Stories by Stephanie Shinno

Here is why the Hawaiian language is so important

Kumu Kahealani Hamakua of Ka ‘Oha, a blended program of Kanu o Ka ‘Aina that includes various ‘ohana groups across the islands serving students in grades kindergarten to 12, shares her na‘auao (knowledge) on the importance of teaching the Hawaiian language.

The Hawaiian language and culture lives on

The Hawaiian language and culture are “alive and well and will be for a long time to come,” according to Kumu Sabra Kauka, a Hawaiian studies teacher at Island school and part-time Hawaiian studies coordinator for the Department of Education for 30 years.

Hawai‘iUSA FCU adds new scholarship opportunities

LIHU‘E — Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union recently announced it will be adding more scholarship awards in its 2021 program for members who are undergraduate or graduate students for the upcoming school year.

Coastal path nominated as one of country’s best

LIHU‘E — During the last Lihu‘e Business Association virtual meeting, LBA President Pat Griffin announced that Kaua‘i Path Executive Director Tommy Noyes got a call from USA Today informing him Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the Eastside multi-use coastal route, has been nominated by USA Today as one of the nation’s 10 best recreational trails.

Raised unemployment tax could kill businesses

LIHU‘E — While some jobless residents still face issues as they try to apply for extended unemployment insurance benefits, businesses are upset about state unemployment taxes being raised automatically as of Jan. 1.

Hawai’i State Library shared proposed budgets

HONOLULU — The State House Committee on Education held a virtual informational briefing last week to listen to reports from state education officials about the budget-related impacts of funding cuts on students and education.

Concerns rising on proposed casino resort

HONOLULU — At the Hawai‘i State Capitol, the Hawai‘i House of Representatives held a press conference on Monday to discuss the effect a proposed Department of Hawaiian Home Lands casino resort will have on Native Hawaiians, and issues linked to sex trafficking and other violence against women.

Caucus addresses women’s issues

Twenty-five members of the 2021 Hawai‘i Women’s Legislative Caucus attended a virtual breakfast meeting on Thursday to review five bills being introduced at the state Legislature this session, and to embrace advocating for women statewide.

Outpost Coffee to open in Kilauea

After taking over an old, abandoned coffee orchard in Kalihiwai which hasn’t been looked after for over seven years, Ben Fitt, a coffee enthusiast, business owner and farmer, got an agreement from the orchard’s landowners to launch a new coffee company called Outpost Coffee in mid-February of this year.

Anaina Hou offers ‘The Haven’

KILAUEA — After a meeting with community partners a few months ago, Anaina Hou Community Park of Kilauea introduced a new program, The Haven, on their premises on Monday, and held a free grand-opening event.

Mayor hopeful for more federal funds

LIHU‘E — At the Lihue Business Association’s video conference on Thursday, Mayor Derek Kawakami spoke on Kaua‘i’s economic recovery plans in his first term.

Short film looks at the dynamics of a father, son relationship

HONOLULU — After coming back from a trip to New Zealand, two local boys inspired by an authentic Maori film created their own Native Hawaiian film in Hawai’i, which is recently a winner of the Oscar-qualifying award at Imagine Native, and this feature film script has been accepted into the inaugural indigenous Black List.

Lawai Market gives locals options on the Southshore

LAWA‘I — While some businesses struggled to stay open during the pandemic, a new grocery store in Lawa‘i opened with the motivation of being a place of convenience for residents of Kaua‘i, but was forced to delay their grand opening from February of 2020 to September of 2020.

HSTA: Don’t use federal funds to hire tutors

HONOLULU — After the state Board of Education meeting on Thursday regarding the state Department of Education’s proposal to use federal funds for tutoring services, the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association posted a story on its website expressing concerns.