Stories by Bill Buley

Heroism, harrowing escapes as fire destroys California town

A fast-moving wildfire that ravaged a Northern California town Thursday sent residents racing to escape on roads that turned into tunnels of fire as thick smoke darkened the daytime sky, wiping out what a Cal Fire official said was a couple of thousand structures.

LGBT triumphs: 2 governorships, at least 9 seats in Congress

On the East Coast, West Coast and in heartland states between them, LGBT candidates scored a raft of notable midterm election victories — winning two governorships, at least nine seats in Congress, and their first-ever legislative seats in Indiana, Kansas and Nebraska.

Rapozo falls short

LIHUE — The atmosphere at Council Chair Mel Rapozo’s campaign headquarters was festive Tuesday night. People weretalking, smiling, enjoying dinner, listening to music, and hoping their candidate for mayor of Kauai would pull off an upset.

Leho Drive paving pau

The repaving of Leho Drive in Wailua was completed Tuesday and the northbound lane of Kuhio Highway and the north entrance to Leho Drive is open motorists.

Time for love to shine

Shortly after the slaying of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, the Rev. Patrick Feren of the Center for Spiritual Living in Kapaa was asked this question: Are you going to lock your doors now? His answer: Absolutely not.

‘This brings joy to children’

When Rayven Hockett’s Hanalei home was damaged in the April flooding, Samaritan’s Purse responded. Crews ripped out and replaced walls and floors and restored it so she could return. “They saved my house. It was incredible,” Hockett said. “It was quite badly damaged.” Saturday, she returned the favor.

Once again, beautiful and brilliant

Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala Ho‘ike 2018 sold out early. Way early. We’re talking months before this Saturday, Oct. 27 show, tickets were gone. To get tickets, you pretty much had to know somebody. You couldn’t find one anywhere. It seems each year these tickets are more and more in demand and they are gone sooner than the previous year.

Signs of the times

I am an almost daily user of Ke Ala Hele Makalae. From this path, I’ve watched whales, admired sunsets and sunrises, walked dogs, and stopped to give directions. I’ve met great people, carried out good deeds, gave thanks for the trade winds, waved to lifeguards and enjoyed spectacular runs.

‘Never again’

One by one, six candles began to glow Sunday night for the estimated six million Jewish people who died at the hands of Nazi Germany in World War II.