Hawaii
A Supreme Court case in Hawaii could raise gas costs for us all
Aloha spirit be damned, the Hawaii Supreme Court has deemed the oil industry unwelcome in the state.
In a ruling late last year, the court affirmed that the city of Honolulu could file a lawsuit alleging that Sunoco, Exxon, ConocoPhillips, and an assortment of other companies have caused it injury via their products’ greenhouse gas emissions.
Now it may be up to the US Supreme Court to set the matter straight: Is climate change an area of special federal interest or can states give Big Oil the boot? If the latter, the outcome from 50 new sets of legal hoops is inevitably higher energy prices for all Americans.
Honolulu’s core claim is that the oil companies’ “efforts between 1965 and the present to deceive about the consequences of the normal use of their fossil fuel products” constitute tortious conduct.”
The chain of reasoning is that Sunoco et al have marketed and sold products that, when combusted, emit carbon dioxide and other gasses, exacerbating the greenhouse effect, warming the planet, melting glaciers, and causing sea levels to rise.
That rising water, the argument goes, has caused “historical, projected, and committed disruptions to the environment — and consequent injuries to the City.”
Honolulu’s claim underscores how difficult climate damage attribution really is. Yes, emissions add incrementally to sea level rise. But, no, we cannot attribute with confidence a portion of the cost of managing rising water to particular companies.
According to the US government’s Interagency Sea Level Task Force, the Hawaiian Islands are expected to experience 6-8 inches of sea level rise by 2050. That will surely require some coastal adaptation measures, as Honolulu says.
But what the City is slower to acknowledge is that factors other than sea level rise are playing a part in its troubles too — including its own land use and the unlucky fact that Hawaii’s volcanic geology is resulting in the islands sagging lower year by year.
Mercifully, the Supreme Court wouldn’t be weighing in on the scientific technicalities of Honolulu’s tort claim, but rather on whether Hawaii — or any other state — has climate change authority at all.
In June 2024, SCOTUS asked the Biden administration’s Solicitor General for the federal government’s opinion on the matter of federal preemption raised by the oil companies in their appeal of the Hawaii Supreme Court decision.
The appeal argues that federal law — namely the Clean Air Act — supersedes state law claims. As we near the end of the Biden presidency, a filing from the Solicitor General in favor or opposed to the Supreme Court taking up this appeal is imminent.
If SCOTUS does so, how might the justices consider the constitutional questions at hand? Related air and water pollution cases suggest the oil companies have precedent on their side.
In 1987, the Rehnquist court decided in International Paper Company v. Ouellette that the Clean Water Act preempts a common-law nuisance suit filed in a Vermont court under Vermont law, when the source of the alleged injury was located in New York.
In 2011, the Roberts court unanimously reached a similar decision in a Clean Air Act case, American Electric Power Company v. Connecticut.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s opinion for the court then, that “it is primarily the office of Congress, not the federal courts, to prescribe national policy in areas of special federal interest,” applies today just the same.
Most recently, in 2021, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a federal district court decision in City of New York v. Chevron that a municipality cannot “utilize state tort law to hold multinational oil companies liable for the damages caused by global greenhouse gas emissions.”
As George Mason University legal scholar Donald Kochan argues, the 2023 Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that the City of Honolulu’s case could proceed creates just the kind of national legal dissonance that requires the US Supreme Court to step in.
Given the dispersed nature of the corporate actions in question, this is a federal matter, not a state matter. Hawaiians, like citizens of the other 49 states, are represented in House and Senate and can channel their political energy through federal legislation.
If this case goes forward in Hawaii, it will jeopardize the national commercial market and legal framework that makes America, despite it all, the best big country in the world for productivity, wealth creation, and widely-shared prosperity.
Jordan McGillis is the economics editor of City Journal.
WAIALUA (HawaiiNewsNow) – The free mobile medical clinic serving North Shore residents is relocating.
Starting Monday, March 30, the free mobile clinic, operated in partnership with the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and its Hawaii H.O.M.E. Project, will begin operating at Waialua District Park.
The clinic will continue offering free medical assessments and treatment Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians from Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, along with a nurse from the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement program, will work alongside doctors and medical students from the H.O.M.E. Project.
Officials said the clinic has treated nearly 100 individuals for illnesses and injuries related to the recent Kona low storms.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
When visiting Hawai‘i, a stay in one of its smaller towns allows visitors to get a true sense of life in the islands, where locals gather at coffee shops and neighborhood parks, or head to the beach to relax with family and friends. In Kailua, mornings can start with macadamia nut pancakes before heading out on the water, while in Waimea’s cooler slopes and pasturelands are the perfect backdrop for a bike ride or hike. Whether spending the day in a surf town or a quieter inland community, visitors will find friendly locals and plenty of community spirit in these neighborly towns.
Kailua, Oʻahu
Kailua, the largest town on the windward side of Oʻahu, is a perfect family-friendly destination that combines a laid-back island lifestyle with great food and gorgeous beaches. Kick off the day at Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen, a longtime local favorite known for its famous macadamia nut pancakes. Rent a kayak from Kailua Beach Adventures and take it for a spin in Kailua Bay’s calm waters. Avid kayakers will enjoy the paddle to the Mokulua Islands or to nearby Popoia Island (Flat Island). Afterward, enjoy shopping in Kailua Town and visit local favorites like the Fighting Eel boutique or Soha Living Kailua to find stylish Hawaiian clothing and home goods.
Waimānalo, Oʻahu
Some of Oʻahu’s most stunning beaches and mountain views can be found in sleepy Waimānalo on the island’s windward side. With a backdrop of the dramatic Koʻolau Mountains, the area is home to local farms like Waimānalo Country Farms, which hosts seasonal events like its popular fall pumpkin patch. Make sure to try their famous ‘Nalo lemonade when you visit! For panoramic views, hike the paved, family-friendly Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, where you may even spot whales between January and March. Grab an ‘ono (delicious) sandwich from Kalapawai Cafe & Deli – Waimanalo, then head to Hūnānāniho Beach (Sherwoods Beach), where the shorebreak is perfect for kids and adults to enjoy a bodyboarding session!
Paia, Maui
Paia is a laid-back surfer’s paradise on Maui’s North Shore known for its bohemian vibe and plantation-era roots. Peruse the Historic District, filled with art galleries, cafés, and local shops. Stop in at Heart in Paia, a cute boutique where you can buy handcrafted jewelry directly from the local artist. Just outside town, Baldwin Beach Park’s long stretch of beach is ideal for bodyboarding and long walks, often with sea turtles resting along its shore. A short drive away, Ho‘okipa Beach Park is world-famous for its windsurfing and big winter waves. Make sure to book a reservation at Mama’s Fish House for special occasions. Its seafood-heavy menu changes daily depending on what has been caught, and the desserts are top-notch! For more casual fare, Paia Fish Market Restaurant is a go-to for its seafood.
Kula, Maui
Situated on the slopes of Haleakalā, Kula is located in Maui’s Upcountry region, known for its cool climate and panoramic island views. Visit Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm to tour its scenic gardens filled with lavender, protea, and hydrangea. After your tour, visit the gift shop where you can pick up lavender-scented lotions and balms as well as a pack of the farm’s famous lavender scone mix. Nearby, Surfing Goat Dairy offers interactive tours where visitors can try everything from snuggling a baby goat to a hands-on milking experience. For a tranquil experience, stroll through Kula Botanical Garden, home to native plants, a koi pond, and an aviary. The high elevation of this area makes the air extra chilly, so remember your jacket!
Haleiwa, Oʻahu
Located on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Haleʻiwa is a vibrant surf town known for its massive winter waves, local boutiques, and casual food scene. For a refreshing treat, stop by Haleiwa Bowls for a popular açaí bowl. Just outside town, Shark’s Cove is a favorite summer snorkeling spot, with calm waters and rocky tide pools teeming with marine life. About 15 minutes away, Waimea Valley offers lush botanical gardens and the scenic Waimea Falls, where visitors can swim beneath a waterfall.
Hanalei, Kauaʻi
Located on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, Hanalei is a small town where surfers, artists, and taro farmers form a close-knit community. The town hugs Hanalei Bay, a two-mile stretch of beach framed by mountains and taro fields. Stroll along the iconic Hanalei Pier, a favorite spot for sunset views and photos over the bay. In town, pick up a coconut-flavored coffee from the Hanalei Bread Company and browse boutique shops along the main street. For a sweet treat, visit Holey Grail Donuts, known for its unique taro-based donuts fried in coconut oil.
Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island
Kamuela, commonly known as Waimea, is a paniolo (cowboy) town shaped by ranching history and named in honor of Samuel Parker of Parker Ranch. Its rolling green hills and cool climate set it apart from the rest of the island. Explore its verdant pastures by bike with a guided ride from Big Island Bike Tours, where you will learn about the region’s history along the way. Visit Anna Ranch Heritage Center for a glimpse into historic ranch life and the legacy of Hawaiʻi’s cowboys. For dining, Merriman’s Big Island highlights locally sourced ingredients in an upscale setting, while Hawaiian Style Cafe is beloved by locals for its hearty portions and famous haupia pancakes.
Honokaa, Hawaiʻi Island
Honokaa is a quiet former plantation town along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast. Explore the boutiques, galleries, and cafés that line the town’s main thoroughfare, Mamane Street. Just outside town, the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout offers breathtaking views of cliffs and waterfalls cascading into the valley below. For a closer look, book a seat on the Waipiʻo Valley Shuttle Tour, the only way to access the valley floor. Five minutes outside town, the Honokaʻa Chocolate Farm offers guided tours where you will learn the ins and outs of growing cacao and chocolate-making. Make sure to pick up one (or several) of their delicious chocolate bars to take back home with you! No visit to Honokaʻa is complete without a stop at Tex Drive-In for its famous malasadas and local-style plate lunches.
Captain Cook, Hawaiʻi Island
Captain Cook is a small South Kona town named after British explorer Captain James Cook. Visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, where you can learn about the town’s coffee-growing roots through an immersive experience as costumed workers demonstrate traditional coffee farming techniques in an open-air museum. Just down the hill, about a 10 to 15-minute drive, Kealakekua Bay offers some of the island’s best snorkeling and is home to the Captain Cook Monument, accessible by boat or via the challenging Kaʻawaloa Trail. Back in town, check out the historic Manago Hotel Restaurant, a family-run establishment that has been serving the local community since 1917. Make sure to try their famous pork chops!
Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi
Lānaʻi City is a quiet, close-knit, plantation-era town that once served as the headquarters of James Dole’s pineapple empire. At its center is Dole Park, a shady gathering place perfect for picnicking. A short walk along the nearby streets will take you past local boutiques and cafes. Plan a stop at the Blue Ginger Cafe for hearty local dishes or Coffee Works for pastries and coffee. Tour the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, located just one block from Dole Park, to learn more about Lānaʻi’s immigrant communities and rich agricultural history. About 20 minutes away, Hulopoʻe Bay features one of the island’s best beaches and access to the scenic Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) Trail. Hike this trail at sunset to catch a stunning view of the island’s coast.
Neighborhoods Like No Other
In these smaller towns, residents and visitors alike have the space to settle into the rhythm of the islands, enjoying gorgeous tropical views from the laid-back patio of a family-run farm or while strolling past local shops, coconut-flavored coffee in hand. Each stop reflects a different kind of neighborhood setting, from coastal communities to upland farming regions, where regional history, local businesses, and understated natural beauty shape these islands.
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