Stories by Bethany Freudenthal

Sandra Mendonca Galas remembered as beautiful woman full of joy

May 15 would have been the 40th birthday for Sandra Galas. “She was kind, beautiful, and great at everything. She loved her kids and she was a great wife. I’ve got to say,” said Joanie Morita, who was Galas’ best friend. “For somebody to stand by and live what she lived through while she was here, takes an amazing person.

Back home again

Back home on Powerhouse Road in Wainiha, Katie Conant, her husband Blake and their five-month-old daughter Giovanna Ahu’ula, along with their two dogs, were happy.

Haena meals served with a side of aloha

Since record-setting floodwaters devastated the North Shore communities of Wainiha and Haena last month, the Haena Soup Kitchen has been serving residents warm, nourishing dinners with a side of love.

Catholic Charities seeks donations

Catholic Charities Hawaii is asking the public for donations to assist those who are in need of help due to the flooding on Kauai and volcanic activity on Hawaii Island.

Shivalik, a Kapaa treasure

There’s something about Indian and Pakistani food that’s comforting at Shivalik Indian Cuisine in Waipouli Town Center. The biryani is beautiful, the tikka is terrific and the masala is marvelous.

Good conquers bad in ‘Angel Street’

LIHUE — A Victorian-era setting, with relevance to today’s climate, is how Director Cass Foster describes Kauai Community Players’ last play of the season, “Angel Street,” that opens today.

Public wants expanded bus

The public had a lot to say Wednesday evening during a public meeting regarding improved bus service and the installation of new charging stations for electric cars across the island.

Korn deemed fit for trial

A man facing 21 counts in the alleged sexual assault of two women late last year in Koloa was found fit to stand trial Tuesday, in Fifth Circuit Court.

Flood relief efforts ongoing

It’s been nearly a month, since historic rainfall caused catastrophic flooding on Kauai, destroying homes and cars, killing livestock and initially leaving three North Shore communities isolated.

Talk Story with Rachel Lasky

If there’s one thing that’s been a constant in Rachel Lasky’s life, it’s music. At a young age, Lasky began studying viola, piano and voice, and even attended a performing arts high school for a year in Australia, where she’s a dual citizen.

Federal lawsuit filed against Coco Palms

A civil lawsuit has been filed in a Virginia federal court against the developers and architect rebuilding the Coco Palms Hotel in Wailua, citing alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act, desecration of graves and the prevention of religious freedom.

Southwest plans to fly interisland

Kauai residents will soon have another option to choose from when planning interisland travel. Southwest Airlines has announced that it intends to serve Hawaii non-stop from California airports, including Oakland, San Diego, San Jose and Sacramento, and will also be offering interisland flights.

Highway re-opens

A single lane of Kuhio Highway from Waikoko to Wainiha is opening to local traffic only beginning today. The road will be open to residents driving vehicles under 10,000 pounds and will be open on a limited basis between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., weather and conditions permitting.

Coco Palms case dismissed

A motion to dismiss a quiet-title case filed against Coco Palms Hui LLC was granted during civil proceedings Thursday in Fifth Circuit Court, but that’s not the end of the Coco Palms legal battle according to those involved.