Stories by Wyatt Haupt Jr.

Hooser: How does Speaker Nadine Nakamura sound?

According to the coconut wireless, Representative Nadine Nakamura, who represents District 15 on Kauai (Haena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, portions of Wailua and Kawaihau), will likely become the next Speaker of the State House of Representatives.

Kapi‘olani nurses seek injunction to block lockout

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Nurses’ Association/Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 50 is seeking an injunction to stop Kapi‘olani Medical Center from locking unionized nurses out of the hospital following a planned one-day strike, the union’s second this year.

Honolulu council wheels out e-bike measures

HONOLULU — Two pieces of legislation meant to provide clearer safety standards and more regulation on the use of fast-moving electric bicycles on Oahu’s public roadways and sidewalks and in parks, rolled out of Honolulu Hale last week.

Police Commission oversight ineffective, auditor finds

HONOLULU — The Honolulu Police Commission “lacks defined rules or processes” to meet its responsibilities, and the way it reviews complaints made against police officers “lacks full transparency and accountability,” according to a city auditor’s report published Aug. 29.

Entire Kalalau Trail section closed

NAPALI COAST — A contagious virus forced the closure of the entire stretch of Kalalau Trail section until state agencies can ensure the well-being of the public after dozens of people fell ill following a trek through the area.

Roadwork scheduled on Kauai next week

LIHUE — A boatload of road improvement projects are scheduled in the waning days of summer on Kauai, the Hawaii Department of Transportation said in an update on Friday.

Home sales soar in July

LIHUE — Sales of single-family homes more than doubled in July, as buyers snapped up houses at an eye-popping pace in the first full month of summer on Kauai.

Popular camping area shuttered

NAPALI COAST — A popular wilderness camping location was shut down for seven days after a number of people contracted a gastrointestinal illness while in the area within the last two to three weeks.

Occupancy up at Kauai hotels in July

LIHUE — Hotels on the island of Kauai put up some solid numbers in the first full month of summer, as hotel occupancy came in at nearly 80 percent while the average cost for a room was nearly unchanged.