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Environment

We recognize that the health of culture, community and individuals is inseparable from the health of our natural resources. We want to know how local communities are mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss, building resilience ahead of natural disasters, perpetuating traditional Hawaiian stewardship practices, and increasing local food production and access. Our goal is to help deepen understanding of the many people and communities working to create a more restorative, sustainable Hawai‘i and build more reciprocal relationships with our environment.

Environment, HousingKaua‘i is Stepping Up Wildfire Protections for its Plantation Camp Communities

Environment, Housing
Kaua‘i is Stepping Up Wildfire Protections for its Plantation Camp Communities

by | Oct 22, 2025

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Kaua‘i is the first county in Hawai‘i to adopt a Wildland Urban Interface ordinance. Across the United States, many jurisdictions have implemented similar codes to better protect homes and communities from wildfires.

EnvironmentThough Often Behind the Scenes, These Specialists Play a Major Role in Hawai‘i’s Agricultural Industry

Environment
Though Often Behind the Scenes, These Specialists Play a Major Role in Hawai‘i’s Agricultural Industry

by | Jul 30, 2025

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The University of Hawai‘i’s Cooperative Extension team helps local farmers by solving plant and pest problems, testing new crops and providing education.

EnvironmentEast Maui Residents Hope to See Control of Their Region’s Water Return to Public Hands

Environment
East Maui Residents Hope to See Control of Their Region’s Water Return to Public Hands

by | Jul 16, 2025

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Residents from Ke‘anae, Nāhiku and other East Maui neighborhoods said they are committed to their home, culture and communities by continuing to protect a crucial water system. They share the wisdom of their elders in hopes that their voices may finally be heard.

EnvironmentInside Hawai‘i’s Small but Persisting ‘True Tea’ Industry

Environment
Inside Hawai‘i’s Small but Persisting ‘True Tea’ Industry

by | Jul 2, 2025

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Local farmers have been commercially cultivating and selling Hawai‘i-grown Camellia sinensis, or true tea, for 25 years.

Environment12 Years In: How Hawai‘i is Still Working to Curb the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Environment
12 Years In: How Hawai‘i is Still Working to Curb the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

by | Jun 18, 2025

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The invasive pest is present throughout O‘ahu and in parts of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. With a biocontrol solution still a couple years away, officials are urging community members statewide to stay vigilant and help stop CRB’s spread.

EnvironmentHow to Help Hawai‘i Contain the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Environment
How to Help Hawai‘i Contain the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

by | Jun 18, 2025

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Getting this invasive pest under control requires community-wide involvement. Here’s a quick guide to help you be part of Hawai‘i’s response.

EnvironmentKaua‘i Races to Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Environment
Kaua‘i Races to Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

by | Jun 4, 2025

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Several efforts are underway to find breeding sites and treat impacted trees, but many community members say that Kaua‘i needs collective, community-wide involvement to successfully contain and eradicate the beetle.

Environment, HealthThis Hawai‘i Peer Mentorship Program is Supporting Farmers’ Mental Wellbeing

Environment, Health
This Hawai‘i Peer Mentorship Program is Supporting Farmers’ Mental Wellbeing

by | May 21, 2025

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Despite losing its federal funding, the University of Hawai‘i’s Seeds of Wellbeing’s peer mentor network continues to help farmers navigate stress—and reduce stigma about mental health in the local agricultural industry.

More articles on Environment are being added regularly. Check back soon to explore our growing collection of in-depth reporting.

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Behind the Story

It's all connected.

The issues shaping our islands — from housing and water to education, environment, and health — are not separate stories. They are connected through people, place, history, and the systems that influence our daily lives.

HCJ traces those connections. We look beyond single events or headlines to understand how decisions ripple across communities and generations, and how solutions emerge from interwoven relationships across Hawaiʻi.

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