Latest sustainability & resources news and updates
The University of Hawaii has received a $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to establish a new postdoctoral fellowship program. This initiative will support eleven emerging scientists in addressing pressing environmental and scientific challenges across the islands.
Conservationists are embarking on ambitious projects to restore the vital 'cloud bridge' that once sustained rainfall on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā and the island of Kahoʻolawe. This initiative aims to revitalize crucial ecosystems, offering potential benefits for tourism, land management, and environmental investment in Hawaiʻi.
Native Hawaiian-led nonprofit ʻĀina Momona is spearheading a community-driven initiative to develop climate solutions across Hawaiʻi, inviting residents to participate in a public survey. This effort aims to empower local communities and create sustainable strategies for the islands' future in the face of climate change, with potential impacts on local businesses and investment.
Maui County is poised to experience a wetter-than-average wet season, offering a much-needed reprieve from persistent drought conditions. According to the National Weather Service, the emerging La Niña pattern is expected to bring increased rainfall through early 2026, potentially easing the strain on local businesses and resources.
Hawaiian Electric is set to begin construction of Maui's first standalone load-shifting battery energy storage system (BESS) in January as part of its ongoing efforts to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. This Waena BESS project will play a crucial role in enabling the retirement of aging fossil fuel-powered generating units at the Kahului Power Plant.
Maui Land & Pineapple Co. has been fined by the state for inadequate stream flows, highlighting the ongoing water management challenges in West Maui. The fine, however, will be used for system improvements with community input, addressing the needs of farmers, golf courses, and residents amidst a backdrop of increasing water scarcity and legal battles.
Maui Land & Pineapple Co. (ML&P) has been fined $140,000 by the state for violating streamflow regulations in Honokōhau Valley. However, the company has the opportunity to offset the penalty by investing in improvements to its water system, reflecting a growing trend towards incentivizing environmental responsibility within the business sector.
Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are set to incorporate locally produced biofuel into their operations, a move slated to begin early next year. This initiative underscores a commitment to sustainability and presents economic opportunities for Hawaii's burgeoning renewable energy sector.
A West Maui landowner faces penalties for violating state water standards, according to a recent report by KHON2. However, a pathway exists for the company to potentially avoid the fine while simultaneously benefiting those impacted by the ongoing water challenges.
A recent letter to the editor in the *Honolulu Star-Advertiser* raises concerns about the potential impact of the Honua Ola Bioenergy plant's emissions on local residents, highlighting broader questions about the sustainability of biomass projects in Hawaii's evolving energy landscape. The letter underscores the importance of balancing environmental concerns with the state's renewable energy goals.
The Surfrider Foundation, in partnership with other organizations, has released a guide to help Lahaina and West Maui residents and businesses create fire-resilient landscapes as a part of the ongoing rebuilding efforts. This resource provides practical advice for plant selection and maintenance, crucial for safeguarding properties and the environment in fire-prone areas.
Maui County has been awarded a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish the first waste collection centers in West Maui. This initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and address environmental hazards, particularly in areas impacted by the 2023 wildfires.
After years of planning, a new desalination plant on Oahu is nearing the construction phase, promising to bolster the island's water supply and enhance resilience against potential water shortages. The project represents a significant investment in Hawaii's infrastructure, with potential benefits and challenges for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The Maui Department of Environmental Management announced the lifting of wastewater restrictions for South Maui properties after a recent 202,000-gallon wastewater overflow. Despite the lifting of restrictions, repairs at the Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 6 are still underway.
Hawaiʻi is facing heightened concerns regarding the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with a potential third case now detected. The virus, impacting both domestic and native bird populations, poses a potential threat to local agriculture and could indirectly impact the tourism sector.
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is actively reinforcing its statewide power grid and minimizing wildfire risks through infrastructure upgrades and vegetation management. These efforts are crucial for safeguarding businesses and communities across the islands, particularly in high-risk areas like Maui.
Leidos, the administrator of the Hawai'i Energy program, has secured a new three-year, $127 million contract from the Public Utilities Commission. This renewal ensures the continuation of the state's vital energy conservation initiatives, offering significant implications for local businesses, investors, and the overall sustainability landscape in Hawai'i.
Kaibigan ng Lahaina, a community organization committed to supporting the recovery of the West Maui community, has announced a partnership with Maui Land & Pineapple Company to establish a community farm. This initiative aims to foster connection, provide educational opportunities, and promote agricultural sustainability as part of the ongoing rebuilding efforts.
A recent letter to the editor highlights the potential of agrivoltaics, hydroponics, and vertical planting to boost land productivity, conserve resources, and foster a greener economy in Hawaii. The approach combines solar energy generation with agriculture, offering a sustainable solution for local entrepreneurs and investors.
The County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) has lifted the Stage 1 water shortage for Central and South Maui, effective immediately, thanks to recent rainfall and continued community water conservation efforts. This provides a welcome reprieve for local businesses and residents, signaling improved water supply conditions.