Stories by Jessica Else

False missile report calls for changes

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has recommended changes tostrengthen the nation’s emergency alert system after Hawaii officials sent a false ballistic missile alertthroughout the state in January.

Whale, where are they?

Hawaii is seeing fewer humpback whales during the December through May season when the marinemammals migrate from their Alaskan fishing grounds to winter in warmer waters.

Weigh in on fishing licenses

Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that doesn’t require licenses or fees for recreational fishing, butofficials are considering changing that.

Clean cosmetics

Wilcox Elementary kindergarten teacher Mia Belluche has been on a lifelong mission searching for natural beauty and organic skincare products.

Ghost gear a growing threat

There’s more haunting the humpback whale migration from Alaska to breeding grounds in Hawaii than shipwrecks — ghost gear also litters the 6,000-mile journey.

Friday frenzy

LIHUE — In the midst of a milling Black Friday mob, Perrin Owens and Belinda Stevens chipped out a corner ofspace in the Walmart electronics section and studied a copy of “Sims 4.”

On the edge of change

LIHUE — Next-level hurricanes, intense heat waves, death for corals and habitat loss for rare species are allpotentials for the next hundred years, as well infrastructure wipe-out from a 3.2-foot sea level rise, accordingto scientists.

Dive for plastic

Seasport Divers is partnering with the Kauai Surfrider Foundation to do an underwater debris cleanup at Koloa Landing, one of Kauai’s popular dive and snorkel locations.

A table with a view

Sea breezes and eggs Benedict draw patrons to Sam’s Ocean View on Kuhio Highway in Kapaa, but it’s not just the drinks that are flowing through the second-story dining room.

Riding that wave

Aaralyn Anderson lands on Kauai about once a year to help out at the family property in Poipu and to snag at least one shave ice from Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee in Old Koloa Town.

Errands and exercise

Jan Miyamoto lives near Rice Street and just started walking a loop through the area, stopping often to enjoy the sugarcane display in the Hardy and Umi streets roundabout.

Verde closes in Kapaa

Kapaa Town is down a taco joint after Verde Kapaa decided not to renew its lease in the Kapaa Shopping Center and closed Saturday.

Big Island Dairy closing

Those concerned about opening a dairy in the Mahaulepu valley started celebrating Tuesday after Big Island Dairy owners announced they’ll be shutting down operations on Hawaii Island.

Detour taking toll

For seven months, residents on Kauai’s North Shore have been using a one-mile-long, pitted detourfrom Kuhio Highway to Kahiliholo Road to get in and out of their homes.

Suki’s safe

Muddy trails threw a wrench into the weekend for Kauai Humane Society pup Suki, who ran away intothe Sleeping Giant area after a field trip took a slippery turn.

Community blessings

Senaida Sagucio was clapping her hands and singing along with the music at King’s Chapel Harvest Fest Sunday afternoon. “I’m so happy. I like it,” she said.

Water stations on the way

Water bottle filling stations are on their way to Kokee, Haena and Wailua, thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris program, but it’s going to take some time for them to land.

Four arrested following Kapaa crash

Ken Posney decided to go on a road trip Friday morning to stretch his legs and rustle up some adventure. He made it to Ono Family Restaurant from his Koloa home and was settling into breakfast when adventure nearly crashed into him — in the form of a high-speed chase that ended in front of the restaurant.