Stories by Bethany Freudenthal

Public weighs in on North Korean treaty resolution

The public had a lot to say at Wednesday’s Kauai County Council meeting, after a resolution was introduced urging the United States to conduct diplomatic talks with North Korea withthe goal of signing a peace treaty.

Koloa man accused of assaulting two women

A motion for an examination of mental fitness and capacity to stand trial was accepted in Fifth Circuit Court Tuesday regarding a man accused of sexually assaulting two adult females late last year in Koloa.

Safadago cases continue

A plea offer made to a defendant facing numerous charges in two separate cases was rejected over the weekend. Additionally, a scheduled jury trial scheduled Monday for one of the charges was continued.

Kauai YWCA has been assisting victims since 1921

Since its founding in 1921, one Kauai organization has worked tirelessly to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for the community. The YWCA is a worldwide organization with each entity unique to the community it serves.

Council hears update on Kukuiula roads

At Wednesday’s County Council committee meeting, a briefing on the status of the Lopaka Paipa Boulevard connector road to Ala Kalankaumaka, via the Koloa Estates Subdivision, was heard.

Plea deal may end manslaughter case

A plea bargain has been offered to the defendant in a fatal hit-and-run accident, but as of presstime Friday it had not been accepted. Appearing with his attorney Melinda Mendes before state Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano, Cody Safadago listened as Valenciano explained to him what was happening with his case.

Occupiers remain at Coco Palms

Occupiers remain on Coco Palms property under their own direction. Last week, District Court Judge Michael Soong ordered co-defendants Noa Mau-Espirito and Kamu “Charles” Hepa off the Wailua land they and a group have been occupying for nearly a year.

Murder charge reduced

A Kauai man pleaded no contest Monday to the reduced charge of assault in the first degree in the death of his wife 12 years ago.

Kagawa: End council term limits

A resolution that would end term limits for County Council members could be on the ballot in August. The amendment was proposed Wednesday by Council Vice Chair Ross Kagawa.

Hit-and-run suspect released

A 59-year-old Hanamaulu man was taken into police custody Jan. 20 in connection with the apparent hit-and-run crash on Jan. 11, critically injuring a girl as she walked to the bus stop that morning for school.

Hawaiian language spoken during Coco Palms trial

During opening arguments at the Coco Palms civil trial that recently wrapped up in Judge Michael Soong’s District courtroom, defendant Kamu “Charles” Hepa gave a commanding oration defending his right to sacred land in Wailua in the Hawaiian language.

Woman guilty of assault on baby

A Kauai woman, Michelle Galvez, was found guilty during a bench trial Thursday in Fifth Circuit Court of assault in the second degree.

Kauai’s adds another sister city

After a heated debate at Wednesday’s county council meeting, a resolution inviting the City of Davao, Philippines into a sister city relationship with the County of Kauai was approved.

Coco Palms occupiers have 5 days to leave

District Court Judge Michael Soong ruled in favor of development company Coco Palms Hui on Tuesday and ousted a group that has claimed interest in a plot of land in Wailua for nearly a year. The Native Hawaiian occupiers have five days — until 6 p.m. Sunday — to leave the land.

Lawmakers: Ige speech lacks details

Affordable housing, creating quality jobs, education and traffic were top priorities Gov. David Ige spoke of during his State of the State address Monday from the State Capitol in Honolulu.

County leaders reflect on 2017 accomplishments

With 2017 now past, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. and some Kauai County Council members took time to reflect on accomplishments over the past year. Breaking ground on the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center is at the top of the list for Carvalho, who said it took a lot of energy and commitment from the community and dedication from all levels of government.