Hawaii’s centuries-old sea arch collapses into Pacific after series of rough storms
Hōlei sea arch, formed 550 years ago by erosion from ocean waves, no longer standing, National Park Service confirms
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Read the original articleThe Guardian · theguardian.comOur verdict
Political lean
0 = center. The further from 0, the stronger the lean (max 10).
Reporting balance
How complete and even-handed the reporting is — separate from which side it leans.
The article begins as a factual and well-sourced report on the natural collapse of the Hōlei sea arch in Hawaii. However, the latter half of the content consists of a lengthy, highly partisan fundraising appeal that frames the publication's financial needs within the context of current US political conflicts, significantly detracting from the neutrality of the piece.
Key Findings
- 1The article shifts from objective environmental reporting into a polemical appeal regarding press freedom and political conflict in the United States.
- 2The transition is abrupt: 'At this dangerous time... We hope you appreciated this article... can we ask you to support the Guardian?'
Dimension Breakdown
Cites National Park Service and USGS, providing solid official data.
The reporting on the arch is neutral, but the article abruptly transitions into a highly partisan, activist-style fundraising pitch.
Geological and historical context for the arch's collapse is well-documented.
The reporting covers the event well, but the appended editorial content introduces perspectives unrelated to the actual news story.
The headline accurately describes the news event.
Provides good context regarding the physical erosion of the landmark.
Missing Perspectives
- The appeal for funding links the collapse of a geological feature to a broad political narrative that is not inherently supported by the geological facts provided in the first half of the text.
Highlighted Passages
“According to a leading global watchdog, US democracy is now more imperiled than at any point since the 1960s.”
“Most recently, Donald Trump banned CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House, in retaliation for “negative” coverage.”
Key Facts
- The Hōlei sea arch in Hawaii’s Volcanoes national park collapsed into the Pacific Ocean between September 23 and 27, 2026.
- The arch was approximately 90ft high and estimated to be 550 years old.
- The National Park Service noted the arch had been unstable for years due to volcanic activity and tropical storms.
- Tropical Storm Nolo, which hit the islands in late September 2026, was the third major storm to affect Hawaii in recent months.
- The US Geological Survey stated in 2014 that the arch was subject to natural erosion and would eventually disappear.