County announces nearly $3M overhaul for public transportation
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Transportation Agency has undergone a nearly $3 million revamp of its public transportation system, as county officials announced this week they are set to receive 10 new buses, two new service trucks and a redesign of the agency’s logo.
Kaua‘i County Council debates ambulance contract controversy
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Council passed a resolution urging the state Department of Health (DOH) to continue with a longtime emergency service provider on Wednesday, Oct. 4, amid protests surrounding the decision to switch to a new provider.
Spec pilot about grandmothers looking to cast on Kaua‘i
LIHU’E — The producers of a possible new travel and food series centered around grandmothers are looking to cast an “extraordinary” Kaua‘i grandmother to fill a major role, as they consider shooting the spec pilot episode on the island later this fall.
Former county council candidate in legal trouble
LIHU’E — A former Kaua‘i County Council candidate, who allegedly abused a teenage family member earlier this year, appeared in Fifth Circuit Court on Tuesday, at which a date was set for him to either accept a guilty plea or head to trial.
County warns people of ‘aggressive’ shark at Brennecke’s Beach
LIHU’E — A sighting of a reportedly “aggressive” shark at Koloa’s Brennecke’s Beach on Wednesday afternoon led Kaua‘i ocean officials to advise people not to swim in the waters until Thursday afternoon when the area was reassessed as safe.
Council approves support staff funding
LIHU‘E — A budget allotment for the seven Kauai County Council members of $100,000 each for personal support staff sparked heated debate in Wednesday’s finance committee meeting, with the majority of council members accepting the funding.
Police await DNA results from human teeth found in Kalalau
LIHU‘E — More than 8 months after roughly a dozen partially decomposed teeth were discovered near the Kalalau trail, the Kaua‘i Police Department says the investigation is still ongoing — as DNA results have yet to be obtained.
Future of converting Kapa‘a housing development to affordable housing uncertain
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council members approved a resolution urging the county to acquire the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments last week, but the future of the complex as an affordable housing development remains unclear.
Fire season getting longer on Kaua‘i
LIHU’E — The Kaua‘i Fire Department will host a “fire prevention week” educational event next month, following the chief’s reports of an “increase in fires” on the island.
Longtime ambulance firm protests state’s decision
LIHU‘E — A longtime emergency service provider for Maui and Kaua‘i is protesting the state’s decision to award a contract to a new provider, as the newly selected organization maintains it is committed to getting a signed agreement in place and begin servicing Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i Gov. Green announces long-term recovery efforts for Maui
HONOLULU – Gov. Josh Green committed to restoring the devastated town of Lahaina under the guidance of residents in a Friday speech that marked one month since Maui’s deadly wildfires.
State reports decline in COVID cases
LIHU‘E — Data released by the state Department of Health shows the number of COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i declined this past week, but Kaua‘i District Health Officer Janet Berreman is planning for a seasonal spike in cases as winter approaches.
Koloa brush fire extinguished
KOLOA — County of Kaua‘i officials said a brush fire in Koloa was extinguished on Tuesday afternoon, roughly one week after two other fires broke out on the east side of the island.
School vice principals, educational assistants in line for pay hikes
Gov. Josh Green has announced plans to increase the salaries of educational assistants and vice principals in Hawai‘i public schools over the next two years, with the tentative agreement receiving the full support of state Department of Education Kaua‘i Complex Area Interim Superintendent Daniel Hamada.
Kaua‘i firefighters extinguish two eastside brush fires
Firefighters extinguished two brush fires that broke out on Kaua‘i’s eastside on Tuesday afternoon, County of Kaua‘i officials said.
Kilauea’s North Shore Medical Center accepting new patients
KILAUEA — The clinic manager at Kilauea’s North Shore Medical Center says people incorrectly believe the center is closing, following the recent announcement that the nearby Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance (KCHA) is shutting down.
Visitor mandate resolution falls apart
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council members on Wednesday proposed a resolution aiming to implement visitor requirements, including proof of a round-trip ticket or proof of employment in order for people to travel to Hawai‘i.
Koloa Rum Company raising money for Maui wildfire victims
LIHU‘E — The Koloa Rum Company is rallying behind relief efforts for Maui, announcing it will donate all online and in-store sales to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund during a one-day donation event on Saturday.
Affordable housing dilemma for County of Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo will introduce a resolution next month urging the county to buy the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments, following the state’s decision against purchasing the roughly $43 million development for affordable housing.
Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance closing clinic
KILAUEA — The head of the Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance (KCHA) has announced the North Shore medical provider will permanently close its doors in the coming weeks due to circumstances, including low insurance reimbursement rates and labor shortages.