To solve the expression \( 8 - (-34) \), we first recognize that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Therefore, we can rewrite the expression as:
\[ 8 + 34 \]
Next, we perform the addition:
\[ 8 + 34 = 42 \]
Since 42 is greater than 0, the result is positive.
Thus, \( 8 - (-34) \) is positive.