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Noelle Fujii-Oride

Based on Kaua‘i, Noelle leads Overstory’s work to produce independent, nuanced journalism that prioritizes our local communities’ needs. As a journalist, she specializes in in-depth, explanatory reporting. Her goal is to tell stories that elevate community-driven solutions, bring clarity to Hawai‘i’s complex challenges and encourage reflection on our shared humanity as people who call these islands home. Feel free to contact Noelle with comments, questions and story ideas at noelle@overstoryhawaii.org.

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EnvironmentThough Often Behind the Scenes, These Specialists Play a Major Role in Hawai‘i’s Agricultural Industry

Environment
Though Often Behind the Scenes, These Specialists Play a Major Role in Hawai‘i’s Agricultural Industry

by | Jul 30, 2025 | ,

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The University of Hawai‘i’s Cooperative Extension team helps local farmers by solving plant and pest problems, testing new crops and providing education.

EnvironmentInside Hawai‘i’s Small but Persisting ‘True Tea’ Industry

Environment
Inside Hawai‘i’s Small but Persisting ‘True Tea’ Industry

by | Jul 2, 2025 | ,

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Local farmers have been commercially cultivating and selling Hawai‘i-grown Camellia sinensis, or true tea, for 25 years.

Environment12 Years In: How Hawai‘i is Still Working to Curb the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Environment
12 Years In: How Hawai‘i is Still Working to Curb the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

by | Jun 18, 2025 | , ,

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The invasive pest is present throughout O‘ahu and in parts of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. With a biocontrol solution still a couple years away, officials are urging community members statewide to stay vigilant and help stop CRB’s spread.

EnvironmentKaua‘i Races to Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Environment
Kaua‘i Races to Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

by | Jun 4, 2025 | , ,

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Several efforts are underway to find breeding sites and treat impacted trees, but many community members say that Kaua‘i needs collective, community-wide involvement to successfully contain and eradicate the beetle.

Environment, HealthThis Hawai‘i Peer Mentorship Program is Supporting Farmers’ Mental Wellbeing

Environment, Health
This Hawai‘i Peer Mentorship Program is Supporting Farmers’ Mental Wellbeing

by | May 21, 2025 | , , ,

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Despite losing its federal funding, the University of Hawai‘i’s Seeds of Wellbeing’s peer mentor network continues to help farmers navigate stress—and reduce stigma about mental health in the local agricultural industry.

EnvironmentKaua‘i Efforts Help New, Small Farmers Access Land

Environment
Kaua‘i Efforts Help New, Small Farmers Access Land

by | May 7, 2025 | , ,

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While finding land is still difficult for new and small farmers, several efforts have been launched in recent years to help them access arable land and strengthen the island’s local food system.

Health, HousingNew O‘ahu Homeless Shelter Reimagines Transitional Housing

Health, Housing
New O‘ahu Homeless Shelter Reimagines Transitional Housing

by | Apr 23, 2025 | , ,

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Kumu Ola Hou combines architecture and neuroscience to help people experiencing homelessness expand their cognitive abilities and get back on their feet before they move into more permanent housing.

HousingHawai‘i Wants to Help Community Groups Keep Foreclosed Homes in Local Hands

Housing
Hawai‘i Wants to Help Community Groups Keep Foreclosed Homes in Local Hands

by | Apr 9, 2025 | ,

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The legislative proposal is a type of “community opportunity to purchase” policy and follows the lead of at least 13 other jurisdictions that have used this tool to preserve local homes.