Stories by Laurel Smith

Officials tout more enforcement, not new restrictions

LIHU‘E — The next step in tackling surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations will be increased enforcement and not tighter restrictions, Gov. David Ige and Mayor Derek Kawakami came together to say Friday at a press conference with fellow neighbor island mayors and law enforcement.

Kauaʻi Humane Society flies nearly 200 animals to Seattle

An EvoJets private charter departed from Lihu‘e Airport early Sunday morning with a very special passenger manifest. Apple, Olivander and Rigatoni were all on board when the Seattle-bound flight took off with 187 shelter animals — bringing 175 cats and 12 dogs about 2,700 miles closer to their forever homes.

Hanalei businesses have extra hills to climb

HANALEI — Signs of the labor shortage in Hanalei are everywhere. In just about every shopping center, the doors to several businesses are closed. “New operating hours” and “Help Wanted” notifications are posted up and down the street. Restaurants with long lines are having to turn would-be customers away.

2 lanes of highway to reopen soon

The state Department of Transportation announced that two lanes of traffic on Kuhio Highway will flow in and out of Hanalei starting Saturday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m.