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Environment

We recognize that the health of culture, community and individuals is inseparable from the health of our natural resources. We want to know how local communities are mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss, building resilience ahead of natural disasters, perpetuating traditional Hawaiian stewardship practices, and increasing local food production and access. Our goal is to help deepen understanding of the many people and communities working to create a more restorative, sustainable Hawai‘i and build more reciprocal relationships with our environment.

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.

EnvironmentHow to Help Hawai‘i Contain the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Environment
How to Help Hawai‘i Contain the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

by | Jun 18, 2025

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Getting this invasive pest under control requires community-wide involvement. Here’s a quick guide to help you be part of Hawai‘i’s response.

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.

Environment, People & PlacesHere’s How Overstory Will Approach its Environment Coverage

Environment, People & Places
Here’s How Overstory Will Approach its Environment Coverage

by | Apr 9, 2025

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We want to know how communities are mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss, perpetuating traditional Hawaiian stewardship practices, and increasing local food production and access.

More articles on Environment are being added regularly. Check back soon to explore our growing collection of in-depth reporting.

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Our Approach to Journalism

Overstory is an independent, online newsroom that centers Hawai‘i residents’ needs, redistributes the power of knowledge and encourages civil discourse. We apply a systemic, solutions-oriented lens to our in-depth reporting. We don’t want to just cover events or conflicts. Instead, we want to understand why things are the way they are and untangle the intersections between the patterns, systems and assumptions that shape Hawai‘i’s major challenges – and uncover potential ways forward.

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