Community

“Every tool our officers rely on in the field is secured and managed through Desiree’s efforts, ensuring our teams have the resources they need to serve the community effectively,” said Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Rudy Tai in an announcement about Wakuta-Matsuda’s award. “For her outstanding contributions, we are honored to name her Employee of the Month.”

April is Volunteer Month throughout the nation; recent data show additional federal funding cutbacks are placing unprecedented strain on organizations that provide backbone of support for the state’s social, environmental and educational safety nets.

“Michael’s leadership is nothing short of visionary,” wrote Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) Commission in a joint statement. “From shaping policy to building community, he has dedicated his life to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people in Hawaiʻi are not only protected but empowered to thrive.”

The plan will guide future investments and actions to create safer streets for everyone who walks, drives, bikes or rides transit.

“Denim Day is more than a symbol — it’s a collective stand,” said Kauaʻi Committee on the Status of Women member Lori Barrett in the announcement. “When our community comes together, we amplify every voice, support every survivor and send a clear message that Kaua‘i believes, stands with and uplifts one another through awareness and action.”

These grants support preservation and protection of lands with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural and historic value, while also providing public access and strengthening partnerships between government and community-based organizations.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health warns that storm runoff is causing new contamination risks in the area between Lydgate Beach and Wailua Beach.

With more than 35 years of experience and a clear vision to strengthen community relationships and boost department morale, Rudy Tai has been ceremonially sworn in as Kauaʻi’s new chief of police.

Out of 820 applicants, Iran Rosales is one of 130 students to be awarded the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Only 700 of the Hawaiian common gallinules are left in the world, most on Kaua’i; Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture and other sponsors of the upcoming event will share local art, moʻolelo and fun facts about the ʻalae ʻula and how people can help protect it.

Kaua‘i County Agency on Elderly Affairs says these engaging “talk story” sessions will highlight several programs designed to support kūpuna with staying active, connected and well.

The protests are among thousands of others — including on other islands in Hawai’i — happening Saturday, March 28, throughout the nation; All Kaua‘i Indivisible members and supports are also welcome to special event immediately following the Līhuʻe protest.

The bin was moved to an area near the refuse drop-off location; relocation allows staff to better monitor materials being placed in the bin, as some recent drop-offs have contained prohibited items.

‘Every Dancer Is A Star’ 2026 is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at War Memorial Convention Hall, highlighting academy students in a vibrant, multimedia performance, including solos, group numbers and special guest stars. Get your tickets now!

Kauaʻi Festivals is an online platform for creating and exploring free event listings that showcase the island’s rich art, culture, and community.

The Women’s History Month Craft Fair will feature 30 women-owned businesses from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday.

‘Spin is a fossil record of how a planet formed,’ said study lead author and researcher at Northwestern University Dino Chih-Chun Hsu in an announcement about the discovery. ‘By measuring how quickly these worlds rotate, we can start to piece together the physical processes that shaped them tens to hundreds of millions of years ago.’

It’s a fun, family-friendly morning — and every dollar PAL raises goes directly back to the nonprofit affordable housing provider; even better: the more community members who participate will literally multiply the nonprofit’s impact.

Donations collected during the 27th annual drive come at a particularly important time following the two kona lows that slammed into the state during the past 2 weeks and will help support organizations on the front lines responding to increased needs.

Kaua‘i County Agency on Elderly Affairs healthy aging programs are designed to support kūpuna with staying active, connected and well; presentation attendees will learn about several evidence-based and community-centered programs.