We need Smart Justice, not a new half-a-billion dollar jail
Instead of committing Hawaiʻi to a future of continued mass incarceration, we can invest back into our communities and restore people who do harm to being functioning members of society. Doing so will make us all safer and healthier.
Demilitarize coalition calls for an end to RIMPAC war games
Coalition’s letter to the federal and Hawaiʻi state governments charges United States’ militarism with the perpetuation of violence and oppression across the Pacific.
Hawaiʻi will ban chlorpyrifos, establish meaningful pesticide regulations
With Governor Ige's signature, SB3095 will become law and Hawaiʻi will lead the nation in establishing pesticide regulatory policy that protects the health and safety of its people and environment.
Hawaiʻi could become the first state to ban chlorpyrifos
Activists have been fighting for years for a comprehensive pesticide regulation bill. Now one is heading to a final floor vote after passing through conference committee.
Court cases reveal state’s resistance to honoring Hawaiian as official language
Two separate, pending court cases reveal a lack of respect for Hawaiʻi’s indigenous language as an equal and legitimate alternative to English.
A hoppy balance to Hawaiʻi’s alcohol tax
Beer drinkers pay a higher liquor tax than wine or spirit drinkers in terms of alcohol per volume, and tend to be working class folks.
Breaking public trust for private benefit
The land board’s acquiescence to corporate control of Hawaiʻi's resources represents the state’s continuing failure to uphold its fiduciary duties.
EPA, state health department reject Navy’s Red Hill work plan
The regulatory agencies found serious flaws in sections of the Navy plan to investigate and remediate leaks in the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, and to protect and evaluate the safety of groundwater feeding into Honolulu’s main aquifer.
Maui hospitals look to privatization as potential solution for budget woes
The state's Maui region public hospitals are hoping to initiate discussions with a private healthcare corporation to enter into a partnership that could save the system money in the midst of budget shortfalls.
Proposed changes to state health rules would address Hawaiʻi’s cesspool problem
The state's 90,000 cesspools pose a constant risk to public and environmental health. New rules aim to reduce their numbers.
“County preemption” measure dies in committee
A bill that would have given the state broader authority to preempt county ordinances it finds inconvenient, such as those restricting biotech, failed to find enough support to pass through the senate agriculture committee.
A rally for the rest of us
The “People Not Profits” rally brought together diverse issues, united by the message that government should serve the people, not corporations and developers.