Chapter 195D of Hawai`i Revised Statutes is the state’s law protecting endangered species. The Legislature faces a number of bills to amend this chapter. Each is certain to spark controversy. Michael Buck, head of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife … Continued
Recent development pressures have illustrated dramatically the weakness of laws governing forest areas and Conservation District lands. A report by the Legislative Auditor on residential uses in the Conservation District has disclosed still more flaws in the administration of those … Continued
It’s ba-a-a-ck. The Superfund law, which passed last year by the skin of its teeth (remarkable for a bill that had so few), is being opened up for surgery this year. According to Health Director Dr. John Lewin, the administration’s … Continued
Since publication of the September 1990 issue of Environment Hawai`i, there have been these developments: In the Engelstad case, the attorney general has decided that the permit is valid. The basis for this determination is the fact that some test … Continued
Geothermal energy has not disappeared from the legislative agenda. The administration is seeking $3 million this year for geothermal exploration, plus about half a million more for the consultants preparing the environmental impact statement/master development plan. That is in addition … Continued
The Hawaiians knew Pearl Harbor by several names, for example, Ka-awa-lau-o-Pu`uloa, the many harbors of Pu`uloa, and, more poetically, Awaawa-lei, the garland of harbors. Bertell D. Davis1 In the Director’s Annual Report published by Bishop Museum in 1909, John F.G. … Continued
Fifty years ago, Pearl Harbor earned a place in the nation’s history, for which it is now justly receiving attention. But the honor that is its due cannot be paid in full so long as the area itself remains an … Continued
The Environmental Protection Agency conducted a review of the Pearl Harbor naval complex in 1990. Its Hazard Ranking System report, nominating Pearl Harbor to the Superfund list, was completed in February 1991 and was released to the public last July. … Continued
For many years, the deadly properties of PCBs – short for polychlorinated biphenyls – were not well known. What was known was that this family of chemicals, used as a coolant in electrical transformers, made a great weed killer. Consequently, … Continued