Stories by Jessica Else

Nourishing body and soul

Hosting guided tours is just one of the many ways Michelle Lemay nurtures herself and her community. It’s a way to preserve the island and spread aloha at the same time.

Fresh bread, healthy sandwiches

Smells of savory soups and fresh bread dominate the corner of Kukui Grove Center next to Macy’s, where more often than not you’ll find loaves just out of the oven and a line out the door.

Ministry and watercolor

For years painting watercolors of Hawaii’s flowers kept the Rev. Alan Akana connected to his home, even though he was traveling all over the United States working in ministry.

Kauai shrugs off shutdown

While some federal programs are screeching to a halt as a result of the ongoing government shutdown, life on Kauai is pretty much business as usual.

North Shore highway could reopen early next year

Two more convoys have been added on Kuhio Highway for access between Waikoko and Wainiha for the New Year’s holiday, and the state Department of Transportation says repairs to the severely damaged road are on schedule.

Volunteers free animals, clean beaches and ocean

Turtles, starfish, crustaceans and other fish were all freed from a floating mass of net and rope at Poipu’s Koloa Landing recently, just one of several large masses that have landed on the radar of Surfrider Kauai’s Net Patrol in December.

Hands-on science

Picking up beach trash and studying turbidity, students on Kauai are diving into science through hands-on projects that are helping them make both learning and life connections.

Operation Holiday Cheer

Sixteen people decided to give back to the community in a different way on Christmas Day, and instead of just cutting a check to a local charity, they took another step and put food in empty bellies.

Navy training continues

The U.S. Navy is moving forward with training and testing in Hawaii-Southern California waters after re-evaluating potential environmental impacts of their activities.

It’s a wrap at Nihoku

More than 100 threatened and endangered seabirds have fledged from the Nihoku restoration site within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in the past four years.

Series to focus on mental disorders

LIHUE — Kauai volunteers will sponsor a NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program specifically for families of persons diagnosed with serious mental illness. The free series of classes will start in Lihue on Jan. 7. The class will meet on Monday and Thursday evenings. Each class will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and the series will end Feb. 14.

Spay Pod perfected

Animal Balance’s new semi-mobile spay and neuter pod is opening its doors to the public the first week in January.

New harbor rules trigger concern

New rules for harbors approved by Gov. David Ige are triggering concern and celebration from the Kauai community as amendments target feral cats and boat mooring.

Fence extended for safety

Three months after a chainlink fence was put up in front of the trailhead at Queen’s Bath, a well-worn path leads around the end of it and connects with the main trail.

More Rapid Ohia Death found

Scientists have discovered the more aggressive form of Rapid Ohia Death in three trees behind Kalalea Mountain on Kauai, and they’re moving fast to respond.

Annual Wahine Fest is today

Music, mimes and speakers talking about sustainability and the feminine principal will be at Lydgate Park today for the ninth annual Wahine Fest, starting at 4 p.m at the main pavilion.