Community

Work will take place in the center two lanes on Kuhio Highway between Oxford and Hardy streets — no left-hand turns will be allowed into side streets or businesses; one northbound lane and one southbound lane will remain open.

“We’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly and keep safety front and center this New Year’s Eve,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Adults should closely supervise children, make sure everyone understands the risks and remember that fireworks should never be held or thrown.”

Four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Grammy nominee features 13 mele on his new album, including original compositions and select favorites, honoring the people, places and moments that shaped him throughout his life and musical journey.

From fierce winter storms and technological breakthroughs to vibrant cultural festivities and interstellar discoveries, 2025 was a transformative year for Kauaʻi, embodying resilience and community spirit.

The Kauaʻi Bus will launch its first electric buses along with two new routes, improving island-wide connectivity with routes that include Līhuʻe Airport.

Residents and businesses can conveniently drop off unwanted items like clothing, toys, and books for reuse at the Kauaʻi Resource Center on Jan. 9.

Due to staffing shortages, residential trash collection in Wailua Homesteads will be delayed and can be postponed until tomorrow, Dec. 31.

“Safety starts with each of us. Plan ahead, make responsible choices, and look out for one other to help keep Kaua‘i safe.” — Kauaʻi Fire Chief Kalani Ke

Preston Chong has been with Kaua‘i County’s Department of Parks and Recreation since 2020, serving as the department’s fiscal officer.

Due to the challenging Halekō Road design, workshops aimed at fostering community input are set for Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Thursday, Jan. 15.

One nation. Infinite pets. Only one baller-in-chief. Enter now for a chance to win the $3,000 grand prize and earn your furry family member the title of America’s Cutest Pet baller.

The Kauaʻi native portrays Kamehameha I in the Apple TV+ series and is co-founder and executive director of West Kauaʻi nonprofit and social enterprise Kumano I Ke Ala, where he leads initiatives dedicated to restoring ancestral relationships to ʻāina through education, food systems revitalization and Hawaiian language immersion.

Understanding SAR11 marine bacteria is vital because they are one of the main drivers of the global ocean’s life-support system; they move and recycle the carbon and nutrients that sustain all other marine life.

The choice is meant to highlight the enduring value of human-centered thinking, creativity and interpretation in an age of rapidly growing artificial intelligence.

The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23; final determinations about which nonprofit organizations will receive funding will be made as Council on Revenue forecasts in January and March are published.

Officers Kevin Kamakahi and Branden Barroga were named October 2025 Employees of the Month, Public Safety workers Ernest Ganiron and Ronald Aceret were honored as November 2025 Employees of the Month and Officer Desmond Thain received the award for December 2025.

A holiday lane closure restriction continues through Jan. 4, 2026. Only closures with demonstrated need — such as those necessary for safety or to avoid lengthy construction delays — are approved.

Happy holidays from Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development. The staff and administration wish you and your ʻohana a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026. Check out these updates about programs, grants and events happening around the island.

The traditional Hawaiian sporting events took place on Friday. Kumano I Ke Ala Executive Director Kaina Makua said the games are for everyone, and they bring the community together.

Vacancies for these officer positions are located across the state.