Latest sustainability & resources news and updates
The University of Hawai‘i and U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i (USAG-HI) have signed a new agreement to bolster environmental stewardship efforts on O‘ahu. This collaboration aims to improve ecosystem resilience and create workforce development opportunities within the environmental sector.
The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is calling on Oahu residents and businesses to conserve water due to below-average rainfall and increased water usage. The ongoing situation highlights potential implications for various sectors across the island, driving the need for proactive measures.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has secured a $125,000 grant to develop innovative wastewater management tools and policies in Hawai‘i. This initiative aims to protect the state's freshwater resources, marine life, and coastal communities.
After a five-year hiatus, Maui County is actively working to reinstate composting operations and divert green waste from landfills. This initiative, supported by both the county and private businesses, promises to benefit the environment and local businesses.
Faced with persistent drought conditions and a water system struggling to meet demand, Maui County is exploring the acquisition of water infrastructure. This potential move raises significant implications for residents, businesses, and investors on the island.
Facing persistent drought conditions and a struggling private water system, Maui County is exploring the potential acquisition of water infrastructure. This move comes as the West Maui service area endures a Stage 2 water shortage, putting further strain on local businesses and residents.
The West Maui water crisis is intensifying, with residents and businesses voicing significant frustration over perceived inaction by the State Commission on Water Resource Management. This crisis poses substantial risks to the local economy, particularly the tourism and agricultural sectors, necessitating immediate strategic responses.
The ongoing drought in West Maui is not only jeopardizing major events like the Sentry Tournament but also severely impacting residents' daily lives, prompting calls for immediate action from the state Commission on Water Resource Management. The crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions and their profound impact on Hawaii's economy.
Shipping companies are advocating for a global fee on greenhouse gas emissions, a move that could reshape the maritime industry and impact Hawaii's businesses, particularly those involved in import and export. While proponents see this as a step towards sustainability, it draws opposition from some, raising concerns about increased costs.
The recent brushfires in Kunia have caused significant damage to local farms, threatening crops and infrastructure. Community members and businesses are rallying to support affected farmers, highlighting the importance of local agriculture in Hawaii.
The Big Island is intensifying its efforts to eradicate the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), a major threat to palm trees, unlike Oahu, which is managing the pest's spread. Community involvement is crucial to prevent further damage to the island's agricultural sector and landscape.
The recent editorial in the *Star-Advertiser* scrutinizes the handling of the 2021 Red Hill fuel disaster, questioning the scope of accountability and suggesting potential scapegoating within the Navy. The article highlights the need for further investigation and potential charges related to the environmental and economic repercussions of the spill regarding Hawaii's water supply.
Hawaii faces increasing challenges to its freshwater supply, necessitating innovative solutions and a shift towards integrated water management. This involves strategic conservation, reuse, and protection of our precious resources to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Maui County will host an open house on September 20, 2025, to present the restoration plans for the Olowalu Temporary Debris Storage site, which was used to manage wildfire debris. The event, held at the Lahaina Resource Center, aims to inform the community and stakeholders about the future of the area.
West Maui is now under a Stage 2 water shortage due to dry weather and reduced rainfall, impacting both residents and businesses. The restrictions on water usage, coupled with existing drought conditions, pose challenges for various sectors, including tourism and agriculture.
A $30,448.67 settlement has been approved by the Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources with Kapalua Kai Sailing, Inc., following the grounding of the vessel Hula Girl in Maui's Honolua-Mokulē‘ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. This incident underscores the importance of environmental responsibility for businesses operating in sensitive marine environments.
Maui County has implemented a 'Stage 2' water shortage for West Maui, mandating an end to nonessential water usage for commercial and industrial sectors, and restricting irrigation to one day a week. This move is set to have significant implications for businesses, local economies, and residents in the affected areas.
West Maui has entered a Stage 2 water shortage due to persistent dry conditions and insufficient rainfall, impacting the Lahaina, Kāʻanapali, and surrounding areas. This will likely affect local businesses, residents, and the tourism sector, bringing tighter water restrictions.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) has launched its second annual statewide Pesticide Disposal Program (PDP), offering a crucial service to commercial pesticide users. This program is designed to help safely dispose of unwanted, canceled, suspended, or unlabeled pesticide products, with significant implications for Hawaii's agricultural businesses and environmental stewardship.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) has begun utilizing backup water supplies for the Upcountry system, serving Upper and Lower Kula, Makawao, Pukalani, Hāliʻimaile and Haʻikū. This move, effective today, September 11, 2025, aims to mitigate the effects of water shortages and ensure continued service to residents.