Community
Reuse collection event scheduled for next week
Residents and businesses can conveniently drop off unwanted items like clothing, toys, and books for reuse at the Kauaʻi Resource Center on Jan. 9.
Rubbish pickup delayed in Wailua Homesteads due to staffing shortages
Due to staffing shortages, residential trash collection in Wailua Homesteads will be delayed and can be postponed until tomorrow, Dec. 31.
Kauaʻi prepares for New Year’s Eve: Fireworks for sale, increased DUI enforcement
“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
New deputy director for Kaua‘i Parks and Rec sworn in
Preston Chong has been with Kaua‘i County’s Department of Parks and Recreation since 2020, serving as the department’s fiscal officer.
Collaborative design meeting to engage public in shaping Haleko Road next month
Due to the challenging Halekō Road design, workshops aimed at fostering community input are set for Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Thursday, Jan. 15.
Is your pet a baller? Enter them in the Mini Hoopers cutest pet contest
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.
‘Chief of War’ star, respected Kauaʻi cultural practitioner Kaina Makua to give keynote at Toastmasters conference
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.
University of Hawaiʻi study reveals how ocean’s most abundant bacteria diversify
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.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa English Dept. chooses ‘analogue’ as 2025 Hawaiʻi Word of the Year
The choice is meant to highlight the enduring value of human-centered thinking, creativity and interpretation in an age of rapidly growing artificial intelligence.
Hawaiʻi Legislature accepting applications for 2026 grant-in-aid funds
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.
Excellence in action: Kaua‘i Police Department honors Employees of Month
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.
No state roadway closures scheduled week of Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, 2026
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.
December 2025 updates from Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development
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.
Kaua‘i middle schoolers compete in second Makahiki championship
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.
Recruitment for state conservation officers starts in January
Vacancies for these officer positions are located across the state.
Wildfire preparedness education to continue with outreach event in Anahola next month
Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency will continue wildfire preparedness efforts to give residents evacuation strategies and safety tips with an outreach event in Anahola on Jan. 13.
Appointments, reappointments to boards, commissions announced by governor
Each of the panel members bring deep experience in water resource management, ethics, agriculture and community development to critical areas of state service.
‘You’re never too old to pursue your dreams’: Big Isle 71-year-old earns college degree
She might be from another island, but Theresa Chang’s lifetime defined by breathtaking resilience, including an incredible journey from addiction to academic success, is one that can and should inspire others; she even just recently accepted her bachelor of arts degree in communication from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo during the Dec. 20 fall commencement ceremony.
Salvation Army unwraps joy distributing thousands of Angel Tree gifts to families in need
Holiday wishes were fulfilled for a total of 16,435 youth and seniors throughout The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division, but the need is growing and continues beyond the holidays; consider setting up your own Virtual Red Kettle campaign before the end of the year to help.
Christmas trees accepted for recycling
Trees must be bare and free of flocking, tinsel, stands and ornaments when brought to any of the recycling locations; also keep in mind that green waste sites are closed during inclement weather.
