County of Kaua‘i honored for work on sea level rise
LIHU‘E — The County of Kaua‘i was honored by the Hawai‘i Senate for its adoption of a new Sea Level Rise Constraint District.
Ambulance services issue gets clarity
LIHU‘E – The state Department of Health met with the Kaua‘i County Council regarding the future of ambulance services on Wednesday, nearly two months after protests led the department to cancel its decision to change emergency medical providers.
County approves over $2M for fire, disaster prevention
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Council approved more than $2 million in funding to be used for fire, ocean and disaster prevention funding during a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Evslin addresses plans for ‘housing crisis’ after becoming chair of House Committee on Housing
LIHU‘E — Following the recent announcement that Kaua‘i state Rep. Luke Evslin was appointed to chair the House Committee on Housing, Evslin spoke of his efforts to address the state’s housing shortage.
County of Kaua‘i aims to recoup search and rescue costs
LIHU‘E – Following a number of recent rescues on the island, the Kaua‘i County Council is working to pass a bill that aims to make it easier to charge people for the cost of being rescued, as well as establish a donation fund to assist with paying for the county’s search and rescue operations.
Bringing awareness to hunger and homelessness
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo, one of more than a handful of representatives of groups seeking solutions to hunger and homeless, said on Thursday that although November is recognized as being Homeless and Hunger Awareness Month — homeless and hunger awareness should be every day.
Nonprofit details ‘youth mental health crisis’ on Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E – The head of a community initiative for youths detailed how high schoolers and middle schoolers on the island are “really struggling” with issues, including poor mental health, substance abuse and loneliness, in a presentation to Kaua‘i County Council members this week.
County passes resolution in support of Filipino social studies course
Following the announcement that two high schools on O‘ahu are set to become the first public schools in the country to offer a course on Filipino history and culture, Kaua‘i County Council member Addison Bulosan introduced a resolution last week in hopes of getting a course started on Kaua‘i.
Tokuda to host virtual town hall meeting on Nov. 1
LIHU‘E — A scheduling issue is forcing a format change to virtual from in-person for an upcoming town hall to be hosted by Rep. Jill Tokuda.
DOH cancels ambulance provider contracts
LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health (DOH) announced the cancellation of its decision to switch to a new emergency medical provider for both Maui and Kaua‘i, admitting to flaws in its procurement process following protests by current provider American Medical Response (AMR).
Sign waving event raises awareness for blind people
LIHU‘E — Wailua resident Kim Look Lopez said on Thursday that it’s a good thing Kaua‘i has a club, the National Federation of the Blind, Kaua‘i Chapter, for blind people.
Waipouli Courtyards advocate proposes ‘Plan B’
LIHU‘E —An affordable housing researcher is advocating for the Waipouli Courtyards to become cooperative housing, outlining a plan that involves a roughly $10 million county purchase to keep the apartments affordable.
Kaua‘i County Council debates ambulance contract controversy
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Council passed a resolution urging the state Department of Health (DOH) to continue with a longtime emergency service provider on Wednesday, Oct. 4, amid protests surrounding the decision to switch to a new provider.
‘Lawmakers Listen’ event to be held on Oct. 10
LIHU‘E — Rep. Luke Evslin (District 16) will be hosting a “Lawmakers Listen” community town hall in partnership with the House leadership, including House Speaker Scott K. Saiki, Vice Speaker Greggor Hagan, Majority Leader Nadine Nakamura and Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa.
Council approves support staff funding
LIHU‘E — A budget allotment for the seven Kauai County Council members of $100,000 each for personal support staff sparked heated debate in Wednesday’s finance committee meeting, with the majority of council members accepting the funding.
Future of converting Kapa‘a housing development to affordable housing uncertain
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council members approved a resolution urging the county to acquire the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments last week, but the future of the complex as an affordable housing development remains unclear.
Visitor mandate resolution falls apart
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council members on Wednesday proposed a resolution aiming to implement visitor requirements, including proof of a round-trip ticket or proof of employment in order for people to travel to Hawai‘i.
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Trump surrenders at Atlanta jail on election charges, then is quickly released on $200,000 bond
ATLANTA — Former President Donald Trump has been booked at a jail in Atlanta, surrendering on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.
Dozens of Trump fans outside Georgia jail to show support
ATLANTA — Hours before former President Donald Trump arrived at the Fulton County Jail to turn himself in on charges related to his efforts to remain in power after his 2020 election loss, dozens of his supporters had already gathered Thursday morning outside the facility.
New York urges Biden to help state with migrant surge
ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday implored President Joe Biden to take urgent action to help her state absorb a surge of international migrants who have strained resources and filled homeless shelters — putting some Democrats in a vulnerable position in a state usually seen as immigrant-friendly.