Clean elections bill quietly dies
A lot can change in the blink of an eye.
Hawai‘i ‘clean elections bill’ gutted at last moment
LIHU‘E — State legislators made significant last-minute revisions this week to a bill aimed at publicly financing elections, transforming what would have been a radical shift in Hawai‘i’s politics into a one-year pilot program missing half of its funds.
Kaua‘i County Council scrambles for landfill alternatives
The Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved efforts to seek new ways of managing Kaua‘i’s solid waste — including burning trash — as the island’s landfill rapidly nears capacity.
University of Hawai‘i, partners receive $5.1M to combat marine debris
LIHUE — The University of Hawai‘i and its partners have been awarded more than $5.1 million in federal grants to address rampant marine debris issues across the Hawaiian Islands.
Mural art brings life to Kaua‘i’s bus shelters
Commutes on Kaua‘i just got a lot more colorful.
Kaua‘i Department of Water announces $21.7M system improvements project
KALAHEO — The Kaua‘i Department of Water announced this week it’s undertaking a $21.7 million plan to replace water mains and storage tanks in Kalaheo.
‘This is a paradigm shift’ — coastal species found living, reproducing on deep ocean plastics
Even on a garbage patch in the middle of the ocean, life finds a way.
DLNR proposes to drain Wailua Reservoir
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing to drain the Wailua Reservoir and breach the dam after finding that neglected maintenance could threaten the lives of nearby residents if no action is taken.
Hawai‘i Dinosaur Volleyball Tournament brings out sport’s best
This weekend, Kalapaki Bay’s partying like it’s 65 million B.C.
High bacteria counts found across Kaua‘i waterways
LIHUE — Environmental organization Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force found high levels of bacteria throughout Kaua‘i’s waters this month, raising alarms over possible fecal contamination of the island’s streams and surf sites.
Hawai‘i ‘clean elections’ bill nears endgame
LIHU‘E — The state of Hawai‘i could be weeks away from a radical reenvisioning of politics in the state, as a bill to facilitate full public financing of state and county campaigns awaits debate over final changes by the state Legislature.
Motion to intervene filed against KIUC rate hike
LIHU‘E — Local activist group Friends of Maha‘ulepu has filed a motion to intervene in the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s request to increase electric rates by an average 9.42 percent.
Kaua‘i’s skate scene finds its bearings
As Elephit Skate-N-Surf Shop roars on with its recently opened second shop in Hanapepe, Kaua‘i’s growing skate scene shows no sign of stopping.
Kaua‘i County Council, mayor’s administration clash over homelessness solutions
LIHU‘E — Stark differences in opinion between the mayor’s administration and Kaua‘i County Council were made apparent this week, as a request for a $19.3 million County Housing Agency budget dissolved into a debate over homelessness solutions.
Aquatic drones to scan Hawai‘i’s coastlines for climate change impact on coral reefs
The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, in partnership with several scientific organizations, has released three aquatic drones into Hawai‘i’s waters, where the drones are embarking on a journey around the main islands in an effort to assess climate change’s impact on the state’s coastal waters.
Kaua‘i Fire Department seeking $450k to reduce drownings
LIHU‘E — Following five drownings over the course of five months, the Kaua‘i Fire Department is seeking more than $450,000 to increase staffing and coverage for its Ocean Safety Bureau operations.
Hawaiian Air unveils net-zero emissions plan
A greener Hawaiian Airlines is taking flight.
Community clashes over KIUC rate proposal
When electric bills increase, sparks are sure to fly.
Kauai getting $78K for wildfire preparedness
The County of Kaua‘i is receiving $78,000 in federal funds as part of a $197 million nationwide effort to mitigate wildfire risks in the midst of an ongoing wildfire crisis.
Hawai‘i gun control bill moves forward
LIHU‘E — A bill aimed at restricting who can obtain firearm permits and where they can carry them passed its second reading in the state House of Representatives, moving it one step closer to becoming law.