Tahiti

Concerns over the construction of a three-story judging tower at a famous Tahiti surf break for the 2024 Paris Olympics sent a team of scientists from Hawaiʻi to Teahupoʻo. Construction has begun, but the timeline for completion remains uncertain. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi explains what the controversy has meant to the surfing and science communities.

Surfing's world governing body says it opposes the construction of a controversial new judges' tower for the 2024 Olympics event in Tahiti. Local residents and environmentalists fear it could permanently damage the coral reef. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

After weeks of controversy over possible environmental damages, a surfing site in Tahiti has been confirmed as the official venue for the Paris 2024 Olympics. But there will be some changes. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

A new plaque in front of a popular Waikīkī monument commemorates the story of four mahu healers from Tahiti who came to Hawaiʻi to treat diseases. The stones have endured years of neglect, including being buried under a bowling alley for over two decades until they were recovered in 1963. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society and the government of French Polynesia have signed a joint declaration calling for sustainable management and protection of the oceans.

After more than two weeks of delays, the crews on the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia voyaging canoes have departed Hilo for Tahiti. Unfavorable weather has been the culprit with easterly winds, squalls, and occasional downpours keeping crews docked at Palekai on Hawaiʻi Island.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departed from Oʻahu for Hilo on Monday — 11 days later than planned. The canoes have been stuck at Sand Island due to strong winds.

People call FestPAC, the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, a life-changing experience because of the immersion in Polynesian cultures it offers. HPR's Noe Tanigawa reports that preparations are already well underway for the next FestPAC in Honolulu.

There is a glaring irony of the pandemic: Countries like the island nation of Tonga that have managed to keep the virus at bay may be some of the last to recover from the economic impact.

France’s highest court has rejected an appeal filed by the former President of French Polynesia and 12 others in the so-called phantom jobs scandal. The…