Bill aims to end Agribusiness Development Corporation
KEKAHA — A recent state audit of the Agribusiness Development Corporation has led to the formulation of a bill that could put an end to the agency. The debate on what to do with the audit is currently in the state Legislature.
Seniors’ capstone project emphasizes farm-to-table movement
Regardless of the pandemic, two Kaua‘i High School seniors have finished their capstone projects and now have a product to bring to the Kaua‘i’s food industry: locally-grown microgreens.
NTBG to host plant sale Saturday
PO‘IPU — This Saturday, the National Tropical Botanical Garden is hosting a plant sale at its South Shore Visitor Center, and is offering a special on their tours of their Allerton and McBryde gardens to those who purchase plants.
Study: Suicide decrease, attempts rise during pandemic
LIHU‘E — A recent state Department of Health report says suicide rates decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years, and data from the Kaua‘i Police Department corroborates that statement.
Merrie Monarch moves to summer schedule
LIHU‘E — The Merrie Monarch Festival (MMF) in Hilo is normally held in April of every year, however, due to COVID-19 the traditional hula competition has been pushed back to June 24 to 26, 2021.
BOE discussing budget ahead of Fed funding
HONOLULU — The Hawai’i State Board of Education (BOE) has pre-approved allocations of federal funds before the COVID-19 federal relief package is approved by Congress.
Input sought on Black Pot Master Plan
HANALEI — The county Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking public input on the draft master plan for Black Pot Beach Park, one of three county-owned beach parks on Hanalei, with roughly 13 acres in size.
YWCA participates in anti-racism project
YWCA, a nationwide nonprofit since 1858, will be launching its 21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge on March 1 as part of a national movement to engage communities.
Council resolution urging reopening of schools
LIHU‘E — County Councilmembers Mason Chock and Luke Evslin have introduced a new resolution, urging the state to reopen schools for full-time, in-person learning and allowing interscholastic sports competitions, as well as organized youth sports to resume for grades kindergarten to 12.
Hawaiian evicted from Lucy Wright Park
WAIMEA — Roy Arizo, a retired, homeless Native Hawaiian, was evicted out of the Shelter in Place zone in Lucy Wright Park in Waimea on Superbowl Sunday because he did not take his tent down.
Man arrested on sex-assault charge
KALAHEO — The Kaua‘i Police Department arrested a 65-year-old Kalaheo man suspected of sexually assaulting a minor.
Kaua‘i’s Shelter in Place program unique in state
LIHU‘E — The Kauai “Shelter in Place” program was the first in the state when it started six months ago to help provide a place for houseless individuals during COVID-19.
Small business workshop set for Feb. 24
KAPA‘A — Two Kaua‘i residents are coming out of early retirement to help small-business owners on the island by hosting their first financial-success workshop at the end of February on the Eastside.
Small businesses band together
KAPA‘A — Last week, more than 50 frustrated business owners gathered at the Olympic Cafe in Kapa‘a to discuss ways to keep their businesses open.
AlohaSafe Alert launches upgrade
AlohaSafe Alert, the free, state-approved COVID-19 exposure-notification app, announced it has rolled out AlohaSafe Exposure Notification Express (EN Express), a new, app-less, exposure-notification app that enables older iPhones, (iPhone 6.0 and below) running iOS version 12.5 and below to be part of the state’s contact-tracing network.
This is Invasive Species Awareness Month
According to National Tropical Botanical Garden and the state, February is Hawai‘i Invasive Species Awareness Month, and the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee is hosting virtual meetings for a week this month to discuss invasive species found on Kaua‘i and how residents can identify and report them.
Lawmakers side with HSTA
In a virtual conference on Friday, the state Senate Education Committee chair and the House Education Committee chair said they stand with the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association regarding new federal funds arriving, saying the funds should go to teachers first instead of tutors.
Despite pandemic, Mariachi’s shares the love
When thinking of what Valentine’s dinner to choose today or if supporting local is on your mind, Mariachi’s authentic Mexican cuisine in Lihu‘e and Kapa‘a makes it easy to decide with their takeout or dine-in specials.
Jobless workers still seeking answers
LIHU‘E — Since the Associated Press reported on the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ outdated computer system on Feb. 9, many Kaua‘i residents remain frustrated by the lack of communication from DLIR and are still waiting for their extended benefits.
Modified Waimea Town Celebration kicks off Saturday
When it comes to great people, food and activities, the Waimea Town Celebration has been a place to be in mid-February.