David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
A Working Group That Emerged From A Tragedy Sets Out To Reform Child Welfare Services
After the disappearance of Isabella Kalua, lawmakers formed the Malama Ohana Working Group to design and propose ‘transformative changes’ to the state system.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hawaii’s Opioid Settlement Fund Is Growing And, After Delays, Starting To Be Spent
The funding formula gives the state power over funding, even for activities originating on the local level.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Danny De Gracia: Our Social Networks Are Crumbling. People Are Suffering
Civic engagement and mental health are on the decline. What do they have in common? Weakened social support structures.
Courtesy: Rourke Reagan
Hawaii Wants Home Cooks To Play A Bigger Role In Growing The State’s Food System
New legislation awaiting the governor’s signature would help businesses operate out of home kitchens.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
The Number Of People Living On The Streets Of Oahu Has Nearly Doubled In The Last Decade
The island’s homeless population increased by roughly 12% from 2023 to 2024.
Red Hill Families Describe Litany Of Harms From Tainted Water In Lead-Up To Federal Trial
In the trial starting Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice will question whether they were exposed to jet fuel and, if so, whether it was enough to account for their illnesses.
U.S. Department of Defense
Not Just Red Hill: Hundreds Of Military Fuel Depots Threaten Environment And Public Health
A new federal report, ordered after the Red Hill crisis, uncovered oversight weaknesses at hundreds of the military’s fuel storage sites.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024
Lahaina’s Wildfire Burned So Hot That Many Dangerous Contaminants Likely Vaporized
Scientists, state officials and the Army Corps of Engineers are finding the burn zone may not be as toxic as initially feared.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Chinatown’s Syringe Exchange Van Faces Hurdles Finding A Permanent Brick-And-Mortar Home
The program has been operating out of a mobile van for about 35 years. Is it finally time for a more permanent location?
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023
A Project Aimed At Helping Upcountry Maui’s Water Shortages Is Getting Pushback From Residents
There’s agreement that the cost of water to users would rise but by how much is up for debate.