Community

ʻAlohilani Rogers honored for longtime unwavering dedication to preserving Hawaiian language and customs with her students by being named winner of the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association STACY Award for Teaching Excellence.

The wāhine of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala won second overall last year at the prestigious festival, but the school’s kāne have not competed in Hilo since 2021.

The contributions affirmed the essential role that all disciplines play in advancing knowledge, fostering creativity and building stronger communities at all 10 campuses.

The immersive 5-day summer program hosted by Kaua‘i Police Department provides students in grades 9-12 with a hands-on introduction to the world of public safety, blending interactive classroom sessions with practical activities to give participants a comprehensive understanding of police operations.

The event is aimed at providing a secure and responsible way to dispose of prescription or nonprescription medications while raising awareness about the risks of drug misuse and importance of proper storage and disposal.

There is some hope, however, as Hawaiʽi lawmakers are considering measures to support the state’s community-based organizations, including increasing funding for some departments and providing emergency funding in case federal support is cut.

The meet is scheduled for April 18 at Island School in Līhu‘e and will feature a variety of events such as sprints, relays, long jump, high jump and shot put.

The new nurses agreement at Wilcox Medical Center includes increased pay and addresses the concerns of nurses about insufficient staffing levels.

First Hawaiian Bank unveils its comprehensive Līhuʻe Banking Center at Hokulei Village, marking a significant investment in Kauaʻi’s community.

Namahana School in Kīlauea has taken a historic step as it welcomed its initial cohort of seventh and eighth graders from 100 founding families, marking the beginning as a pioneering tuition-free public charter school for the North Shore.

The effort, called Mission: Lifeline Stroke, is backed by a $5.8 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and $1 million from the American Heart Association.

Wendy Norcross and her husband Frank Wattunen launched their final paddle out today (April 13) into the Hanalei River on their journey to float waters in honor of Norcross’ parents, both of whom died from dementia, while raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kīlauea Bakery & Pizzeria’s Sami Livé says being honored with Surfrider Foundation designation is about doing her restaurant’s part for a healthier planet while serving great food and coffee.

Community members encouraged to complete online survey aimed at gauging public opinion about the 1.33-acre downtown Līhuʻe park and what future projects they’d like to see there.

It is another critical online resource and new central hub for residents, farmers and businesses to learn how to identify the invasive insect, take action and report possible infestations.

Signs are posted around the stadium’s grounds informing the public about the closure, which began in March. The $12.2 phase one construction project at the popular facility, which offers a variety of community activities throughout the year, is estimated to be finished by sometime in December.

Pop-up library location to close April 12. Books can still be returned through library building’s book drop or to any other public library on the Garden Isle.

Lokahi Valpoon was last seen in Anahola. He is known to frequent the Anahola, Līhu‘e, Puhi and Kōloa areas. Call the Kaua‘i Police Department or contact Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i immediately if you have any information that can help lead to finding him.

The full-scale rescue and emergency response exercise April 15 is an effort to strengthen communication and coordination between first responders in the participating agencies while assessing notification and response procedures.

Registration for summer courses at a lowered tuition rate for Hawaiʻi residents is open at all seven University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, providing students with an accelerated and cost-effective way to earn credits. Hawaiʻi residents pay just $131 per credit (normally $248), and can use this opportunity to save money, get ahead academically and explore new classes—all in a shorter time frame.