Author | Lightnews

Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · 11d

Kaua‘i is the first county in Hawai‘i to adopt a Wildland Urban Interface ordinance. Across the United States, many jurisdictions have implemented similar codes to better protect homes and communities from wildfires.

Kaua‘i is Stepping Up Wildfire Protections for its Plantation Camp Communities - Overstory

Kaua‘i is the first county in Hawai‘i to adopt a Wildland Urban Interface ordinance. Across the United States, many jurisdictions have implemented similar codes to better protect homes and communities...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · 13d

Community programs across Hawai‘i are strengthening the health and resilience of first responders and their families — helping them cope with the challenges of the job and find connection.

Community Programs are Nurturing the Health and Resilience of Hawai‘i First Responders and Their Families - Overstory

These programs make up a growing community-based support system, helping those on the front lines and their families cope with the challenges of the job and build strong relationships.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · 27d

Working in the lo‘i, paddling a canoe out to sea, getting a lomilomi massage, participating in an ocean cleansing ceremony. These may sound like simple activities, but several community-based efforts are showing that they can play a useful role in supporting first responders' mental well-being.

How Native Hawaiian Cultural Practices are Supporting First Responders’ Mental Well-Being - Overstory

Several initiatives are engaging first responders in ‘āina and cultural healing practices to help ease the stress and trauma they face in their line of work.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Sep 24

Every first Tuesday for the last 6mos, laughter and singing could be heard in Anahola as Ipo Kahaunaele Ferreira taught ‘ukulele. The workshops were part of a YWCA Kaua‘i program providing culturally specific, trauma-informed services to those experiencing domestic violence and/or SA.

Culturally Rooted Domestic Violence Program on Kaua‘i Showed Early Impacts Before Funding Was Cut - Overstory

YWCA Kaua‘i’s Ho‘omana I Ka Lāhui program sought to advance healing, support and well-being in Kaua‘i’s Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino communities.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Sep 10

Ag co-ops are businesses controlled by food producer-members for collective benefit, rather than outside investors or the benefit of individuals. Co-ops have a long history of helping Hawai‘i’s food producers pool resources, share risk, preserve market access and magnify collective influence.

Are Agricultural Co-ops Seeing a Revival in Hawai‘i? - Overstory

Agricultural co-ops have a long history of helping Hawai‘i’s food producers pool resources, share risk, preserve market access and magnify their collective influence.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Aug 28

Nationally, construction is among industries with the highest suicide rates. In Hawai‘i, Dept. of Health and University of Hawai‘i will take a look at data to see local trends. Conversations about mental health have been happening, and many see an opportunity to build on more coordinated support.

Mental Health is a Quiet Topic in Hawai‘i’s Construction Industry. Some Want to Change That. - Overstory

Nationally, construction has the second-highest suicide rate among major industries, and some in the local field want to see greater awareness and resources for mental health support.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Aug 13

The Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative created in 2016, helps Hawai‘i Island ‘ulu farmers process and market harvests. The organization has nearly 200 members on Hawai‘i Island, Kaua’i, O’ahu and Maui. In the last year, it processed 230k lbs of ‘ulu, plus 370k lbs of kalo, ‘uala and pala’ai.

This Farmer-Led Co-op is Growing a Sustainable ‘Ulu Industry for Hawai‘i’s Small Farmers - Overstory

For the last nine years, the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Co-op has been empowering local farmers and revitalizing a key Hawaiian staple crop.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Jul 30

When a new pest or plant disease shows up in Hawai‘i, local farmers and ranchers often reach out to the University of Hawai‘i’s Cooperative Extension. With dozens of agents and specialists across the state, the program helps troubleshoot problems and shares practical research to help local ag.

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

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

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Jul 16

The East Maui Water Authority and advisory board, ‘Aha Wai O Maui Hikina, were created to return oversight of water systems in Ke‘anae, Nāhiku, Huelo and Honomanū to the public. They recently hosted public events to hear community feedback for water resource planning.💧

Here’s what they had to say.

East Maui Residents Hope to See Control of Their Region's Water Return to Public Hands - Overstory

Residents from Ke‘anae, Nāhiku and other East Maui neighborhoods said they are committed to their home, culture and communities by continuing to protect a crucial water system. They share the wisdom o...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Jul 3

Hawai‘i's environment makes it ideal for tea cultivation.

Today, Hawai‘i has a small but persisting true tea industry with a couple dozen growers, backyard farmers and hobbyists cultivating and producing small-batch, artisanal teas unique to the islands.

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

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

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Jun 19

Curious how Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle became a serious invasive pest problem in Hawai‘i? From its first detection on O‘ahu and its slow spread to other islands, the story of this invasive beetle is a cautionary tale. Here's how it all started and where things stand now.

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

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 ...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Jun 10

Want to help contain CRB?
📸Report: Go to 643pest.org or call 643-PEST with the date, location, and a photo.
🪵Inspect: Mulch piles, compost, stumps, and green waste are hotspots.
🌴Treat and manage: Netting, steaming, etc can break the CRB lifecycle. Details at crbhawaii.org

More at our full article.

Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Jun 4

🪲 A destructive pest is threatening Kaua‘i’s trees and way of life.

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle infestations have been spotted around the island since it was first detected near Līhuʻe Airport in 2023.

Now, farmers and residents say it’ll take everyone to stop it.

Kaua‘i Races to Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle - Overstory

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 eradic...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · May 21

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. 🌱 Hawai‘i farmers face unique pressures: 51% report high stress, and many don’t seek help due to stigma.
The @sow_ctahr Seeds of Wellbeing project trained peer mentors to change that.
Despite funding loss, their work continues.

This Hawai‘i Peer Mentorship Program is Supporting Farmers’ Mental Wellbeing - Overstory

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 ag...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · May 15

Hawai‘i was self-sufficient for centuries, with Native Hawaiians living off fishing and farming. Despite this agricultural history, Hawai‘i imports about 85-90% of food.

On Kaua‘i efforts are underway, with farmers growing kalo, mamaki, tomatoes and other crops.

overstoryhawaii.org/kauai-effort...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · May 12

We are excited to join the Solutions Journalism Directory as the first newsroom in Hawai'i to be listed!

Thank you to Solutions Journalism Network, a nonpartisan organization for hosting the Directory and for their commitment to transparency and editorial independence.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · May 7

Barriers to land access are holding back small farms on Kaua‘i. But new efforts—from nonprofit ag parks to free-use land from major ag companies—are helping to change the landscape for local growers.

Kaua‘i Efforts Help New, Small Farmers Access Land - Overstory

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.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · May 2

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.

B+HARI, The City and County of Honolulu and IHS are working together on this housing solution.

New O‘ahu Homeless Shelter Reimagines Transitional Housing - Overstory

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.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Apr 16

📣 Our "Information Needs in Hawai'i" Report is now available! 200+ community voices call for journalism that focuses on solutions, respects Native Hawaiian perspectives, and covers neighbor islands thoroughly. We're building a newsroom that truly serves Hawai'i. Read the full report below.

Information Needs in Hawai‘i: ‘Focus on Educating People Toward the Solutions’ - Overstory

A little over 200 community members told Overstory how they would like to see local journalism be done differently.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Apr 15

Thank you for sharing!

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Apr 15

Thank you for sharing!

Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Apr 10

Stories about Hawai‘i’s ‘āina is always important—but with federal cuts to environmental efforts, it’s crucial now.

During our community listening project, we learned about many ‘āina initiatives. We want to look at the ways they’re accomplishing systemic change.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Apr 9

SB 332 would allow tenants, families, and community groups 45 days to match or beat the highest bid on foreclosed homes at auction. This "opportunity to purchase" policy is gaining traction as a way to prevent displacement and preserve affordable housing.

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

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.

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Apr 1

People of a place are at the heart of local community land trusts’ work to provide permanently affordable homes.

This story was co-published with @nextcity.org

Community Land Trusts Are on the Rise in Hawai‘i - Overstory

The growing network of community land trusts seek to provide permanently affordable homes for Hawai‘i’s people—and redefine the narrative on housing in paradise to emphasize collective, rather than in...

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Overstory @overstoryhawaii.bsky.social · Mar 27

The growing network of community land trusts seek to provide permanently affordable homes for Hawai‘i’s people and redefine the narrative on housing in paradise to emphasize collective, rather than individual, wellbeing

By @noellefujii.bsky.social of Overstory and co-published with @nextcity.org.

Community Land Trusts Are on the Rise in Hawai‘i - Overstory

The growing network of community land trusts seek to provide permanently affordable homes for Hawai‘i’s people—and redefine the narrative on housing in paradise to emphasize collective, rather than in...

overstoryhawaii.org

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