Stories by Sabrina Bodon

Guard holds task force promotions

As a cool breeze blew, the Hawai‘i National Guard gathered outside the Sheraton Kaua‘i at Coconut Beach to hold a promotion and award ceremony Tuesday morning.

Deployed at home

Stationed in Kapa‘a, the Hawai‘i National Guard has assisted the county in pandemic response.

Local projects receive CARES Act green-light

LIHU‘E — At least 36 projects have been selected by the county to receive federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help the community bounce back during the coronavirus pandemic.

Candidates say their piece

Ballots for the primary election are starting to land in the mailboxes of Kaua‘i residents (see the related story, A8), and to get to know the candidates better, The Garden Island reached out to candidates for Kaua‘i County Council, state representative and Kaua‘i trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, giving them an opportunity to explain their platforms.

Affordable housing at center of forum

A question regarding a housing-policy-reform bill in front of the Kaua‘i County Council pit current incumbent councilmembers against challengers during a virtual candidate forum Thursday night.

Humane Society at capacity

LIHU‘E — On the adoption floor of the Kaua’i Humane Shelter sit 26 dogs, 44 kittens and 76 cats.

Hanakapiai Stream bridge making headway

HA‘ENA — Over the years, numerous hikers have been stranded on one side of the Hanakapi‘ai Stream which can flood within minutes. Plans to build a bridge crossing the stream were first assessed in 2013, and now, seven years later, the project is moving forward with all the assessments and permitting approved.

Discounts bringing locals out

LIHU‘E — With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension.

Art Cafe Hemingway facing eviction

KAPA‘A — A once-bustling cafe and its owners are now on the brink of eviction facing a back rent of over $25,000 and less than 10 days to either pay that sum or turn in their keys.

Path easement moving forward

For a portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal pedestrian and bicycle path, the county is seeking to use eminent domain on a piece of property an owner wants to sell for over 10 times the appraised value.

Anti-Styrofoam bill amended

LIHU‘E — A bill first introduced in February that would restrict the use and sale of styrofoam foodservice containers is being amended and pushed off due to economic uncertainty sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

County seeking $2 million in FEMA reimbursements

LIHU‘E — The county is looking to apply for $2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements for money relating to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a memo from county Managing Director Michael Dahilig dated June 29.

Council debriefed on climate change

LIHU‘E — Former Mayor Bernard Carvalho had a 10-year county-wide goal of reducing emissions from county government operations by 30% by 2023.

Another round of amending the Housing Policy

LIHU‘E — The county’s Housing Policy that was first enacted over a decade ago is seeing a set of revisions after it had not produced the affordable housing results the county originally intended.

KVB offers insights to reopening efforts

LIHU‘E — Part of Gov. David Ige’s announcement to reopen August 1 included a point that travelers may bypass the state-mandated 14-day quarantine by showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of landing.

Missing man in Kapa‘a found

KAPA‘A — A man last seen Thursday was found dehydrated and in need of medical attention Monday morning, his son, Akyuna Akish said in a call Monday.