The decline of coral cover in nearshore areas of Maui has been dramatic in recent years. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources reported in 2006 that, since 1999, mean coral cover at nine reefs … Continued
By now, everyone who attends a hearing on a proposed natural area reserve or an application for a fence or any other plan to protect habitat for native Hawaiian species knows the drill. There’s the predictable, earnest testimony from those … Continued
The decision of Governor Linda Lingle to shut down the state’s Kulani Correctional Facility, a 200-bed minimum security prison, came down like the proverbial ton of bricks on the communities of East Hawai`i. Kulani prison, on the windward slopes of … Continued
Opponents of Ka`ena Point Fence Are Denied Contested Case Hearing On August 12, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources denied the requests of Summer Kaimalia Nemeth and Huang Chi Kuo for a contested case hearing over a 600-meter … Continued
Before the state established rules to restrict uses within the state’s Conservation District, which covers about half of the land in Hawai`i or approximately two million acres, projects like O`ahu’s Kapa`a Quarry, golf courses, Sea Life Park, and Hawai`i Loa … Continued
By the end of the year, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands expects to be ready to hire a contractor to remediate a hazardous waste site on its lands in `Ewa. When the state bought 1,100 acres of former … Continued
Aha Moments: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s sponsorship of the Aha Ki`ole/Aha Moku movement is apparently back in full swing after a one-year hiatus when the council-backed initiative enjoyed the support of state government. Now that state funds are long … Continued
Two hundred years ago, the trade in sandalwood was a tragic chapter in Hawaiian history. It devastated upland forests across the archipelago and forced native people into involuntary servitude. In the last few months, the sandalwood trade has been rejuvenated … Continued
“The Ranch needed the purchase price to pay its other creditors.” That quote, taken from a footnote to Jawmin’s statement opposing Hokukano Ranch’s motion asking the bankruptcy court to stop Jawmin’s logging operations, sheds some light on possible motives for … Continued
Pacific Rim Bank, which holds several mortgages secured by Hokukano Ranch land, is one of the newest lending institutions in Honolulu, having been founded in 2006. Its young age is not the only thing setting it apart from more established … Continued