Hawaii

Arm holds up an American flag and a pride flag outside the US Supreme Court

How gay marriage won in the US

A quarter-century ago, America was far from married to the idea of same-sex marriage.

How gay marriage won in the US
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's plane makes its landing approach on Pohnpei International Airport in Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Monday, Aug. 5, 2019.

The US is building a military base in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Micronesian residents have questions.

The US is building a military base in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Micronesian residents have questions.
Team USA Hawaiian surfer Carissa Moore practices for a World Surf League competition at Surf Ranch on Tuesday in Lemoore, California, on  June 15, 2021.

Hawaiians highlight surfing's cultural roots as it makes its Olympic debut

Hawaiians highlight surfing's cultural roots as it makes its Olympic debut
Smoke rises from the Bobcat Fire burning near Mount Wilson in the Angeles National Forest, near Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2020.

This author argues that fighting climate change means focusing on 'Earth repair'

This author argues that fighting climate change means focusing on 'Earth repair'
A Maryland-based ukulele marching band performs during a 2019 Fourth of July parade.

Global ukulele community keeps music alive, online in pandemic

Global ukulele community keeps music alive, online in pandemic
Tulsi Gabbard

US should shift military funds to climate change fixes, says POTUS hopeful Tulsi Gabbard

Representative Tulsi Gabbard is running as a Democratic candidate for president. At a recent town hall meeting in Exeter, New Hampshire, Congresswoman Gabbard spoke about the importance of addressing climate change and shifting money from military spending to urgent domestic needs.

US should shift military funds to climate change fixes, says POTUS hopeful Tulsi Gabbard
Workers in a dark building sort trash from a conveyor belt.

Inside the long war to protect plastic

Single-use plastic is clogging oceans and landfills. The industry that makes it has waged a decades-long campaign to keep it on the market.

Inside the long war to protect plastic
Since 2002, scientific data pointed to a slower decline of CFC-11, one of several chemical substances banned by the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The amount of CFC-11 found in the atmosphere has actually gone up during that time, prompting the United Nations

Scientists detected a spike in ozone-depleting chemicals. They'll use the Montreal Protocol to stop the pollution.

Those who have watched over the Montreal Protocol since its formation have never had to take significant measures to enforce it — until now.

Scientists detected a spike in ozone-depleting chemicals. They'll use the Montreal Protocol to stop the pollution.
lava

Despite devastation, lava tourism is on the rise in Hawaii

Lava tourism has long existed on Hawaii's Big Island. Visitor numbers spike each time Kilauea, which has erupted almost continuously since 1983, sends a tongue of lava toward the ocean. The current eruption is one of the longest and most intense on record.

Despite devastation, lava tourism is on the rise in Hawaii
hawaii

On Halekamahina Hill, volcano survivors try to salvage marijuana crop

The last remaining residents on Halekamahina Hill are trying to harvest a $100,000 marijuana crop. Their neighbors are considering a return to the mainland.

On Halekamahina Hill, volcano survivors try to salvage marijuana crop
Darryl Sumiki, 52, of Hilo, stands atop a car and watches as lava lights up the sky in bright red above Pahoa during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii.

Property losses mount on Hawaii's Big Island as lava flow spreads

A river of lava spewing from the foot of Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano swallowed about three dozen more homes on the Big Island during a weekend of destruction that brought to nearly 120 the number of dwellings devoured since last month, officials said.

Property losses mount on Hawaii's Big Island as lava flow spreads
Lava and basalt

Could lava one day be used to store excess CO2?

Lava that has cooled into black, bubbly basalt might one day jump into action to help fight one of humanity’s biggest challenges: rising levels of carbon dioxide.

Could lava one day be used to store excess CO2?
A volcanic fissure erupts near Nohea Street in Leilani Estates

Kilauea's lava covers geothermal power plant as intense eruption continues

The well covered by the volcanic eruption is considered "potentially explosive" — but so far, no signs of problems.

Kilauea's lava covers geothermal power plant as intense eruption continues
Lava advances along a street near a fissure in Leilani Estates, on Kilauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone, Hawaii, May 5, 2018.

Almost 2,000 people evacuated as Hawaii's Kilauea continues to erupt

A new fissure spewed lava up to 230 feet into the air as days of earthquakes and eruptions in a residential neighborhood continue.

Almost 2,000 people evacuated as Hawaii's Kilauea continues to erupt
A construction sign says "There is no threat" against a backdrop of palm fronds

Hawaii 'missile alert' sparks anger, demands for answers

It took nearly 40 minutes for a correction to be issued after officials told people to seek shelter from an inbound missile

Hawaii 'missile alert' sparks anger, demands for answers