Community

United States ProMiniGolf Association for the first time will host its annual U.S. Open in Hawai‘i, with the 28th contest hitting the greens at Kaua‘i Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens in Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea, and you can even be part of the historic fun.

Students who are selected each receive $20,000 throughout 4 years — or a pro-rated amount for fewer years — that can be applied to tuition, books, housing and other educational expenses; deadline to apply online is Feb. 23.

Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve is the only wilderness preserve in the islands and home to the headwaters of the Kawaikōī, Waikoali and Mōhihi streams; it is instrumental in safeguarding the Garden Isle’s water resources and native species, as well as providing for cultural practices.

The 2025 report draws on more than 51,000 calls, texts and chats to the statewide 211 helpline.

The ʻiʻiwi likely hatched in the winter/spring of 2015-16 and is a minimum of 10 years old, which is rather amazing considering the typical lifespan of ʻiʻiwi is, maybe, half of that at 3 to 5 years.

The factbook is designed for residents, policymakers and business leaders; it includes easy-to-read charts and explanations covering personnel spending, contracting, federal assistance, community programs and the broader economic effects of defense activity throughout all islands.

Fireworks and firecrackers can only be ignited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on private property Feb. 17. Setting off fireworks on public property — such as streets, sidewalks or parks — is illegal; it is strictly prohibited to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework.

Advice for students from the man who plays King Kamehameha I in the Apple TV series: “You don’t need to go to college to be “somebody.” But how will you help your community? How do you contribute and bring value to the lives of others instead of just yourself? Don’t live for just yourself. You should be living for everybody. If everyone had that mindset, imagine the things we could do.”

Kaua‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the community for its patience and understanding as it copes with staffing issues at the swimming facility.

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting; in observance of President’s Day on Feb. 16, there will be no contraflow or lane closures unless otherwise permitted.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and must be submitted online; this year marks the 21st year of the scholarship program, honoring Hawaiʻi high school seniors for all-around excellence and their commitment to well-being.

Two exceptions remain, however, including Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site, formerly Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park, on Kauaʻi which is closed because of construction improvements that began before the storm.

There will be 6 workshops total statewide, and they begin Feb. 24 on Oʻahu; the Kauaʻi workshop is slated for April 1, with Big Island classes March 4 and 12.

Grand Hyatt Kaua’i invites participants of all skill levels to run or walk a scenic 2.5-mile trail through Poʻipū Bay Golf Course during this year’s event slated for March 7; advance online registration is available now.

The shutdown is slated for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 18, weather permitting; it is necessary so crews can perform water system improvements.

Digital Navigators are available by appointment at all 50 public libraries throughout the state, offering free, personalized help with everyday technology needs to make it less stressful and more accessible.

A group of colorful hexacorals known as “zoantharians” remain virtually identical throughout the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans.

Deadline to submit completed applications and supporting documents is April 30; students with a home address on Kaua‘i, are accepted to or attending post-secondary education and have a 3.0 grade-point average are encouraged to apply.

Papakōlea Community Development Corporation is awarding $5,000 micro-grants for individuals and $10,000 grants to organizations.

Several Kaua‘i students were awarded the Naval Science Award on Feb. 7 during the 30th annual Kaua‘i Regional Science and Engineering Fair; the award honors the accomplishments of students who create and present quality projects for regional and state science and engineering fairs as well as the International Science and Engineering Fair.