Clearing Land in Puna, Hawaii: Lessons Learned About Preserving Soil When clearing land in Puna, Hawaii, one of the biggest surprises is discovering how little soil actually exists. Beneath the lush greenery lies mostly lava rock, with only about an inch of soil in some...

From Buckets & Plastics to Flushing Toilets: Our Off-Grid Journey in Puna District On October 14, 2023, the first night in the off-grid home in Puna District marked the beginning of a life-changing chapter. The house had no roof—just walls and a dream. The sound...

The article by Mr. Dave Sokoti Bernard, “A Proposal to Update the Residency Requirement for Candidates Seeking Election to the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia,” presents a timely and necessary discussion that deserves national attention—especially from Yap State. The current five-year physical residency requirement for...

Life has a way of testing resolve at the most inconvenient times. For me, that moment came during midterms at Oregon State University. I was buried in notes, caffeine, and the usual stress that comes with exams when I came home to find a notice...

The Yap State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently conducted an environmental assessment following reports of a partially sunken and unsecured barge along the shoreline of Falalop Island, Woleai. The barge, previously used in the runway rehabilitation project to transport and offload aggregates, now poses potential...

The Yap State Election Office has officially announced that the Yap State General Election will take place on November 3, 2026. This important event will determine the next leaders who will guide Yap through the coming years, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the members of the 12th Yap State...

For decades, air travel has been the lifeline connecting Micronesia’s scattered islands to the rest of the world. Yet, despite the region’s strategic location and cultural ties across the Pacific, air service remains limited, expensive, and unreliable. It’s time for Micronesian leaders to take bold action...

The state of Yap, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia, has long been known for its deep connection to the land and sea. Traditional crops like taro, breadfruit, banana, and yam have sustained generations, forming the backbone of Yapese culture,...

In the heart of the western Pacific, the tranquil waters of Woleai Lagoon—once a symbol of life, culture, and sustenance—now face an environmental crisis. Several abandoned ships, left on the beach, submerged and leaking oil, have become ticking time bombs threatening the fragile marine ecosystem...

The turquoise waters of Woleai Atoll, long celebrated for their beauty and cultural significance, are now under threat. Just months after the official inauguration of the newly completed Woleai Airport, two ships left behind by the Chinese construction company Shandong Hengyue Municipal Engineering Co. have...

The second night of the Kona Low storm was one of the most intense and nerve-wracking experiences imaginable. The wind howled through the trees with a force that seemed determined to tear everything apart. The sound of gusts slamming against the walls and roof made it hard...

For those unfamiliar, the Kona Wind is a weather pattern that brings strong, humid winds from the south or southwest—opposite of the usual trade winds that blow from the northeast. These winds often carry heavy rain, thunderstorms, and sometimes cause significant damage due to their...