U.S. dismisses Chinese objections to South China Sea mission

BEIJING — The U.S. Navy on Tuesday dismissed Beijing’s protests over a “freedom of navigation operation” conducted near a Chinese-held island in the South China Sea, in the latest incident drawing new attention to one of the world’s potential military flashpoints.

Homebound Iris loves music

Iris is 74 years old, who lives alone on a fixed monthly income. Iris has no children of her own and depends on friends and neighbors to help with things like baths, shopping, meal prep, house cleaning, etc.

Hawaii Gov. Ige looks back on coronavirus, tourism shutdown

HONOLULU — As Hawaii’s governor, David Ige faced a volcanic eruption that destroyed 700 homes, protests blocking construction of a cutting-edge multibillion-dollar telescope and a false alert about an incoming ballistic missile. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism shut down and Hawaii’s unemployment rate soared to 22.4%.

Menehune run to state title

Separated by a big stretch of ocean, the pride and fever of Waimea High School’s “historic” 45-6 victory for the First Hawaiian Bank Hawai‘i High School Division II state football championship was felt at home on Saturday evening.

Many women struggling to get by

Bailey is a single female, who is struggling to make ends meet. Bailey has experienced some hard times during her life, and struggled through the pandemic and being isolated. Bailey is unable to work due to health reasons, but is hopeful she can find work from home opportunities.

October: Strong hotel revenue, occupancy

A banner month for passenger counts at Lihu‘e Airport proved fruitful for the local hotel industry, which put up strong revenue and occupancy numbers in October.

Lights On Rice returns Friday

Harvey Maeda and the Kaua‘i Classic Cars will be fully decorated on Friday when The Rotary Club of Kaua‘i presents the Lights On Rice holiday parade along Rice Street.

Storytellers in spotlight in Nawiliwili

A volunteer and community-driven event gathering storytellers from all walks of life to share their insights in a talk-story format unfolded on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Eyes Wide Open Production Theatre in Nawiliwili.

Celebrating small businesses

PUHI — The line of cars patiently waiting for parking at the Grove Farm Market was a testament to the success of small businesses on Saturday during the national Small Business Saturday campaign.

Single mom asks for toys for toddler, gift cards

Elaine is a single mom to a toddler and cannot afford child care, and because of this is unable to work. Elaine tries what she can to bring in extra income, but finds it difficult for it to be consistent.

All Ears mediators provide free listening service

LIHU‘E — Sometimes people just want to be heard. Conrad Welti saw the value in listening while serving as a mediator at Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, which works with people in a variety of interpersonal disputes.

Shop online for the holidays and beyond

KAPA‘A — Coinciding with holiday shopping, and particularly Small Business Saturday shopping, the Kapa‘a Business Association announced the recent launch of its online, local shopping resource, the Shop on Kaua‘i Website, kbakauai.org/shop-on-kauai.

Happy Camper for Sunday, November 27, 2022

“Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?” Bill Spitz and the “Friday gang” braved the Black Friday crowd to have their morning session at the Kukui Grove Center food court (they said the action was happening at the Deja Vu Surf Hawai‘i tent). Yes, Sara Miura, Santa did come — scored one of those collectible first customers shirt!

Kaua‘i road closures for the week of Nov. 27 – Dec. 2

KAPA‘A — The County of Kaua‘i announced that portions of Mailihuna, Hau‘a‘ala and Kawaihau roads will be closed and detours put in place from Monday to Friday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the ongoing construction of a new five-way intersection.

CRITTER: Meet ‘ulae the orangemouth lizard fish

Out on the coral reef fish have to look big and tough so they don’t get eaten by larger predator fish. A small fish can have large sharp teeth to protect itself but those teeth may or may not help them in finding food. There has to be a balance between feeding and protection and ‘ulae the lizard fish has developed a way to have both by developing false teeth.