Stories by Bethany Freudenthal

Voters to decide on term limits

The County Council, by a 5-2 vote Wednesday, opted to give voters the opportunity to decide whether or not to do away with term limits for councilmembers.

Committee approves TAT change

The state House of Representatives Finance Committee passed a bill Thursday that would increase Transient Accommodations Tax revenues for neighboring islands.

Term limit amendment to be voted on

Some key issues will be considered by the Kauai County Council Wednesday. A resolution charter amendment, if passed, would give Kauai voters the opportunity to vote on ending term limits for County Council members, who are currently limited to four, two-year terms.

Experts talk bike safety

Following a bicycle accident with injury this weekend, bike experts say alertness, visibility, predictability and assertiveness are the key for cyclists to avoid accidents.

Legislators oppose tax bill

A state House bill that would change the way counties receive revenue from the Transient Accommodations Tax was proposed by the Hawaii Council of Mayors, but it may not survive the session.

Overdose death leaves questions

For one Kekaha family, the reality of the nation’s drug crisis hit too close to home last year when they received a phone call — the kind no one hopes to receive.

A look at the island’s opioid crisis

America has a drug problem. In 2016, more than 2 million Americans had an addiction to prescription or illicit opioids, while 175 Americans died daily from drug overdoses. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury and death in the United States, according to national statistics.

Yukimura, Loo share stories that inspire youngsters

“Nevertheless, she persisted,” was the theme of a Women’s History Month event hosted by the Committee on the Status of Women. It was fitting. Two Kauai women, Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura and Fifth Circuit Per Diem Judge Laurel Loo, were honored for overcoming personal and professionalobstacles.

Coco Palms land dispute may continue

Defendants in the Coco Palms land dispute want to charge rent for the use of the Wailua land upon which the old hotel sits, and they’ve set the price tag at $200 million.

Healing center work on line

Since the groundbreaking of the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center in early January, progress has been made in road improvements and water lines.

Coco Palms livestock in limbo

Developer Chad Waters was on the Coco Palms property Friday. He had just finished feeding several animals and called the Kauai Humane Society regarding their conditions and removal.

Program targets drug houses

Because Kauai is a small community, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said it’s easy to know where the drug houses are, but it’s equally as difficult to build a case against a drug-trafficking ring.

Officials eye traffic solutions

Council Chair Mel Rapozo told state transportation officials Wednesday a decision has to be made about the Hanalei Bridge because it’s inadequate to meet rising traffic demands on the North Shore.