Stories by John Steinhorst

Ocean safety for all

Ocean safety education is essential in the Hawaiian Islands, especially for visitors unfamiliar with potentially life-threatening currents.

Safe Routes To School on the march again

As a bridge-builder between residents and policy makers, Get Fit Kauai is helping promote healthier and safer communities across the island. A program of the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the coalition established the Safe Routes To School (SRTS) Task Force in 2009, promoting physical activity through policy change, programs and projects.

Auto parts giant comes to Kauai

AutoZone opened its first store on the Garden Isle on Wednesday. The auto parts retail giant moved into Waipouli Town Center in Kapaa, alongside other well-known companies including Foodland, McDonald’s and Sherwin Williams.

Talk Story: Bob Schleck

Newly installed president of the Kauai Historical Society, Bob Schleck, has a passion for preserving the island’s history.

SANS Institute brings cybersecurity program for prep girls

Hawaii is partnering with the SANS Institute to bring the first major cybersecurity program, specifically for high school girls, to the islands. Gov. David Ige is encouraging high school girls to participate in GirlsGoCyberStart, the program designed for girls who may be interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Inclement weather forces closures

Due to inclement weather conditions and unpredictable river height levels, schools, parks and the landfill were closed Friday. Hanalei School was closed and, as a precaution, students attending Kapaa Middle and Kapaa High School who reside in Hanalei, Wainiha and Haena were released early.

Feelin’ Alright

One Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will be “Feelin’ Alright” in Kauai on Feb. 9 during “The Very Best of Dave Mason” tour.

Coverup in Kapaa

Artists spent three days creating a 40-foot-long mural depicting the island’s character on a wall fronting the oceanfront bike path in Kapaa Town — only to paint over it a week later.

Guitar festival to bring workshops, performances

Invented and popularized in Hawaii in the late 19th century, lap steel guitar continues to strike a note in the hearts of islanders. The third annual Kauai Steel Guitar Festival is Friday and Saturday at the Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach, with a pre-festival jam session at Keoki’s Paradise in Poipu Thursday evening.

Kouchi declines LG post

State Senate President Ronald Kouchi is not interested in taking over as the state’s lieutenant governor. Kouchi, of Lihue, is first in line for the post vacated when Shan Tsutsui resigned this week to join a lobbying and public affairs firm.

Medeiros is a nationally certified teacher

One educator from Kauai is really inspiring her students, as well as her colleagues. Kauai High School’s Erin Medeiros was among 56 teachers from public and charter schools throughout Hawaii to earn National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification this year.

High price of smoking

A 67-year-old Koloa man smokes almost a whole pack of Kool Blues menthol cigarettes every day, at home and during work breaks.

YWCA brings sexual harassment to the forefront

Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, anytime. The “Me Too” movement, gaining momentum on Kauai and nationwide since its start in 2006, advocates for awareness, prevention and change, as well as bringing empathy to survivors.

Artwork strengthens community connections

Two artists are painting the town red — as well as a rainbow of other bright colors. Last week, Hawaii artists Dan Madsen and David Flores created a colorful mural along the oceanfront bike path in Kapaa.

A spiritual and tactical talk is Sunday

Hawaii’s recent missile scare unsettled many residents. A leading expert in this field, Lt. Cmdr. Adam Goldberg of the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility, will be giving a public talk regarding the potential threat on Sunday.