Chamber takes pulse of businesses; feelings are mixed
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce recently sent a survey to all of its members, and the results concluded that most businesses rank the safety and health of the people of Kaua‘i as a top priority before their own business needs. Yet there were still some mixed responses.
Small-business cohorts sought for incubator
A new business pilot program is looking for ideal candidates to apply for a cohort program.
Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance address youth issues
LIHU‘E — A Kaua‘i nonprofit, focused on uplifting youth, created a project that was recently approved for a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant. The group’s goal is to create positive activities for keiki and their families for the purpose of building youth resilience, promoting healthy exercise, addressing mental health issues, and suicide prevention.
Keanu Saito’s ohana gives back
WAILUA — Today marks the third year Desaray Saito-Brown and the Brown ‘ohana of Wailua Homesteads will donate pencils, flutes, and gift certificates to the students of Kaua‘i Community College’s Wai‘ale‘ale Project in honor of her son, a former student, Keanu Shannon Lawai‘a “Anu” Saito, also known as “Pocho Prince.”
A face-lift for the Kapa‘a Skatepark
LIHU‘E — A project to revamp the current Kapa‘a Skatepark has been funded by the county through a $250,000 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant.
There is still time to fill out the 2020 Census
LIHU‘E — The U.S. Census Bureau is encouraging Kaua‘i’s individuals and families to complete their 2020 Census before Sept. 30th, by mail, online or over the phone.
Wall art graces Koloa Village
A new concrete wall of hand-sculpted art is being built along Weliweli Road, and passers-by have contributed to the design.
Gather FCU gives back
Even if Kaua‘i residents missed the free virtual COVID-19 CARES Act Seminar from Gather Federal Credit Union, financial advice is on tap for residents through their certified Financial Advisor Rylen Yamamoto of Retirement Benefits Group.
Kaua‘i considers resort bubble
The County of Kaua‘i is moving forward with the resort-bubble plan, offering a collaboration with hotels, which includes the safety guidance, expectations and overall instructions of a geo-fencing-technology device that sets boundaries for guests confined to the property due to COVID-19 quarantine.
Businesses opt for compostable alternatives
LIHU‘E — From Hanalei to Lihu‘e, restaurant owners are making the switch from styrofoam to paper carryout containers before it becomes law.
Volunteers virtually map out missing communities
LIHU‘E — On Aug. 19, World Humanitarian Day, the American Red Cross (ARC) kicked off its first Great Hawai‘i Mapathon, an effort of the American Red Cross’ Missing Map project.
Making ends meet
LIHU‘E– Kaua‘i business owners who receive their goods weekly through Young Brothers shipping company are bracing themselves as Hawaii Public Utilities Commission announced on Monday their approval of Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46% over the next 12 months.
Public weighs in on polystyrene
On Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council held a public hearing for Bill 2775, Draft 2, a bill that will restrict the use and sale of polystyrene foam food-service containers.
DOE reconsiders reopening schools
The state Department of Education is reconsidering how to bring students back to public schools after a statewide spike in COVID-19 cases, with public schools on O‘ahu implementing full distance-learning models for the first four weeks of the 2020-21 school year, starting on Monday, Aug. 17.
KPD serving Kaua‘i around the clock
The Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) unifies when it comes to keeping the community safe and giving back to those in need during a crisis, and has been nominated as this week’s Hometown Hero because of the department’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Superintendent Paul Zina gets busy with official duties
LIHU‘E — It’s been a month since Paul Zina started his official duties as the new Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, and he has already given back to the community through various events and faced COVID-19 issues head-on when it came to reopening public schools on Kaua‘i.
KCSC’s logo contest winners
WAIMEA — The Kaua‘i Community Science Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, announced the student winners of their Climate Connect logo contest and the Wednesday, Aug. 5 deadline for its 2020-21 student internship program.
KHS, COK still negotiating details for FY2021
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Humane Society (KHS) is currently operating on a short-term contract with the County of Kaua‘i that is extending the Fiscal Year 2020 services through August, and is providing more time for the two entities to negotiate their contract for the FY 2021.
FDA cracks down on e-cigarette companies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling for the removal of fruity flavor from some disposable electronic cigarettes, claiming the company Puff Bar never received permission to sell them in the U.S.
Siena Agudong stars in Disney movie
On Wednesday, after a two a.m. interview with “Good Morning America,” Siena Agudong, 15, from Wailua, sat down with The Garden Island to chat about her role in the new Disney movie, “Upside-Down Magic,” premiering today on the Disney Channel at 5 p.m., Hawai‘i time.