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.
- Uruguay, amid severe drought, adds saltwater to public drinking supplyby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 10:28 am
The amount of sodium coming out of the tap is now more than twice the World Health Organization recommendation and 10 times normal levels.
- The UN wants to drastically reduce plastic pollution by 2040. Here’s howby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 10:15 am
As plastic waste piles up in the world’s landfills, sewer systems and oceans, the United Nations has set a goal to reduce plastic pollution by 80 percent by […]
- Flood-battered Italian region may see more violent and frequent stormsby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 10:13 am
Experts have linked recent deadly rains in the north of the country to climate change, but decades of urbanization and neglect helped lay the groundwork for a […]
- PFAS levels in ground and air could be higher than expected, research suggestsby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 10:00 am
High levels of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in New Hampshire soil samples raise questions about food and water pollution
- Japan slowly wakes up to health risks of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’by Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 9:59 am
Residents in western Tokyo have been testing themselves to measure their exposure, with results showing levels of the chemicals that could bring long-term […]
- How Ron DeSantis shaped Florida’s environmentby Megan McLaughlin on May 29, 2023 at 9:58 am
Ron DeSantis won his primary and the governorship, in part by riding the tide of environmentalism in Florida. But four years later and after officially […]
- 'Murderers and criminals:' Meteorologists face unprecedented trolling from conspiracy theoristsby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 9:23 am
“Murderers.” “Criminals.” “We are watching you.” These are just a handful of the threats and abuse sent to meteorologists at Spain’s national […]
- Worries mount about misinformation in scienceby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 9:12 am
It's diminishing public trust in science and becoming an existential threat to the planet, researchers warned this week.
- FBI launches investigation into Thanksgiving Day chemical release from Martinez Refineryby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 9:09 am
The flare-up sent ash containing potentially hazardous chemicals over homes, and residents were warned not to eat produce grown in their yards.
- Debt ceiling deal includes surprise approval of natural gas pipeline championed by Manchinby Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 9:06 am
The controversial natural gas project has been a priority for West Virginia, but its approval will bring new criticism for the Biden administration.
- First ‘plastic rain' weather forecast predicts 50 kg of microplasticsby Autumnspanne1 on May 29, 2023 at 9:06 am
The French capital will experience billions of microplastic rain during the five-day plastic treaty international discussion on Monday, their first-ever […]
- He said I was a fracking heiress. I went to West Virginia to find out.by Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 8:45 am
A journalist investigates the fracking industry — and her own inheritance — in Appalachia.
- Environmentalists in Virginia and West Virginia regroup to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline, eyeing a White House protestby Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 8:30 am
The U.S. Forest Service’s recent pipeline approval, coupled with Sen. Joe Manchin’s unflagging support, help define the stakes in a long-running battle. […]
- On the eve of plastics treaty talks, a youth advocate from Ghana speaks out: ‘we need urgent action’by Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 8:16 am
United Nations delegates gathering for a second negotiating session stake out their positions as environmental groups, businesses and scientists seek to […]
- Extinction Rebellion protest in Netherlands ends with 1,500 arrestedby Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 7:49 am
Officers used water cannon to try to disperse the crowds at the Extinction Rebellion protest.
- State Farm won’t insure California homes, wildfires and rebuild costsby Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 7:35 am
State Farm said it will no longer accept homeowner insurance applications in California, pointing to growing “catastrophe exposure” and the high cost to […]
- Venice Grand Canal waters turn green; investigation launchedby Jim Germond on May 29, 2023 at 7:16 am
Italian media said the occurrence was reminiscent of when an Argentine artist released colored pigment into the waterway in 1968 to raise ecological awareness.
- Why the climate crisis is making our insects run for the hillsby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 9:03 pm
Around the world, different species are shifting their habitats upwards, with potentially catastrophic results for our ecosystems.
- Richard Revesz and his agency are remaking the pollution fightby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Richard Revesz is changing the way the government calculates the cost and benefits of regulation, with far-reaching implications for climate change.
- Planet-friendly farming takes root in drought-hit Tunisiaby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Permaculture, as an alternative to industrial agriculture, aims to work in harmony with the environment, keep soil structures intact, and do without artificial […]
- Global warming fueled both the ongoing floods and the drought that preceded them in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna regionby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:51 pm
In a part of the country famous for its agriculture and cultural identity, climate-driven swings between extreme precipitation and deep drought threaten […]
- EPA issues $2.4 M fine to Eastman Chemical for pollution at western Pennsylvania siteby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:47 pm
Eastman Chemical violated the Clean Water and Clean Air acts, including spills of chemicals like styrene.
- Leaner snowpack and earlier melt has Western water out of whack, study showsby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:38 pm
A new study out of the University of Colorado Boulder shows that less snow is falling and snow is melting earlier in the Mountain West, a trend that has big […]
- Alberta’s party leaders are ignoring the climate crisis while the region burnsby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:31 pm
On the zigzagging campaign trail of the province’s general election, neither party leader has confronted the realities of climate change and how it will […]
- France will spend €2 billion to double bike lanes, expand cyclingby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:28 pm
The French government announced a €2 billion plan to expand cycling infrastructure as part of a broader effort to encourage people to ditch their cars.
- Cracks emerging in Europe's united front to battle climate changeby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:23 pm
The European Union has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change and the protection of nature for years. But it now finds itself under pressure […]
- Oil and gas land sale nets $79M amid New Mexico climate concernsby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:21 pm
A contentious auction of public land to the oil and gas industry brought in about $78.8 million to the federal government this week, amid outcry from New […]
- Venice police investigate bright green liquid in Grand Canalby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:18 pm
The governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, posted a photo of the green liquid that spread through the water near the arched Rialto Bridge. The patch was […]
- Sisters fight to protect community health and enslaved ancestors' historyby Megan McLaughlin on May 28, 2023 at 6:14 pm
The west bank of St. John the Baptist Parish has largely been preserved by the descendants of enslaved people. But a proposed grain facility could threaten the […]
- Biden Sacrifices Climate, Working Families in Debt Ceiling Dealon May 28, 2023 at 12:00 am
- ‘Cars have more rights than people’: Glasgow residents rail against rise of drive-through restaurantsby Eve Livingston on May 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm
A planned drive-through Starbucks in the Gorbals area is at centre of a storm over the proliferation of outlets encouraging car useAmong the data available on […]
- Stars could be invisible within 20 years as light pollution brightens night skiesby Robin McKie on May 27, 2023 at 1:01 pm
The increased use of light-emitting diodes is obscuring our view of the Milky Way as well as taking a toll on human and wildlife healthThe Herefordshire hills […]
- Original Observer Photographyby Josy Forsdike on May 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
From Big Zuu testing out hot sauces for OFM to a big event at Westminster Abbey: the best original photographs from the Observer commissioned in May 2023 […]
- 30 water treatment works released 11bn litres of raw sewage in a year, study suggestsby Sandra Laville Environment correspondent on May 27, 2023 at 5:00 am
Exclusive: Researchers analysed works run by nine water and sewerage companies in England and WalesEleven billion litres of raw sewage were discharged from a […]
- Recycled plastic can be more toxic and is no fix for pollution, Greenpeace warnsby Megan McLaughlin on May 26, 2023 at 4:01 pm
Recycling plastic can make it more toxic and should not be considered a solution to the pollution crisis, Greenpeace has warned before the latest round of […]
- Sewage spills blamed as E coli forces Cornish shellfish sites to closeby Leana Hosea and Rachel Salvidge on May 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Producers accuse government of failing to tackle pollution after ‘very high’ levels of bacteria found“Very high” levels of E coli found in oysters and […]
- One in three GB News presenters cast doubt on climate science, study revealsby Damien Gayle and Adam Barnett on May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am
Ten of broadcaster’s 31 hosts made on-air statements in 2022 rejecting or challenging scientific consensusAlmost a third of presenters on GB News have used […]
- U.S. Finds Mexico Is Undermining Wildlife Treaty, May Impose Embargoon May 26, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Estados Unidos podrá imponer un embargo a México por violar un tratado de vida silvestreon May 26, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Toxins hidden in plastics are the industry’s dirty secret – recycling is not the answer | Charlotte Lloydby Charlotte Lloyd on May 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm
We need to know more about what goes into plastics in the first place and better regulation of how recycled products are usedDr Charlotte Lloyd is a researcher […]
- Court Overturns Federal Authorization to Kill 72 Grizzlies Near Yellowstoneon May 25, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Legal Victory Moves Oregon Coast Tiger Beetle One Step Closer to Protectionon May 25, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Judge Rules Arizona Lawsuit Challenging Interstate 11 Will Move Forwardon May 25, 2023 at 12:00 am
- Anxiety stirs in NSW community as Cadia mine investigated over heavy metals in blood testsby Fleur Connick on May 24, 2023 at 3:00 pm
EPA holds ‘drop-in’ session to answer questions about health and drinking water but concerns remain Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletterDozens of […]
- Severn Trent dividend exceeds £260m amid rising anger over sewage pollutionby Joanna Partridge on May 24, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Investor payout comes as company posts small profit increase and forecasts strong earnings growthSevern Trent has increased its dividend to more than £260m, […]
- Plastic waste puts millions of world’s poorest at higher risk from floodsby Karen McVeigh on May 24, 2023 at 10:59 am
More than 200 million face more intense and frequent floods due to plastic pollution blocking drainage systems, report findsA devastating 2005 flood that […]
- Chemical cocktails harmful to wildlife found in 81% of English rivers and lakesby Helena Horton Environment reporter on May 24, 2023 at 5:00 am
Campaigners call for rigorous testing of waterways to protect species after analysis reveals scale of problemChemical cocktails that are harmful to wildlife […]
- Recycled plastic can be more toxic and is no fix for pollution, Greenpeace warnsby Damien Gayle on May 24, 2023 at 4:01 am
Campaign group says plastics are incompatible with circular economy as countries prepare for treaty talksRecycling plastic can make it more toxic and should […]
- Two New Groups of Wolves Confirmed in Northern Californiaon May 24, 2023 at 12:00 am
- California Supreme Court to Hear Arguments Thursday Over Monterey Oil, Gas Drilling Restrictionson May 24, 2023 at 12:00 am