Stories by Bethany Freudenthal

Vidinha has ideas for change on council

Kekaha resident and retired Army Ranger Harold Vidinha is running for Kauai County Council because he said people discuss problems among themselves, but nothing ever happens to bring forth change.

Remembering Amber Jackson

It’s been eight years since a local pig hunter discovered Amber Jackson’s remains in a remote part of Kealia. Her death was classified as a second-degree murder, but no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made.

Neighbor remembers homicide victim

On Thursday morning, Punee Road was quiet and peaceful. A gentle breeze bringing small white butterflies with it, whispered through coconut trees. Occasionally, neighborhood dogs could be heard barking.

Tupola touts vision for Hawaii

Gubernatorial candidate and member of the Hawaii House of Representatives Andria Tupola visited Kauai this week and spoke at a Kauai GOP luncheon in Kapaa and at a youth gathering in Kalaheo.

‘We need some help’

A Wailua couple is mourning the loss of their beloved service dog after he was injured and died while on a walk Friday on the Kealia path.

A measure of justice

Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said there are a few reasons why his office offered Darren Galas a plea deal in relation to the 2006 death of his estranged wife, Sandra Galas.

Voter numbers rising

LIHUE — In just more than two months, Kauai voters will head to the polls to vote in the primary election that will decide which candidates will move on to November’s general election.

Man charged in killing has outburst in court

The man charged with second-degree murder in the May 17 stabbing death of his mother while she worked at First Hawaiian Bank on Rice Street in Lihue maintained a not guilty plea Thursday in Fifth Circuit Court.

Emergency permitting bill passed

Due to April’s historic flooding and landslides that left many homes destroyed or damaged, the Kauai County Council passed an emergency bill Wednesday that would expedite the permitting process for impacted homesteads and residential and agricultural buildings.

Waters cited for infraction

Coco Palms developer Chad Waters was cited by the Department of Health in late March for a reported environmental infraction at his Sound Investments LLC development on Oahu.

24 in council race

By Tuesday’s filing deadline, 24 candidates had officially filed to run for the Kauai County Council, while seven filed for the mayor’s seat.

Fukushima seeks council seat

Educating people about the role of government in their lives and bringing them together is why Richard Fukushima says he is running for Kauai County Council.

Council OKs $218M budget

The Kauai County Council approved an operating budget of $218 million for fiscal year 2018-19, while the Capital Improvements Project Budget is set at $40 million.

Franks to run for council

Concern for many of the issues facing Kauai is why Eleele resident Victoria Franks is running for the Kauai County Council.

‘An absolutely great job’

Kauai Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman, 62, will hang up his hat and hose at the end of the year. Though he hasn’t given much thought about how he’ll spend his time once he retires, Westerman said he will be continuing with his community service and spending more time at the golf course.