Hawai‘i to receive more than $3 million in rental assistance
HONOLULU — Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive $3,004,369 in new federal funding to cover the increased costs associated with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solid Waste Division OT over budget again
The county Deparatment of Public Works Solid Waste Division had a total overtime budget of $227,000 in fiscal year 2020.
County directors weigh in on housing resources
LIHU‘E — On Kaua‘i, there are 716 individuals receiving direct rental assistance through the county.
From 21 to 14: primary decides council ballot
LIHU‘E — Saturday marked a historic first mail-in only election, bringing in over 20,697 mailed in votes and 404 in-person on Kaua‘i.
KFD addresses pension spiking
In February, the Mayor’s Office ordered the Kaua‘i Fire Department to suspend most overtime and nonessential expenditures to curb pension spiking, which has penalized the county consistently over the last few years.
Finding solutions for eroded path
LIHU‘E — The county is considering four possible courses of action to address erosion on the multi-use Ke Ala Hele Makalae path for a section at Lydgate Park.
Hawai‘i eviction moratorium nears end
LIHU‘E — The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act eviction moratorium ended on July 25, but a state emergency proclamation has extended the protection through the end of August.
How are mail-in ballots counted?
LIHU‘E — Eight volunteers sit about six feet apart at desks with stacks of envelopes in front of them on Tuesday morning.
Potential resort bubble idea has governor support
LIHU‘E — The reality is, visitors continue to fly into Hawai‘i despite a mandatory two-week quarantine, and Kaua‘i’s working on another “out-of-the-box” proactive measure, Mayor Derek Kawakami said Tuesday.
West Kaua‘i Community Plan nearly done
The 20-year West Kaua‘i Community Plan spans 225 square miles encompassing Kekaha, Port Allen, ‘Ele‘ele, Waimea and Hanapepe, as well as the plantation camps of Numila, Kaumakani, Pakala Village and Ka‘awanui Village.
Workweek hearing continues
Approximately 22 minutes after the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association received the final version of an advisory switching county working hours to a four-day, 10-hour-day work schedule, county employees received it.
HLRB hears temporary workweek trial
LIHU‘E — County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig testified that the temporary four-day, 10-hour work schedule was an operational decision necessary to reduce movement and the spread of coronavirus yesterday in a Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board hearing on merits via Zoom.
Small power outages in wake of Douglas
LIHU‘E — About 2,100 households saw power outages late Sunday and early Monday as the island hunkered down in anticipation of Hurricane Douglas, the storm that bounced north and never came.
Residents frustrated at boating-rule enforcement
Thus far this year, no citations have been issued at Hanalei Bay for breaking boating rules. Frustrations are growing among residents disappointed in the lack of enforcement there.
County returns to 5-day work week
The county’s implementation of a four-day, 10-hour work week always had temporary intentions.
Island crime down 35%
Crime on the island is down about 35% compared to last year, according to Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck.
Warning alarms sound; county advises final preparations
LIHU‘E — At noon, county emergency sirens rang for three solid minutes, warning citizens of an incoming hurricane.
Pondering community agriculture plots
LIHU‘E — The county is considering the idea of sub-parceling land on the Westside that has farming potential to residents.
Housing policy targets resort requirements
LIHU‘E — An amendment establishing a base-percentage of affordable housing units resort developers will need to offer than currently required in the county’s housing policy, which is currently being tweaked by the Kaua‘i County Council, was introduced yesterday.
Forthcoming small business grant program
LIHU‘E — The county has allocated $5 million in grants for small businesses that will be distributed by local credit unions next month.