Mauna Kea’s Lake Waiau, considered by native Hawaiians to be a portal to the spirit world, seems to be disappearing. The water level has dropped radically in recent months, and with high elevation temperatures in Hawai`i increasing three times faster … Continued
It was the closure that didn’t happen. On November 18, the Federal Register published a notice that the Hawai`i longline tuna fishery in the Western Pacific (west of 150˚ W longitude) would be closed from November 27 until the end … Continued
For scientists looking for clues to the formation of the universe at its very edge, nearly 14 billion light years away, the Thirty-Meter Telescope proposed to be built on Mauna Kea is the holy grail of astronomy. To the several … Continued
One of the thorniest issues to arise during the contested case hearing over a Conservation District Use Permit for the Thirty-Meter Telescope was what weight and deference would be given to the claims of petitioners that its construction would offend … Continued
Irradiator Loan Guarantee: The irradiation facility once proposed for land near the Honolulu airport, and now proposed to be built in central O`ahu, has moved forward to the point where it is working out details of financing. Last month, the … Continued
In addition to the contested case hearing over the Thirty Meter Telescope, this past summer saw another hearing, over another telescope – this one proposed for Haleakala. As with the TMT case, the contested case hearing over the Advanced Technology … Continued
Cabin, R.J. Intelligent Tinkering – Bridging the Gap between Science and Practice. Island Press, 2011. 216 pages. Paperback $35.00 In his new book, Bob Cabin uses his personal involvement in the restoration of Hawai`i dry forests to illustrate the tensions … Continued
East Maui Stream Update: The Hawai`i Supreme Court has effectively overturned the decision of the Intermediate Court of Appeals regarding the efforts of Na Moku `Aupuni o Ko`olau Hui to have judicial review of the decision of the state Commission … Continued
The long wait has ended. Researchers have now verified what many people had suspected for years: wastewater from the Lahaina sewage treatment plant, on Maui’s Ka`anapali Coast, is reaching coastal waters. Starting in late July, scientists with the University of … Continued
Whatever the outcome, someone is going to end up heartbroken, pissed off, or both. Since mid-November, the luxury catamaran Queen’s Treasure has been taking passengers on snorkel and whale-watch tours off West Maui’s Ka`anapali Beach under a temporary agreement with … Continued