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Festival Inspired By ‘Burning Man’ Ignites Big Island Debate
The events on private property outside of Hilo were held without permits, and critics say they should not be allowed to continue, especially on agricultural land.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Hawaiʻi Launches New Online Data Portal About Invasive Species
Lawmakers called on the agriculture department to create the dashboard so the public can keep an eye on what it’s doing to stem the spread of pests.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
How Overhauling A Big Island Sewer Plant Is Energizing A Long-Stalled Park
A lawsuit over a controversial wastewater system in Kona may finally lead to development of a new regional park.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Will Bailey: The Big Island’s Battle For The Birds
Chickens OK, roosters not so much. Bill 52 tests how far Hawaiʻi County will go to balance peace, food and freedom.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Will Bailey: When Federal Maps Erase Rural Hawaiʻi
The U.S. Census Bureau has changed what is classified as “urban” and “rural.” That can have major economic ramifications.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Another Destructive Beetle Is Spreading, Killing Hawaiʻi’s Trees
Big Island farmers want the state to tackle the Queensland longhorn beetle before it spreads to the rest of the state and wreaks havoc like the coconut rhinoceros beetle.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Controversial Geothermal Firm Wants OHA To Invest $5 Million In A New Plant
Waikā Consulting said the agency’s involvement would lead to economic returns for Native Hawaiians, but it faced pushback from local communities on the Big Island.
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023
Civil Beat Just Got A Major National Grant. Here’s What You Can Expect Next
A $1.5 million investment from the American Journalism Project will jumpstart our plans to increase neighbor island coverage, part of our shared mission to build a future for local news.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Aquarium Fishing Could Return To Hawaiʻi Under Proposed New Rules
The land board and DLNR staff have clashed for years over whether to let the practice continue. That might be changing.
Will Bailey/Civil Beat/2025
Will Bailey: State’s Dredging Of Pohoiki Bay Fails Quickly And Completely
Built to reopen a path from a crucial boat ramp to the ocean, the new channel through volcanic debris has already vanished.