Hawaii is experiencing some of the most severe flooding in decades after a series of subtropical cyclones brought heavy, slow-moving storms to the islands. Torrential rains—reaching up to 30 inches in some areas—have submerged entire neighbourhoods, damaged hundreds of homes, and flooded farmlands, causing millions of dollars in losses. Forecasters warn that additional flash floods may hit in the coming days (Voiland 2026).

Tradition is one of the most powerful words in any debate about animal welfare. But being old does not make something right. Here is why that argument deserves more scrutiny than it usually gets.