Stories by John Steinhorst

McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii GM to retire

Veronica Kaneko retired from her post as president and general manager of McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii effective March 31, closing out a 41-year career that began in 1977 when she was hired as a part-time crew member at McDonald’s of Pearlridge.

Hunting for Easter joy

Smiling keiki danced to music and skipped around the grassy fields at Vidinha Stadium while swinging colorful baskets in search of sweet treats.

Kauai musician picks up where he left off

Sashamon is ready to share his music with the world. Again. The Anahola resident, also known as Sasha Spiller-Reiff, took a break from the high-paced music life he was headed into nearly a decade ago with the release of his first album. With the worldwide popularity of his self-produced album, “Someday Maybe,” he continues to get more than 100,000 plays a week on Spotify.

Kekaha credit union gets help

Kauai’s small local credit unions serve customers like family members. However, larger outside banks are noticing the island’s robust financial growth, and mergers threaten to change the financial landscape.

Island has 6 credit unions

Small, locally operated credit unions provide personal service. All locally founded, the island’s six credit unions serve only Kauai. With more than 55,000 members and over 50 community volunteers on their boards and committees, the total assets of locally born Kauai credit unions is $800 million combined.

Island School senior organizes community service fair

One Kauai student is helping others connect with the community through volunteer service. Island School senior Emily Sullivan organized a community service fair Tuesday. About 180 students from Island School, Kauai High and Hawaii Technology Academy attended the fair at the Wilcox Gymnasium on Island School’s Puhi campus.

When it rains, it pours

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s automated rain gauge at Mount Waialeale reported more than 14 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period on Wednesday. The North Wailua Ditch gauge reported more than three inches in the same period, and Hanalei received about two inches.

State budget approved

The House of Representatives unanimously approved the State budget yesterday, which appropriates funds for operating government and capital improvement projects for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

Spring Slack Key Day Wednesday in Kapaa

Celebrate family music at a special event this week. The 2018 Spring Slack Key Day festival will bring local musicians and families together Wednesday to share their love of Hawaiian-style music, in the campus of All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapaa.

Ledesma a top producer for HomeBridge

A Lihue mortgage loan originator has been named one of the top producers in the state. Kauai’s Lisa Ledesma and the Big Island’s Ronnie Strickler were recognized as February’s top producers, according to HomeBridge Financial Services in Hawaii.