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Members of Mālama Mākua photographed after the ceremony of the opening of the Makahiki in Mākua in 2016. (Courtesy of Mālama Mākua)
Press Release: Victory December 1, 2023

Hawai‘i’s Mākua Valley Forever Protected from Explosive Military Training

After 25 years of community advocacy, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army declare Mākua safe from future use of mortars, artillery, and other live-fire training

Mākua beach and valley on the west coast of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. (Backyard Production / Getty Images)
Article: Victory December 1, 2023

Hawaiʻi’s Valleys Get Permanent Protection from Damaging Military Training

After decades of advocacy, the Secretary of Defense announced that live-fire training will never happen at the Mākua Military Reservation again.

Document November 30, 2023

Mākua Military Reservation Joint Statement Nov 30 2023

Mālama Mākua and Defendants Sec. of Defense and Sec of the U.S. Army, re defendants’ recent decision that they no longer need to conduct live-fire training at Mākua Military Reservation (MMR), now or in the future, and, therefore, no new unexploded ordnance (UXO) will be added to MMR.

Press Release: Victory October 24, 2023

Governor Green Reinstates Legal Protections After Community Groups Challenge Emergency Proclamation on Housing

Governor Green issued a revised Emergency Proclamation that eliminated attempts to suspend state laws requiring public hearings, assessment of environmental impacts, and protections for Native Hawaiian burials and also restored county council oversight over most affordable housing projects.

Press Release September 25, 2023

Earthjustice Files Lawsuit to Clean Up Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant Sewage Discharges into the Pacific Ocean

Hawai’i County must comply with the Clean Water Act to prevent discharged wastewater from contaminating Honokōhau Harbor

Press Release September 1, 2023

Broad Coalition Challenges Controversial Emergency Proclamation on Housing in Hawai‘i

Affordable housing, justice, and environmental coalition challenge Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green’s Emergency Proclamation on Housing

Creek at Iao Valley State Park, Maui, Hawaii. (aimintang / iStock)
From the Experts August 28, 2023

How Maui’s Wildfire Sparked a Disaster Capitalist Power Grab for Hawaiʻi’s Public Water

The battle over fresh water resources on the Hawaiian Islands is as old as the colonialist mindset that fuels it.

In the News: CNN August 20, 2023

Hawaii’s climate-change lawsuit going to trial next summer

Isaac Moriwake, managing attorney of Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific Office, explains the constitutional climate lawsuit files by 14 young people against the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT); HDOT Director Jade Butay; Governor David Ige; and the State of Hawaiʻi.

In the News: The Guardian August 17, 2023

Why was there no water to fight the fire in Maui?

An opinion piece by Naomi Klein and Kapuaʻala Sproat. Naomi Klein is the professor of climate justice and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice at the University of British Columbia. Kapuaʻala Sproat is a Professor of Law at Ka Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law Center & the Environmental Law Program. She also co-directs the…

Volunteers with King's Cathedral Maui unload donations of blankets and supplies on August 10, 2023 in Kahului, Hawaiʻi. Dozens of people were killed and thousands displaced after a wind-driven wildfire devastated the town of Lahaina on Tuesday. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Article August 14, 2023

Ways to Support Maui After the Wildfires

Earthjustice stands with our clients, partners, friends, and family in Hawaiʻi as emergency workers continue to search for survivors and assess the damage from this disaster.

Youth plaintiffs gather before the start of the Navahine F. v. the Hawai'i Department of Transportation hearing at the First Circuit Environmental Court in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, on January 26, 2023. Pictured left to right: Ka’ōnohi P.-G., 16, Kawahine‘Ilikea N., 13, Taliya N., 15, Navahine F., 15, Mesina D.-R., 15, Kalā W., 19, Rylee K., 15, and Kawena F., 10. (Elyse Butler for Earthjustice)
feature August 14, 2023

How Hawai‘i’s Youth Advocates are Fighting for Hawai‘i’s Future

As the climate crisis threatens their land, food, and traditions, 14 youth advocates took the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to court to spur climate action.

Voluntarios de King's Cathedral Maui descargan donaciones de mantas y suministros el 10 de agosto de 2023 en Kahului, Hawái. Decenas de personas murieron y miles fueron desplazadas después de que un incendio forestal impulsado por el viento devastara la ciudad de Lahaina. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Article August 14, 2023

Cómo Ayudar a Maui Tras los Incendios Forestales

Earthjustice apoya a nuestros clientes, socios, amigos y familiares en Hawái mientras los socorristas continúan buscando sobrevivientes y evaluando los daños de este desastre.

In the News: Grist August 7, 2023

Hawaii’s youth-led climate change lawsuit is going to trial next summer

Kylie Wager Cruz, Attorney, Mid-Pacific Office, Earthjustice: “We have an opportunity with this case to transform Hawaii’s transportation system to benefit all of Hawaii’s people.”

Youth plaintiffs gather before the start of the Navahine F. v. the Hawai'i Department of Transportation hearing at the First Circuit Environmental Court in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, on January 26, 2023. Pictured left to right: Ka’ōnohi P.-G., 16, Kawahine‘Ilikea N., 13, Taliya N., 15, Navahine F., 15, Mesina D.-R., 15, Kalā W., 19, Rylee K., 15, and Kawena F., 10. (Elyse Butler for Earthjustice)
Press Release August 3, 2023

Trial Dates Determined in Navahine F. v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation

First Circuit Judge John Tonaki will hear arguments in the lawsuit beginning in June 2024.

Press Release July 31, 2023

Public Comments Sought For Lahaina Wastewater Facility Clean Water Act Permit

Ocean advocates to host educational event on August 5th at Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center

The Kīkīaola ditch pollutes Native Hawaiian fishing grounds in West Kauaʻi with sediment and toxic pesticides. (Photo used with permission)
Press Release: Victory June 15, 2023

Pollution at Kīkīaola Small Boat Harbor Violates Federal Clean Water Act, Judge Rules

Citizens secure another win to clean up ocean pollution along West Kauaʻi

Document June 13, 2023

Na Kia‘i Kai and Surfrider Foundation v County of Kauai Order

Plaintiffs Na Kia‘i Kai and Surfrider Foundation move for summary judgment against Defendants County of Kaua‘i and Director of the Department of Health Elizabeth Char on Plaintiffs’ claim that Defendants violated the Clean Water Act by discharging polluted water from the Kikiaola Harbor Drain into waters of the United States without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The Court finds that Plaintiffs are entitled to summary judgment with respect to their claim.

Press Release May 25, 2023

Youth Plaintiffs in Navahine v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Argue Against Delays in Historic Climate Case

State Transportation Department sought to postpone trial 8-12 months