Discussion

Recent brush fires ‘normal’ for Kauaʻi fire season

 According to recent data from Kaua’i Deputy Fire Chief Roger Mills, there have been a total of 122 brush fires so far in 2024. That can be compared to 196 brush fires in all of 2023, 262 in 2022, 211 in 2021, and 193 in 2020.

Lieutenant governor issues emergency proclamation for Kokeʻe brush fire

This proclamation authorizes the use of government resources to protect public health and safety, property and natural resources. It authorizes the Adjutant General to activate the Hawai‘i National Guard to deploy state resources, as needed, to aid in fire suppression and evacuation.

Decomposing body found near Nāwiliwili Harbor

The body is in an advantaged stage of decomposition, making it more challenging to identify the body.

2024 primary election ballot mailing and drop box locations

Ballot packets are only mailed to active voters.  If you have moved and have not updated your voter registration, you must do so before you can vote in this election.

ʻTaken from us too soon’: Family, friends share messages following fatal helicopter crash

Pilot Guy Croydon, 69, was flying a Robinson R44 helicopter operating with the tour company Ali’i Kaua‘i Air Tours and Charters, when it crashed for reasons currently under investigation, on Thursday, July 11. Also on board were passengers James Quintua, 60, and his wife Amy Nichole Ruark Quinta, 53. 

‘The smallest and cheapest’: Aviation attorney speaks out about fatal Kauaʻi helicopter crash

“On Kauaʻi in particular, a twin-engine turbine helicopter seems to be the prudent thing to use, but very few operators do because they’re more expensive,” said attorney Ladd Sanger.

Looking for a job? Līhuʻe Airport is hiring security officers

Salaries for security officers start at $60,000 annually and come with full federal employee benefits, as well as a $2,000 hiring incentive for all new employees.

Ambulance provider debate decided: Falck’s appeal is denied as AMR continues with $112 million contract

“We are disappointed that the Department of Health ultimately reversed course after initially selecting Falck to provide enhanced emergency medical services to Maui and Kaua‘i counties,” said Troy Hagen, chief commercial officer of Falck USA.

UH-discovered asteroid to make close approach to Earth, no impact risk

The asteroid, named 2024 MK, is about 575 feet or nearly two football fields across, and will brighten to visual magnitude 8, fainter than what is visible by the naked eye but easily detectable with binoculars or a small telescope.

PMRF honors Native Hawaiians at annual summer solstice ceremony

“We have our military mission to protect the homeland and protect our island home. Side by side, we have a collective kuleana (responsibility) to this place and to make sure that it endures forever. That’s what this is all about. That’s what the meaning is here,” said PMRF Commanding Officer Capt. Brett Stevenson.

Kapaʻa whale carcass originally planned to be left on shoreline will be buried

“The smell isnʻt that bad, but the hotel managers and also the Bull Shed restaurant, they’ve had to move patrons of the restaurant to different rooms,” said Billy Kinney,  a cultural practitioner from Hanalei who works with Kia’i Kanaloa.

Gov. Josh Green issues intent to veto 17 bills

This veto list reflects our need to prioritize Hawaiʻi’s crippling high cost of living, the state’s affordable housing crisis and Hawaiʻi’s families impacted by the Maui wildfires,” said Gov. JoshGreen.

DLNR documents first recorded monk seal birth at Sand Island

Hawaiian monk seal Rocky (RH58) gave birth to a pup overnight. Today, Rocky and her pup rested on a beach at Sand Island State Recreation Area (SRA) on O‘ahu.

The Grassroot Institute reflects on 2024 legislative session on Kauaʻi

“I always love getting a chance to go out to Kauaʻi and talk with people,” said Ted Kefalas, the organization’s director of strategic campaigns, in an interview following the event.

Kauaʻi health office releases island-wide emergency preparedness report

KDHO conducted door-to-door surveys June 3-7, 2024, at randomly selected households islandwide. Over the course of five days, survey teams completed a total of 177 interviews, collecting valuable data about Kauaʻi residents’ health and well-being, their preparedness for emergencies, and their concerns about climate change impacts.

Decomposing whale head washed up on Kapaʻa beach to remain indefinitely

The head of a decaying sperm whale washed up on the shoreline of the Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaʻa on Friday, June 14, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources says that after discussion with a cultural practitioner, it will not be moved.

Colleague alleges jailed artist’s letter for Kauaʻi councilman was a complaint, not a threat

“He was frightened, and he was blown away that the person who terrified him for years, this is his story, had become an elected official,” said Councilwoman Felicia Cowden.

Falck protests state’s decision to award new ambulance contracts to AMR

“We filed a notice of protest after identifying what appears to be a clear error in calculating Falck’s scores, along with inconsistencies in the evaluation criteria used to award the contracts,” said Troy Hagen, the chief commercial officer for Falck USA.

PMRF honors Hawaiian place name as Major’s Bay becomes Waiapua‘a Bay

Approximately 40 people attended the ceremony, which included speeches from PMRF staff, county officials, and cultural advisors, beginning with a welcome oli (Hawaiian chant) and pule (prayer).

Housing bills signed as Kaua’i develops homelessness, housing strategy

“This is a very straightforward way to help in the right place, build some additional capacity for our people so that they don’t have to leave and be in other states,” Green said. “We have to take action. We canʻt just keep kicking the can down the road.”
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