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.
- Clean-up of Indian coal-fired power plants ‘could have saved 720,000 lives’by Gary Fuller on April 19, 2024 at 5:00 am
Researchers say early deaths may have been avoided over 10-year period if technology installedResearch has estimated the health impacts from the coal-fired […]
- Most UK dairy farms ignoring pollution rules as manure spews into riversby Helena Horton Environment reporter on April 19, 2024 at 4:00 am
Exclusive: 80% of Welsh dairy farms inspected, 69% of English ones, 60% in Scotland and 50% in Northern Ireland breaching regulationsThe majority of UK dairy […]
- Unhealthy pesticide levels found in one-fifth of US produce, says reportby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Consumer Reports reveals alarming levels of pesticides in many U.S. fruits and vegetables. Catherine Roberts reports for Consumer Reports and The Guardian.In […]
- EPA plans release of new regulations for power plants next weekby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 11:55 am
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is set to introduce a series of new regulations aimed at reducing pollutants from America's power plants as part of a […]
- Biden administration likely to veto Alaska's Ambler Road projectby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 11:55 am
President Biden is poised to halt a road project crucial for mining in Alaska, citing environmental concerns and tribal opposition.Adam Federman reports for […]
- Texas lieutenant governor calls for a pause on new cement plant permitsby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 11:53 am
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has urged the Texas environmental agency to suspend approvals for new concrete plant permits until legislative input in 2025.Alejandra […]
- Fixing the flawed carbon offset market with a new approach to coal plant shutdownsby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:45 am
Amid growing scrutiny over the effectiveness of carbon offsets, a major philanthropic organization announces a groundbreaking plan to authenticate their impact […]
- Solomon Islands tribes generate income by selling carbon creditsby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:43 am
In the Solomon Islands, Indigenous tribes are leveraging the lucrative carbon credit market to sustainably protect their ancient rainforests from logging while […]
- Lahaina's wildfire aftermath reveals unexpected low toxicity levelsby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:40 am
The fierce heat of the Lahaina wildfire may have played a pivotal role in diminishing the presence of toxic contaminants typically associated with such […]
- Tesla experiences significant layoffs amid slowing EV salesby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:38 am
Tesla's workforce faces a more than 10% reduction as the company navigates a dip in electric vehicle demand and stiffening market competition.David Ferris […]
- Southern Spirit project faces hurdles from local utilities and legislationby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:34 am
Amid legislative and utility pushback, the ambitious Southern Spirit energy project confronts obstacles in its quest to enhance grid connectivity and bolster […]
- Groundwater contamination in Alberta linked to sour gas treatmentby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:32 am
Researchers in Alberta have found widespread contamination of sulfolane, a compound linked to cattle fertility issues, in the region's groundwater.Michael […]
- Evers may sue over withheld PFAS funds by GOPby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:28 am
Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin is contemplating a lawsuit to compel Republicans to release funds for combating PFAS contamination.Laura Schulte reports for […]
- New federal rule targets hazardous silica dust in miningby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:18 am
The recent initiative by U.S. federal authorities introduces stringent measures to combat the exposure of miners to dangerous silica dust, a move set to prompt […]
- Spokane files lawsuit over toxic chemicals in waterby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:13 am
In response to concerning PFAS levels in its drinking water, Spokane has initiated legal action against chemical giants suspected of concealing the risks […]
- Internet data centers are driving the resurgence of coal powerby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:11 am
Surging energy demands from a hub of global internet traffic are precipitating a shift back to coal power, impacting communities and energy policies across […]
- Water rights sales raise concerns in Arizona's small townsby EHN Curators on April 18, 2024 at 10:10 am
Greenstone Resource Partners LLC sold water rights from Cibola, Arizona, to the Queen Creek suburb, sparking local fears and broader implications for water […]
- Clean energy’s dirty secret: the trail of waste left by India’s solar power boomby Flavia Lopes in Pavagada and Bengalaru on April 18, 2024 at 4:00 am
As vast solar plants multiply, so does the scrap, set to reach 19m tonnes by 2050. But disposing of the waste often falls to informal traders who risk injury […]
- Webinar: Reducing PFAS in products: progress and challengesby Sarah Howard on April 17, 2024 at 3:54 pm
This May 8 webinar is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It will cover EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and a new online tool for […]
- EU Agencies: More work is needed to make chemicals safe and sustainableby Sarah Howard on April 17, 2024 at 1:15 pm
A new joint assessment of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) finds […]
- New EPA regulations mean a closer eye on the nation’s petrochemical hubby Cami Ferrell on April 17, 2024 at 12:02 pm
HOUSTON – Terri Blackwood, a Baytown resident living along the Houston Ship Channel, knows the smells of pollution well. Blackwood’s backyard is along the […]
- US enhances mining safety with new silica dust regulationsby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm
New protections against hazardous mining dust aim to curb rising cases of severe lung diseases among miners. Chris Hamby reports for The New York Times.In […]
- Workshop: Silent Spring 2.0: Adverse impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides on human and wildlife healthby Sarah Howard on April 17, 2024 at 11:41 am
This May 21 in person and virtual workshop is hosted by The ChicAgo Center for Health and EnvironmenT (CACHET) and co-sponsored by Healthy Environment and […]
- Global plastics negotiations include a focus on Arctic Indigenous peoples' concernsby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:18 am
As world delegates prepare for a crucial U.N. meeting in Canada, Arctic Indigenous communities emphasize the urgent need to address plastic pollution impacting […]
- Fast fashion's impact: land grabs and violence in Brazilby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:16 am
A new report reveals how the pursuit of cotton for fashion giants like H&M and Zara fuels land grabs, deforestation, and human rights abuses in Brazil's […]
- Water systems in Texas struggle to meet new PFAS limitsby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:15 am
In Texas, numerous public water systems are surpassing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's newly set limits for "forever chemicals" in drinking water, […]
- Massive under-reporting of wildlife deaths revealed by boat camerasby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:14 am
A recent analysis of footage from cameras mounted on commercial fishing vessels has unveiled substantial under-reporting of ocean wildlife deaths, shedding […]
- Toxic 'forever chemicals' spread across USby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:12 am
Certain regions in the U.S. and abroad are facing significant contamination from "forever chemicals," a study reveals, with many areas exceeding safe levels of […]
- Superfund's financial challenges could disrupt cleanups and EPA's budget plansby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:11 am
The Biden administration's bolstered U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund program faces potential setbacks due to shortfalls in "polluter pays" taxes […]
- New Mexico's rivers face significant pollution threatsby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:09 am
A new report reveals that due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, over 90% of New Mexico's rivers, including major waterways like the Rio Grande, lack […]
- Monitoring truck traffic in Chicago uncovers environmental concernsby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:08 am
Activists in Chicago have recorded more than 5,000 trucks in a single day passing through a local neighborhood, revealing significant environmental and health […]
- Weedkiller producer turns to state lawmakers for legal protections amid cancer claimsby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:05 am
Bayer is pushing for state legislation to protect itself from lawsuits claiming its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer, amid mounting legal battles and public […]
- Interior implements new regulations on offshore drilling insuranceby EHN Curators on April 17, 2024 at 11:02 am
The Biden administration has introduced new regulations to increase insurance bonds for offshore drilling cleanup, targeting companies deemed financial risks […]
- A bottle of the finest Chateau Sewage for our dearest Tory MPs | Brief lettersby Guardian Staff on April 16, 2024 at 4:20 pm
Polluted rivers | Donald Trump’s trial | Women walking alone | John Crace’s return | A better BritainWendy Bradley’s suggestion for giving water company […]
- New Mexico’s rivers are most threatened waterways in US, report findsby Aliya Uteuova on April 16, 2024 at 4:01 am
Supreme court ruling left more than 90% of state’s surface waters with no pollution protections, since they don’t run continuouslyNew Mexico’s rivers, […]
- They’re fighting polluters destroying historically Black towns – starting with their ownby Anya Groner on April 14, 2024 at 11:00 am
When Joy and Jo Banner founded the Descendants Project in 2020, they didn’t expect to be defending their hometown firstaWhen twin sisters Joy and Jo Banner […]
- EPA has limited six ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water – but there are 15,000by Tom Perkins on April 11, 2024 at 10:00 am
Rules celebrated for reducing exposures, but experts say it’s not enough and will lead to ‘an endless game of Whac-A-Mole’Strong new limits for some PFAS […]
- Cheap coal, cheap workers, Chinese money: Indonesia’s nickel success comes at a priceby Per Elinder Liljas on April 11, 2024 at 1:04 am
Jakarta hopes the industry is the ticket to becoming a developed nation. But there are fears the toll on the environment – and people’s lives – will be […]
- Give water company board members a taste of filthy rivers | Lettersby Guardian Staff on April 10, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Wendy Bradley suggests a grand water downing ceremony presided over by the king for Thames Water and others. Plus a letter from Pete LavenderMarina Hyde’s […]
- Profits over pipes: who should own our water? - podcastby Presented by Hannah Moore with Helena Horton; produced by Tom Glasser and Rudi Zygadlo; executive producer Elizabeth Cassin on April 10, 2024 at 2:00 am
Thames Water owes hundreds of millions of pounds in debt, and the UK government is concerned about its potential collapse. Helena Horton reportsThames Water, […]
- New rule mandates 200 US plants to reduce toxic emissions linked to cancerby Aliya Uteuova and Oliver Laughland on April 9, 2024 at 4:40 pm
Environmental Protection Agency finalizes rule to strengthen protections for communities living near industrial sitesMore than 200 of the US’s chemical […]
- Museum loses anti-discrimination case – as it happenedby Kate Lyons and Emily Wind (earlier) on April 9, 2024 at 8:10 am
This blog is now closed.Brittany Higgins questions whether she was drugged on night of alleged rape in new court submissionMona ordered to allow people ‘who […]
- Australia among hotspots for toxic ‘forever chemicals’, study of PFAS levels findsby Tory Shepherd on April 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Australian limits on acceptable levels of these toxic chemicals in drinking water ‘orders of magnitude’ higher than in USFollow our Australia news live […]
- Nearly half of US prisons draw water likely contaminated with toxic PFAS – reportby Tom Perkins on April 8, 2024 at 10:00 am
Around 1 million people, including 13,000 youths, especially vulnerable because they can do little to protect themselvesNearly half of US prisons draw water […]
- EPA issues warning to councils after asbestos found in Melbourne parksby Adeshola Ore on April 8, 2024 at 5:33 am
‘They’re all responsible for the quality of the mulch … and they’ll be held accountable’, says EPA regulation chiefFollow our Australia news live […]
- Pollution burdens nearly half of New York and communities of color most harmed – reportby Aliya Uteuova on April 6, 2024 at 12:02 am
Publication by mayor’s office of environmental justice is first comprehensive survey of environmental inequalitiesNearly half of all New Yorkers live in […]
- China braced for rise in air pollution deathsby Gary Fuller on April 5, 2024 at 5:00 am
Country needs to speed up environmental response to protect its ageing population, multinational study findsIn 2005 Beijing was crowned the smog capital of the […]
- Radioactive waste, baby bottles and Spam: the deep ocean has become a dumping ground – podcastby Written by James Bradley and read by Nicolette Chin. Produced by Nicola Alexandrou. The executive producer was Ellie Bury on April 5, 2024 at 4:00 am
The ocean’s depths are not some remote alien realm, but are in fact intimately entangled with every other part of the planet. We should treat them that way. […]
- Rio Tinto’s Madagascar mine may face lawsuit over pollution claimsby Neha Wadekar on April 4, 2024 at 9:00 am
Mining company hit with accusation it contaminated waterways with harmful levels of uranium and leadRio Tinto is facing a likely lawsuit in an English court […]
- Amazon increased US plastic packaging despite global phase-out, report saysby Oliver Milman on April 4, 2024 at 8:01 am
The same year, 2022, company replaced plastic sleeves in EU with paper and cardboard, and cut plastic packaging globally by 11.6%The amount of plastic […]