Community

Robo-AO-2 — now operating at the UH 2.2-meter telescope atop Mauna Kea — is designed to correct the blur caused by Earth’s atmosphere, sharpening images of hundreds of objects each night with minimal human oversight.

Hawai‘i joins the nation this year in observing the annual Smokeout today (Nov. 20), and Hawaiʻi Department of Health encourages island residents to use this date to quit — even if it is for a day.

Wailuā River State Park in Kapaʻa will begin charging parking fees for nonresidents and commercial vehicles; Hawaiʻi residents, however, will continue to receive free parking.

Organization responds to 20% more home fires during the holiday months, many of which are sparked by cooking accidents, unattended candles or unsafe decorations.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi has awarded $263,000 in grants to bolster food security and health equity in the islands, supporting initiatives such as Hawaiʻi Food Bank’s Kūpuna Fresh and its Farm to Family programs.

Committee members reviewed applications from organizations and agencies throughout the state seeking a portion of the allocated $50 million in nonprofit grant funding, and they will announce their decisions Thursday (Nov. 20).

Gaseous pillars and a sparkling star cluster, reminiscent of rain in ʻōhiʻa forests, featured in the image from Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

Funds will support the 6-person operation that feeds residents of all ages, including delivering easy-to-prepare, low-sodium and high-protein meals to elderly.

Event raises $90,597 to support Child and Family Service programs on Kaua‘i; plans are to make the tournament an annual tradition, continuing to “rally for families” and ensure every serve counts toward a stronger, healthier island community.

Secondary traffic crashes are the No. 1 cause of death nationwide for emergency responders.

While the longest federal government shutdown in the nation’s history ended last week, many residents continue to face financial strain as they await delayed pay and benefits.

Mark your calendars now for these special events, including the Kōloa Elementary School Holiday Bag Fundraiser and a Small Business Saturday celebration.

The first event starts today and will be held at the Līhu‘e Salvation Army, 4182 Harvey St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Celebration of Life for beloved community leader Melissa McFerrin Warrack will be held Thursday at the Kukui Grove Center in Līhuʻe.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week aims to educate the public and raise awareness about poverty and honor the many volunteers and service providers working to support those in need throughout Kaua‘i.

Residents, businesses and other organizations can bring unwanted or unneeded items for reuse — including clothing, small furniture, kitchen items, children’s toys, books and shoes — to Kaua‘i Resource Center in Līhu‘e from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21.

World Toilet Day is observed globally to raise awareness about the challenges and serious health consequences associated with poor sanitation in developing countries.

Composting offers one of the most powerful ways to reduce waste, nourish soil, support island farmers and strengthen island resilience, especially with Kauaʻi’s landfill nearing capacity — and projected to run out of space in just 5 years.

“By connecting local farms directly to community food systems, the state can reduce its dependence on imports while ensuring that more families have access to fresh, nutritious, Hawaiʻi-grown produce,” said House Majority Caucus Leader Kirstin Kahaloa of Hawaiʻi Island.

The Kauaʻi County Council has unanimously advanced Bill 2976, which aims to ban the sale and distribution of disposable bodyboards in order to reduce plastic waste and safeguard local beaches.