Stories by Jessica Else

Organizations monitor COVID-19 spread

LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i officials said Monday there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Kaua‘i, but some on-island resorts say they’re starting to see cancellations, some people who work with the public are donning masks and there have been reports of busy lines at local stores.

Collapsing of the corals

While recent studies are projecting a dire future for coral reefs around the world, the Trump administration has made an agreement to increase habitat protections for several species.

eWIC moving to other islands

HONOLULU — Following the successful launch of an electronic benefit transfer card on Kaua‘i, the state Department of Health will now extend the benefit to Women, Infants and Children program participants on Tuesday, March 3, making access to healthy food more convenient and to ensure children have a healthy start in life.

COVID-19 triggers canceled flights, DOH warnings

HONOLULU — Several airlines are halting flights to regions in Asia in light of the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, and the state Department of Health is suggesting residents start planning and gathering supplies should an outbreak happen in Hawai‘i.

Kauai’s ‘Uncle Billy’ crash victim

HONOLULU — Officials have identified former Kaua‘i Fire Department Captain William “Uncle Billy” Enoka, 78, as one of the two passengers who died in the plane crash at Dillingham Airfield over the weekend.

Zero Waste Kaua‘i regroups

LIHUE — At local schools, events and gatherings Zero Waste Kaua‘i has become a routine presence, and as Kaua‘i County is taking a closer look at waste management strategies the organization is making changes as well.

Council considers polystyrene

LIHU‘E — A measure to ban most polystyrene food containers from Kaua‘i passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday and is set for public hearing Tuesday, March 25.

Boy Scouts file bankruptcy

LIHU‘E — Camping, cookouts and meetings will all continue as usual for the Hawai‘i chapters of Boy Scouts of America, even though BSA has filed bankruptcy protection.

High bacteria counts in 2019

LIHU‘E — More than half of stream mouths and surf spots around Kaua‘i tested by the citizen science branch of the Kaua‘i chapter of Surfrider Foundation had chronically high levels of bacteria in 2019.

Signs down in Maha‘ulepu

MAHA‘ULEPU — The state Department of Health has removed water quality warning signs from the area of the Waiopili Stream at Maha‘ulepu Beach because their tests show no significant health risk in the area.

Eradication unlikely

An invasive weed community members have been battling for years along the Kilauea River is creeping back along the banks, growing rapidly in a thick blanket of green that is known to take over the surface of lakes and slow-moving water.

Boosting Hawai‘i aquaculture

Aquaculture experts from around the nation converged in Honolulu Friday to explore Hawai‘i’s roots in marine aquaculture and contributions to the industry, which is projected to continue worldwide growth.

Lookin’ back at the good ole days

Hear stories about Hawaiian history in Hanapepe on Saturday during The Storybook Theatre of Hawai‘i’s fourth annual Hanapepe Old Timers’ Day, when storytellers come out to bring the good ‘ole days back to life.

Environment groups sue Trump administration

LIHU‘E — Several environmental groups are taking a different approach to preventing plastic pollution in the ocean by taking the matter to court under the Clean Water Act.