Damages $10M and rising
A joint preliminary damage assessment released Wednesday found the April flooding caused nearly $11 million in damages on Kauai.
Man sentenced in connection to murder
Clayton Kona, formerly of Waimea, was sentenced to five years in prison with credit for time served Tuesday for charges stemming from his involvement in the 2016 death of Jon Togioka of Kekaha.
Kekaha woman joins county council race
For over 40 years, Shirley-Simbre-Medeiros has called Kekaha home, but in that time, she said she has seen little change in some of the problems on the Westside, which is why she’s running forKauai County Council.
Judge denies request for retrial
A motion for a new trial in a murder case against Koma Texeira, formerly of Waimea, in connection with the 2016 shooting death of Jon Togioka, was denied.
Accupuncturists offer gift of service to North Shore community
Through hugs and healing hands, community healers are bringing hope to the traumatized North Shore. At the Hanalei Day Spa in Haena, flood survivors were offered a special gift in the midst of recovering from a storm that took so much from them. They were offered the gift of tranquility.
Kapaa restaurateur still cranking out meals for flood victims, volunteers
The first thing Karolyn Freuler of Kapaa thought of during April 15’s catastrophic flooding was that people were going to need food. So Freuler, who owns Kauai Pasta, started cooking. She hasn’t stopped since. “God has done amazing things and provided for everything,” she said last week.
Many glad to do all they can for beloved communities
Since flood relief efforts began, Moku Puulei Chandler of Hanalei has been at the forefront. He says he’s not alone. “Everyone’s just chiming in when they can and we’re so appreciative of the captains, the general public,” he said Thursday.
Council approves $5M for recovery
The Kauai County Council approved a $5 million emergency ordinance Wednesday to help pay for recovery from flooding that devastated much of the North Shore.
Kauai residents seem to like their cup of Joe
After recently moving to Lihue from Oahu with her husband to start a business, Michelle Dixon was on her way to work, when she stopped for her second cup of coffee that day.
Banana farm lost in flood
For the past three years, Leeundra Baltazar’s husband Andy has been cultivating something special on their land. After coming home from work as part of a maintenance crew at a hotel, he spent his time clearing about an acre and a half of their land near a river on Hauaala Road in Keapana Valley on Kauai’s Eastside.
Kapaa couple welcomes first child in middle of chaos
For one Kapaa couple, last weekend’s storm brought something more than just rain. Fallon Mann knew her first son wanted to be here as soon as possible. “That’s the feeling I got when I was pregnant, he wants to be here,” she said. “He’s excited to come, he’s not going to wait. He wants to be living already.”
Haena residents evacuate, recount surviving flood, are thankful for support
The grounds of the YMCA Camp Naue in Haena were buzzing with activity Wednesday afternoon. Food and household items were trucked in and out, and helicopters arrived bearing supplies and then evacuating residents.
Wainiha digs out
The devastation is all around in hard-hit Wainiha, but so is hope. On a riverbank just before the one lane bridge to Haena, a long line of boats waited their turn to drop off their loads Tuesday.
Community races to help
One thing is certain. When tragedy strikes on Kauai, the community comes together. At Ha Coffee Bar on Monday afternoon, donations were coming in. “We’ve already had several trucks leave,” said owner Kim Adams.
Family flees, sees house float past
Lea Weldon was home in Kalihiwai with her two twins, just under 3 years old, when the thunder started booming about 1 a.m. Sunday. When the rains followed, the waters rose fast. “We usually have three hours before it starts flooding,” she said. For the next few hours, she kept watch on the weather. At about 4 a.m., the water was half way up her car’s tires.
Attorney fees approved for EEOC lawsuit
A lawsuit between Kauai Police Department Assistant Chief Mark Begley and the County of Kauai is garnering another $100,000 in legal fees in a battle that’s been ongoing since 2012.
Science makes the world go round
Braving the rain and cool weather, about two dozen people from all over Kauai joined forces Saturday in support of science. “The March for Science is a celebration of science. It’s not only about scientists and politicians, it is about the very real role that science plays in each of our lives,” said one march organizer, Nancy Kanna, with the Hawaii Alliance for Science.
The Butcher and The Fisherman opens in Lihue
For over a decade, one Kalaheo man dreamed of owning his own business, but it wasn’t until his 41st birthday in late November that his dream became a reality.
County planning lawsuit against opioid industry
The County of Kauai is planning on pursuing a lawsuit against the manufacturers, marketers and distributors of opioids. The lawsuit is reminiscent of lawsuits against big tobacco companies and, once filed, Kauai County will be the first county in the state to pursue this type of litigation in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Group gathers on ‘Equal Pay Day’ to urge equality for women
In Hawaii, women earn about 80 cents to every dollar a man earns. For indigenous Hawaiian and immigrant women, that percentage drops even more.