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.
- New analysis warns of pesticide residues on some fruits and veggiesby Carey Gillam on April 19, 2024 at 11:55 am
This story was originally published in The New Lede, a journalism project of the Environmental Working Group, and is republished here with permission.Several […]
- Op-ed: Ending toxic threats to Alaska from plastics and petrochemicalsby Vi Pangunnaaq Waghiyi on April 19, 2024 at 11:54 am
Flames, belching smoke, and black carbon in the sky—on nights when I (Rosemary) saw 20 or more flares, I knew sick people would be coming. As a community […]
- Biden's Arctic policy curbs drilling and blocks road constructionby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:40 am
President Biden curtails fossil fuel extraction in Alaska, aiming to preserve the region's pristine habitats. Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.In […]
- Ocean spray emits more PFAS than industrial polluters, study findsby Tom Perkins on April 19, 2024 at 11:39 am
Research into release of ‘forever chemicals’ raises concerns about contamination and human exposure along world’s coastlinesOcean waves crashing on the […]
- The lasting impact of the Deepwater Horizon spill on marine lifeby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:39 am
A recent expedition to the Gulf of Mexico has revealed ongoing environmental damage from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, showing little signs of recovery for […]
- New rule prioritizes conservation on US public landsby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:11 am
A new rule introduced by the Biden administration aims to balance conservation with economic activities on America's public lands, enhancing protections and […]
- Global climate impacts are set to drastically reduce average income levels by 2050by EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:10 am
A new study reveals that by 2050, global incomes will decrease by almost 20% on average due to severe climate impacts, which will cost significantly more than […]
- Silence of the natural world signals a biodiversity crisisby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:08 am
Studies reveal that natural soundscapes are diminishing due to loss of species and ecosystem degradation.Phoebe Weston reports for The Guardian.In short: […]
- Indonesian religious leaders push for environmental action through Islamic teachingsby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:07 am
In Indonesia, clerics are leading a movement to merge Islamic teachings with environmental conservation efforts.Sui-Lee Wee reports for The New York Times.In […]
- Earth Day reclaimed: activists fight corporate takeover of the movementby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 11:03 am
Climate activists advocate for a return to Earth Day's protest roots, opposing the commercial exploitation of the event.Kristin Hostetter reports for […]
- A unified effort is crucial for the successful negotiation of the global plastics treatyby EHN Curators on April 19, 2024 at 10:36 am
A new global plastics treaty, currently under negotiation, seeks to address rampant plastic pollution and its environmental and health impacts.Martin Wagner […]
- California the culprit for spike in little-known greenhouse gas more potent than CO2by Tom Perkins on April 19, 2024 at 10:00 am
State revealed as America’s overwhelming emitter of sulfuryl fluoride, used by $4.2bn pest-control industry to kill termitesLevels of a potent greenhouse gas […]
- 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 […]
- 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. […]