2026 at 6:00 am
Instead of removing plant-munching caterpillars, gardeners asked to take relaxed attitude to support the moths many of them grow intoAs spring unfolds and […]
- Ferries emit ‘more sulphur pollution than cars’ in several EU capitalsby Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondent on March 2, 2026 at 11:01 pm
Dublin, Helsinki, Stockholm and Tallinn among port cities more choked by sulphur oxides from ferries, analysis showsFume-belching ferries spew more sulphur […]
- Thousands of pollution incidents in England downgraded without site visit, data suggestsby Sandra Laville Environment correspondent on March 1, 2026 at 7:00 am
Exclusive: Whistleblower figures show large rise in ‘serious’ to ‘minor’ downgrades based on water company evidenceEnvironment Agency (EA) staff have […]
- From white goods to ‘driver Tizer’: volunteers pick up slack in England’s fly-tipping crisisby Amelia Hill on February 28, 2026 at 7:00 am
Litter picking groups struggle to stem tide of rubbish after reported incidents rose 10% in last yearLast Wednesday, in a layby outside Brackley, […]
- Most US coal plants could meet air pollution rules. Trump weakened them anywayby Oliver Milman on February 27, 2026 at 12:30 pm
EPA found only 27 of 219 plants needed upgrades; 71 later got exemptions as Donald Trump scrapped mercury limitsAlmost all coal-fired power plants in the US […]
- Fighting a losing battle to tackle growth in plastic production | Lettersby Guardian Staff on February 26, 2026 at 5:38 pm
Readers respond to an interview with Beth Gardiner on how the oil industry is pumping billions more into plasticsBeth Gardiner is right to argue that plastic […]
- Riding the wave: can surf tourism save Peru’s ancient reed-boat fishing culture?by Dan Collyns in Huanchaco, Peru on February 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm
As fish stocks dwindle, surf tourism may offer a lifeline to traditional caballitos de totora fishers, whose vessels are thought to be among the first ever […]
- Sewage drama turns on the waterworks | Brief lettersby Guardian Staff on February 25, 2026 at 5:31 pm
Dirty Business | Grit-free cockles | Blair’s ‘messianic trench’ | Wuthering in semaphore | Counting widowsWhen I said I was going to see Hamnet, my […]
- Fly-tipping across England reaches record highby Tara Russell on February 25, 2026 at 4:09 pm
Fines for illegal dumping decreased over past year with only 0.2% of incidents resulting in court actionFly-tipping incidents across England have reached the […]
- Toxic waste from screens ends up in endangered dolphins, study findsby Tara Russell on February 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Gene-altering chemicals found in humpback dolphins and finless porpoises, raising alarm they may end up in human food chainToxic e-waste chemicals from […]
- ‘If we see you again, we kill you’: how a Colombian wildlife hotspot turned into a death zoneby Words and photographs by Harriet Barber in Barrancabermeja, Colombia on February 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Armed groups and a state-owned refinery’s oil leaks have displaced Barrancabermeja’s fishing community and poisoned a paradise once full of manatees and […]
- Channel 4’s Dirty Business is a clarion call to nationalise the water industryby Sandra Laville on February 23, 2026 at 9:00 pm
As the drama shows, private firms no longer able to pollute the coast of England of Wales just switched to rivers instead There is a moment in Channel 4’s […]
- Sydney Water ordered to clean Malabar treatment plant where fatberg is birthing poo ballsby Catie McLeod on February 23, 2026 at 2:04 am
Environment watchdog says water corporation is ‘responsible for ensuring it doesn’t pollute our beautiful beaches’Follow our Australia news live blog for […]
- Trump approves federal emergency declaration for Potomac River sewage spillby Edward Helmore on February 21, 2026 at 5:51 pm
Millions of gallons of raw sewage have been pouring into the water through a ruptured pipe since last monthDonald Trump approved a federal emergency […]
- Trump’s EPA to roll back rule limiting hazardous mercury from coal plantsby Reuters on February 20, 2026 at 5:01 pm
Environmental groups warn that weakening air toxics and mercury standards will lead to higher health-related costsThe Trump administration announced on Friday […]
- There are problems with a geoengineering techno-fix for the climate crisis | Mike Hulmeby Mike Hulme on February 20, 2026 at 11:00 am
Geoengineering does little to defuse most of the risks that really matter for people – and it runs the risk of making some harms worsePlanetary-scale solar […]
- Wood burning pollution leads to 8,600 premature US deaths a year, study findsby Gary Fuller on February 20, 2026 at 6:00 am
Wood is primary heating in 2% of homes but contributes to producing 21% of country’s wintertime particle pollutionAir pollution from home wood burning is […]