Senate passes defense bill rescinding COVID vaccine mandate
WASHINGTON — A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense passed the Senate on Thursday and now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
North Korea performs key test to build more agile ICBM
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” as a key step toward building a new strategic weapons system, state media reported Friday, as the country pushes to develop more agile and powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to strike the U.S. mainland.
Peru judge orders 18-month detention for ousted president
LIMA, Peru — A Peruvian judge on Thursday ordered ousted President Pedro Castillo to remain in custody for 18 months, approving a request from authorities for time to build their rebellion case against him.
Brazil police serve search warrants over Bolsonaro protests
BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazil’s Federal Police began serving dozens of search warrants Thursday targeting supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro for blocking highways after his election loss, according to a statement.
Netanyahu, set to return to office, eyes deal with Saudis
JERUSALEM — Israel’s designated prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday vowed to seek full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia once he takes office, claiming that doing so would also promote peace with the Palestinians.
Data lacking on missing and murdered Native Hawaiian women
HONOLULU — The average profile of a missing child in Hawaii: 15 years old, female, from the island of Oahu and Native Hawaiian. That’s according to a report released Wednesday that says much more disaggregated racial and gender data is needed to combat the scourge of missing and murdered Native Hawaiian women.
Yasutake Bridge reopens in Wailua
Driving through Wailua Homesteads got a little less complicated for motorists on Wednesday.
Simple gifts would be warmly received
Kina is a 11-year-old female living in foster care after being abused by her father and sexually abused by another caregiver. She was moved to a safe and supportive home environment with her hanai mother and feels very supported while she heals from her traumatic experiences.
Obituaries for Thursday, December 15, 2022
• Charles ‘Charlie’ Takeo Moriguchi • Leslie Ann Agno Macadamia • Marcela Hambo Daoana
Kaua‘i County Council sets flat tax of $40,000 for Ni‘ihau
The Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday setting a flat property tax of $40,000 a year for the island of Ni‘ihau.
Voyagers strong in paddling
Island School paddling teams took first place in three of six events on Saturday during the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation distance regatta at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor that was pelted with strong trade winds.
Warrior, Voyager boys take Tuesday soccer
The results of Tuesday’s Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation boys soccer games sets up an interesting scenario for Saturday’s meetings.
Raiders, Menehune sweep boys hoops
The Kaua‘i High boys varsity basketball team outgunned Kapa‘a 19-12 in the final frame to take a 65-63 edge over the Warriors on Tuesday night during the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation boys basketball game at Kaua‘i High.
East Kaua‘i Lions party, give back to community
East Kaua‘i Lion John Ochoco, leading the invocation on Sunday during the EK Lions Club Christmas party, asked the audience to change “amen” to “we serve.”
Letters for Wednesday, December 14, 2022
• A more equitable society • Cable woes
HOOSER: Why citizens sue government
I was actually in the room when it happened, and could not believe what I was witnessing. In fact, I said that out loud at the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) hearing held on Oct. 28. There was a moment when I attempted to interject, saying, “I can’t believe members of the board are going to vote to renew permits allowing the use of public lands to an entity that did not exist.”
Credit union, others collect cash, gifts in return of Laulima program
Terri Kaniho of Gather Federal Credit Union said it has been such a long time since the credit union participated in the KHON2 Laulima event.
Centenarian celebrates on O‘ahu
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said Emiko Kuraoka’s life serves as an inspiration to her family, her students and her friends.
Victims of abuse ask for toys, any help
Lenny is a musician. He suffers from a physical disability and has a service animal to help him. He was chronically homeless for many years until he was helped by a church and referred to a permanent supportive housing program.
Warriors Wahine win both KIF basketball games at home
KAPA‘A — The Kapa‘a High School girls basketball program swept the Monday night series against Kaua‘i High School during the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation outing at Bernice Hundley Gym.
Kaua‘i in-person voting went Republican
LIHU‘E — If you only counted in-person voting, the midterm election would have been a red tsunami for Kaua‘i Republicans.
Happy Camper for Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Aloha, Attalia and Eric Alverdes of Pineapple Expressions, and coordinators for the Wailua Creators’ Fair, who will be winging to Seattle on Friday!
ERSOY: Why is dieting a never ending story? Part 3 — is insulin your enemy?
Why is dieting a never ending story? In the previous parts of this series I explained how the body will resist by changing hormones and slowing down the metabolism to either initially prevent you from losing weight or to trigger you to gain it back after losing it. This process is just our body trying to survive, it really doesn’t care how we may look in a certain outfit.
Obituaries for Wednesday, December 14, 2022
• Joan Beverly Hudson • Eleanor Labez Estenzo • Michelle ‘Michie’ Matsuko Perlas • Elpidio Manuel Guillermo
Biden signs gay marriage law, calls it ‘a blow against hate’
WASHINGTON — A celebratory crowd of thousands bundled up on a chilly Tuesday afternoon to watch President Joe Biden sign gay marriage legislation into law, a joyful ceremony that was tempered by the backdrop of an ongoing conservative backlash over gender issues.