Officials: Decline cases, high test positivity
While the county’s once again seeing a down-trend in COVID-19 infection case counts, it leads the state in per-population case rates and test-positivity rate.
Groups put county, state on notice for Westside ditch draining
KEKAHA — Environmental watchdog groups have put the County of Kaua‘i on notice for seemingly violating federal permit requirements when it comes to discharging stormwater containing pollutants into Westside waters.
Four Kaua‘i women receive PEO grants to continue education
Brittany Vilpe of Waimea was searching for scholarships to assist in pursuing her master’s degree when she came across one offered by a new organization on Kaua‘i.
County of Kaua‘i ‘troubled’ by lessee’s pollution on Waimea 400 land
WAIMEA — The County of Kaua‘i was unaware that a lessee on its Waimea 400 land was polluting state waters.
Boosters not required for visitors; State’s Safe Travels program continues
LIHU‘E — Mayor Derek Kawakami supports Gov. David Ige’s latest decision to not mandate booster shots to be considered “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 when it comes to the state’s Safe Travels program.
Test positivity at 18.3% on Kaua‘i
“We’ll start with some good news this week,” Mayor Derek Kawamai said Monday during the county’s weekly COVID-19 briefing. “COVID case numbers continue to drop on our island and statewide.”
CKMS 6th grader tops Spelling Bee
LIHU‘E — After 36 rounds and nearly two and a half hours of spelling, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School sixth-grader Drezdin Taylor had one more word to spell.
Community continues to back Malama Hule‘ia efforts at fishpond
NIUMALU — Nonprofits Malama Hule‘ia and the Trust for Public Land have raised nearly $190,000 through its community fundraising campaign for the Alakoko “Menehune” Fishpond.
NOAA, DLNR, USCG work to free entangled whale
As of Monday, the adult humpback whale first spotted off Po‘ipu in mid-January has had between 2,300 and 2,500 feet of heavy-gauge line removed from its body, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported.
Kaua‘i weekly case count decreasing
In the last week, Kaua‘i has averaged about 158 new COVID-19 infections a day, officials reported Monday.
Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce installs latest president, board
In its first live event in over two years, the Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce invited members to celebrate each other and the organization during its awards and installation gala.
COVID test giveaways continue, 222 new cases Thursday
KAPA‘A — The county anticipated a large turnout for its distribution of at-home COVID-19 tests in Kapa‘a, and that anticipation was right.
County of Kaua‘i begins distribution of free at-home COVID-19 tests
Free COVID-19 home test kits ran out within a half hour at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center, where the county, in partnership with the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office, began its distribution of about 15,000 kits islandwide.
Igne pleads not guilty to all counts
LIHU‘E — A Lawa‘i driver involved in a fatal two-vehicle crash on Kaumuali‘i Highway Christmas Eve two years ago has pleaded not guilty to all charges, ranging from manslaughter to negligent homicide for deaths resulting from the collision.
COVID-19 7-day average is all-time high
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i currently has a seven-day case average of 230 a day, which officials are reporting as an all-time high.
Zina: Remote learning on case-by-case basis
LIHU‘E — Short-term distance learning models will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Hawai‘i Department of Education’s Kaua‘i Complex Area schools, Superintendent Paul Zina announced this week.
Council discusses visitor parking fees at certain Kaua‘i beach parks
LIHU‘E — The specifics for what a visitor parking fee may be at three county beach parks will continue in discussions next month with the Kaua‘i County Council.
New bill takes look at cat holding period at Kaua‘i Humane Society
LIHU‘E — In 2021, about 90% of microchipped cats held at the Kaua‘i Humane Society were picked up by their owners in five days or less.
COVID-19 testing in high demand
Testing is in high demand on Kaua‘i, and the test positivity rate is there to prove it.
County studies beach parking, considers visitor fees
The county is looking to impose a $10 parking fee for visitors at certain county beach parks.