Discussion
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.”
State awards ambulance contracts to American Medical Response following protests
“We are disappointed that Falck was not selected by the Department of Health, who found us more qualified than the incumbent to provide emergency medical services to Maui and Kaua‘i counties just last year before canceling the request for proposals in response to a challenge,” said Troy Hagen, chief commercial officer for Falck USA.
Kaua’i Fentanyl Task Force starts following rise in drug overdoses
“It’s not picking on any particular island. So it’s just spontaneous. It’s everywhere. And we just gotta keep looking at the numbers and never, ever think about patting ourselves on the back.”
U.S. Pacific Fleet to hold maritime exercise this summer
RIMPAC is the worldʻs largest international maritime exercise, which has been held biannually in summer months since 1971.
Hawaiian Host chocolate owners award four Kauaʻi students academic scholarships
Mamoru and Aiko Takitani own Hawaiian Host chocolates. The foundation reports awarding more than $13.5 million in scholarship and academic enrichment programs to students in Hawaiʻi over the years, including $219,000 in scholarships this year.
Unusual late season Kona low mostly fizzles on neighbor islands, drenches O‘ahu
Last week’s storm appears to be the latest kona low to directly affect the main Hawaiian Islands in at least the past 20 years.
Fern Holland begins second campaign for Kauaʻi County Council
Holland, who is the food systems director for 501(c)3 non-profit Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, is an outspoken activist and organizer in the community. She has also gained visibility for her role as a leading member of a group against the reconstruction of the Coco Palms Hotel in Wailua.
Concerns raised over Kaua’i artist sentenced to a year in jail for ‘threatening’ councilman in plea deal
Gruenhagen appeared for a scheduled status review on the morning of May 7, which unexpectedly transitioned into a change of plea, followed by instant sentencing by Fifth Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
County and hotel developer respond to recent wastewater spills at Coco Palms
“Coco Palms has received all necessary permit approvals from the County and through that process, they affirmed the project’s ability to tie into the municipal wastewater system,” said Reed Capitalʻs communications representative Shane Peters.
Kaua‘i County data shows recent decline in lifeguard rescues
“We are pleased to see a lower number of rescues in the first four months of 2024,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson.
County to open registration for youth Summer Fun Program on May 15
The 2024 Summer Fun Program will run from June 17 to July 26, on weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. It’s open to children 5 to 11 years old.