Pandemic alters students’ early-learning
HONOLULU — On Tuesday, the state House held a virtual meeting to discuss how early-learning programs in Hawai’i have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Free phone counseling services offered
WorkLife Hawai‘i is offering free, confidential phone counseling sessions for Kaua‘i kupuna and residents of all ages from now until Monday, Dec. 28, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through the county Agency of Elderly Affairs.
Common Ground Kaua‘i’s launches Food Innovation Center
KILAUEA — Last week, Common Ground Kaua‘i of Kilauea officially met their 10 selected Kaua‘i-based small businesses, chosen from over 40 diverse applicants for the incubator cohort program, and they launched their Food Innovation Center.
Teachers say ‘no’ to furloughs
LIHU‘E — Last week, after Gov. David Ige announced his furlough plans which go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, the state Department of Education’s superintendent and Hawai‘i State Teachers Association president released statements in a video addressed to their staff and members, while teachers on Kaua‘i were bothered by the governor’s proposition.
Ige honors The Cliffs at Princeville, Department of Water
LIHU‘E — Last week, Gov. David Ige honored 20 businesses, venues, and events for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices in the Hawai‘i Green Business Program (HGBP) which is apart of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, and two honorees are from Kaua‘i.
Safe Travel Program to be tweaked
HONOLULU — The State of Hawai‘i’s Attorney General Clare Connors confirmed that Gov. David Ige will follow the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quarantine recommendation of 10 days instead of 14 days in an emergency proclamation next week.
State to furlough 10K employees
LIHU‘E — The Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Hawai‘i (UH) are on the list of state agencies that will be implementing furloughs effective January 1, 2021.
Hanapepe Holiday Hunt starts Dec. 11
HANAPEPE — The Kaua‘i Escape Room and the Hanapepe Economic Alliance (HEA) are joining forces to create their first family event called “Hanapepe Holiday Hunt,” for two weeks in December, as funded by a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant for reinventing Hanapepe Art Night.
AlohaSafe Alert app available
The state recently launched its official COVID-19 exposure-notification app, “AlohaSafe Alert.”
Kekaha Credit Union gives back
Kekaha Credit Union, a division of Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, is offering members a chance to participate in a statewide drawing of 100 Hawai‘i Restaurant Holiday Cards with a value of $200 each.
Kaua‘i Boil, a seafood boil joint, opens in Kapa‘a
KAPA‘A — Drawn to the beauty and hiking adventures of Kaua‘i, Kalynne Walker, 25, an active-duty Navy sailor at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, found a way to open Kaua‘i Boil, a seafood boil food truck in Kapa‘a next to the Kountry Kitchen, while giving back to those in need since Nov. 6.
Ruth Mickens celebrates her 100th birthday
Kapa‘a resident Ruth Mickens, wife of the late Major League Baseball player Glenn Mickens and mom of four sons, celebrates her 100th birthday today.
The Rotary Club of Poipu Beach takes auction online
KOLOA — The Rotary Club of Poipu Beach announced its online fundraising auction is available for bids until Dec. 14.
Businesses struggle to stay open
PO‘IPU — The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa will be closing temporarily on Dec. 7 in a move to further protect its staff.
COVID-19 positive travelers arrested Sunday
LIHU‘E — A Wailua couple who boarded a flight knowingly positive for COVID-19 to Kaua‘i was arrested Sunday.
Quarantine could mean end for businesses
LIHU‘E — In March, the Tiki Iniki restaurant in Princeville Shopping Center was forced to close because of the pandemic.
Common Ground Kaua‘i feeding North Shore kupuna
KILAUEA — A weekly meal kit delivery program serving North Shore kupuna has reached its halfway milestone.
The Miranda Group learns from violations
LIHU‘E — After finding out that his company had violated the Fair Labor Standards Act one morning by watching the news, Brandon Miranda, owner of The Miranda Group, a landscaping company on Kaua‘i, quickly became proactive working closely with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Division, making some changes in his office and taking accountability.
Puni Nani Pools & Spa Inc has a new location
PUHI — In mid-October, Puni Nani Pools & Spa Inc., moved their business to a new location less than a mile away, on 1895 Haleukani street, in the Puhi Industrial Park on Kaua‘i.
1st Historic Hanapepe Virtual Scavenger Hunt
HANAPEPE — Residents have until Monday to choose and answer six out of 10 questions in the first Historic Hanapepe Virtual Scavenger Hunt.