June 2015 PDF
June 2015
Be Afraid — Be Very Afraid
One of the most recently identified invasive species — a microscopic fungus called Ceratocystis fimbriata — doesn’t sound that frightening. But if unstopped, it stands to wipe out the state’s iconic `ohi`a trees, which make up fully half of the biomass of … Continued
GEMS Plan Open for Public Comment
The Hawai`i Green Infrastructure Authority has submitted its annual plan for fiscal year 2016 to the state Public Utilities Commission. Public comments will be accepted by the PUC through May 15. The HGIA manages the state’s Green Energy Market Securitization program, … Continued
DLNR, Land Board Seek Improvements to Handling of Shoreline Erosion Impacts
It’s becoming a regular thing. A little too regular for some. On February 27, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources faced yet another case where landowners had to pay fines and fees and obtain an after-the-fact use permit and … Continued
Local Civil Engineers Explore Ways to Protect Infrastructure from Climate Change Impacts
“I can’t tell you how many ulcers I get in a matter of hours when there’s a possibility I could lose 30 pump stations in one event,” said Timothy Steinberger, the former director of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services. The … Continued
May 2015 PDF
May 2015
New & Noteworthy: Biosecurity, Kilauea Ag Park
Navy Plans for Biosecurity: A Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia – broadly defined to include every island state from Hawai`i in the northeast to Micronesia in the southwest – has been released by the U.S. Navy and cooperating agencies. The … Continued
After Crackdown at Kealakekua Bay, Kayak Vendors Launch from Kahauloa
A real-life game of Whack-a-Mole is being played out in and around Kealakekua Bay, on the Kona Coast of the Big Island. Two years ago, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources strictly limited the number of kayak companies … Continued
Board Talk: Ka Iwi, Sand Island Off-Road Park, Pupukea Reserve
Land Board Grants $1M to Save Ka Iwi Land From Development On April 10, despite its staff’s recommendation to deny, the Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously approved the release of $1 million for Livable Hawai`i Kai Hui’s purchase of … Continued
Hawaiian Farmers, Cultural Practitioners Demand Environmental Review for East Maui Water Diversion
Have Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., and its subsidiary, East Maui Irrigation Co., Ltd., been illegally diverting more than a hundred million gallons of water a day from East Maui streams? Last month, on behalf of East Maui residents Healoha Carmichael … Continued