Defense bill includes funding for Hawaii facilities, enviromental cleanup
The National Defense Authorization Act, the annual military spending bill that sets the Pentagon’s priorities, authorizes over $2.2 billion in spending on Hawaii facilities.
Free dental clinics continue
LIHUE — About 100 volunteers turned out on Friday to welcome and assist patients that stopped by to take advantage of the free dental clinic set up at the Island Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating Co. building on Rice Street.
Voyagers, Menehune girls hoops tied at 2-0
KAPAA — Waimea High School and Island School girls basketball teams picked up their second consecutive wins, and the Junior Varsity program made its inaugural appearance on the floor on Tuesday during the Kauai Interscholastic Federation girls basketball games that were contested at Bernice Hundley Gym in Kapaa and the new Kauai High School gymnasium.
Initiative to improve fish habitat is guided by the fishing community
LIHUE — The fishing community is being invited to share their knowledge and provide input by participating in the Reef Habitat Plan in an effort to improve nearshore fisheries.
Keiki Bash is part of the holidays
POIPU — The Keiki Bash last Friday brought families together for a night of fun activities while helping the Kauai Independent Food Bank with its holiday fundraising efforts at The Shops at Kukuiula.
Report calls for inclusive recovery for Filipino survivors of Lahaina fire
A comprehensive report by Maui grassroots organization Tagnawa and the Hawai‘i Workers Center highlights the deep disparities, resilience and urgent needs of Filipino survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fires.
Shopping center unveils holiday excitement plans
LIHUE — For the final weekend before Christmas, Kukui Grove Center, the largest shopping center on the island, announced a full schedule of shopping, entertainment and holiday magic that started Thursday.
Drs. Paul, Janie Yoo celebrate openings
LIHUE — Drs. Paul and Janie Yoo celebrated the opening Monday of Kauai Dental Studio and Kauai Eye Institute, located at the back entrance to the former Kukui Grove Cinema.
County council celebrates waterman Nick Beck
LIHUE — Nick Beck received the Kauai County Council’s commendation during the Wednesday council meeting for his induction into the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Waterman Hall of Fame.
Happy Camper for Friday, December 20, 204
The Christmas Ohana Night is tonight (did you see that fancy sign?) starting from 4:30 p.m. at the Grove Farm Homesteads Museum with some ol’ style (the term is “Plantation Days”) holiday fun, and “yummy” hot chocolate, and possibly a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
State calls for pause on interisland movement of birds due to avian flu
State agencies have called for a voluntary pause on the interisland movement of birds in Hawaii for 90 days following the discovery of the H5N1 bird flu in the state.
Gov. Green’s budget keeps ‘rainy day fund’ at $1.5 billion
Green previously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the state needs $100 million to $200 million annually to adapt to climate change and better protect the islands from another fire like the fatal one in 2023 that decimated Lahaina, which continues to recover.
OHA Chair Kahele uses relationships to aid Native Hawaiians
Kai Kahele — a former state senator, U.S. representative and unsuccessful candidate for governor in 2022 — was elected chair of the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs barely an hour after he was sworn in for his freshman term as an OHA trustee.
Gov. Josh Green’s state budget accounts for tax cuts, fire settlement
A major unknown is if the Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of lawyers representing insurance companies opposed to terms of the Maui settlement.
2 killed in plane crash near Honolulu airport
State Department of Transportation officials said the pilot did all he could to avoid hurting anyone on the ground.
Kona man among Vietnam War ‘Dustoff’ crew awarded congressional medal
This gold medal recognizes the pilots, crew chiefs and medics who “served honorably during the Vietnam War aboard helicopter air ambulances.”
The Navy to hold public meetings on draft EIS for Pacific training
The Navy’s draft environmental impact statement on continued training in the Pacific proposes more frequent use of nearshore areas such as Kaneohe Bay and Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, along with new activities that include training in ocean mine warfare.
Helmet giveaway reaches North Shore kids
HANALEI — The Hanalei Safety Squad Helmet giveaway, in collaboration with the Hanalei Initiative, convened at Waioli Park, where a total of 55 helmets were distributed to children who signed the ‘I Love My Brain’ pledge.
Voyager girls finish strong at the Kauai Interscholastic Federation paddling regatta
NAWILIWILI — Although no run times were available for the Varsity Girls division, Island School girls claimed victory on Saturday during the second Kauai Interscholastic Federation long-distance regatta held at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
Matson employee food drive benefit Nana’s House, Hale Hoomalu
NAWILIWILI — One of the reasons for success in the Matson employees’ food drive is because they are personally involved with Child and Family Service, said Matson Kauai District Manager Patrick Ono.