Discussion
DLNR project combats non-native corals off Kaua‘i waters
The non-natives are not yet considered invasive because they’re isolated to a relatively small area and are small, and the DAR team plans to keep it that way.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority launches dashboard to connect visitors with volunteer opportunities
“By integrating Kanu Hawai‘i’s system and their network of nonprofit organizations throughout the state, we are seamlessly connecting visitors with even more opportunities to improve our home for future generations,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO.
Communication issues continue to delay arraignment for man charged with killing dog, assaulting owner
Jason Mearns, 47, appeared via Zoom from the O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) for his arraignment and plea for the March 17 incident, which involved him reportedly strangling a dog to death and then assaulting the pet’s owner outside the owner’s Kōloa residence.
Box Jellyfish signs up at Salt Pond Beach Park, safety official advise avoiding swimming
Ocean Safety Bureau officials have posted “Box Jellyfish” signs at Salt Pond and Po‘ipū beach parks.
Arraignment for man charged with killing dog, assaulting owner postponed for third time
47-year-old Jason Mearns was scheduled to appear before Fifth Circuit Court Judge Randal Valenciano for his arraignment and plea for the Mar. 17 incident, which involved him reportedly strangling a dog to death and then assaulting the pet’s owner outside the owner’s Koloa residence.
Local event: Easter brunch at Kōloa Landing Resort
The buffet will feature elevated classic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Menu items include a variety of local brunch specialties, such as Punalu‘u French toast, Kaua‘i kimchi fried rice and kalua pork hash. Those seeking a sweet treat can visit the sweet shop and enjoy ice cream, homemade brownies, and chocolate chip cookies.
Honolulu man cited for illegal take and possession of fish
The DLNR said an officer with its Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) responded to a complaint shortly after 10 p.m. on Mar. 21, and upon arriving at the scene, saw Moufa with dozens of fish in the back seat of a car.
Botanical gardens hosting monthly native plant giveaway
“It’s just really trying to invite our community to grow native plants and grow heritage crops and be part of environmental restoration.”
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority releases February Hotel Performance Report
For February 2024, the survey included 168 properties representing 48,046 rooms, or 86.0 percent of all lodging properties with 20 rooms or more in the Hawaiian Islands, including those offering full service, limited service, and condominium hotels.
State agencies and community groups to explore solutions for building a climate-ready Hawai‘i
A series of events will be hosted throughout the week in an effort to underscore the importance of taking action and supporting efforts to build a climate ready Hawai’i.
Man arrested in connection with Koloa dog strangling case
“A 35-year-old male resident of Kōloa was inside his residence when he heard a loud noise coming from where his dog was kept outside. Upon exiting the residence, the 35-year-old man found 49-year-old Jason Mearns lifting his dog off the ground by its chain,” the Kaua‘i Police Department said in a statement.
Sen. Schatz announces 1.3 billion federal funding for Native housing
The new funding is a 30 percent increase from last year. In addition to housing, Schatz secured $175.5 million in new federal funding for Tribal transportation activities.
Community petition to revoke permits is denied as Coco Palms rebuild continues
The planning commission’s decision comes amid developer Reef Capital Partner’s announcement that they have reached key milestones in the demolition process, and that construction crews are actively working to complete the once-renowned Coco Palms Resort in 2026.
Parents struggle to prevent St. Catherine School closure amid low enrollment
St. Catherine School in Kapa‘a announced that it would close in February, but some parents are fighting to try to keep the school open.
Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run raises awareness for at-risk youth on Kaua‘i
The Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run celebrated its ten year anniversary in September 2023, but the Keala Foundation team decided to add a spring race to their calendar this year.
Sen. Schatz announces passage of appropriations deal, securing billions in new federal funding for state
The U.S. Senate passed the first half of a bipartisan appropriations deal on Friday, Mar. 8, which aims to deliver billions in federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i.
‘Ele‘ele man pleads not guilty to allegedly biting a nurse at a Kaua‘i hospital
A 22-year-old ‘Ele‘ele man has pleaded not guilty after he allegedly bit a nurse last November. Chay Ramirez has been charged with second degree felony assault.
Colorado man dies boogie boarding at Allerton beach
The County of Kaua’i announced that a 69-year-old man from Colorado died on Friday, Mar. 2, after hitting his head on a rock while boogie boarding at Allerton Beach in Koloa.
Senate committees advance marijuana legalization bill
A third reading in the full Senate for SB 3335 is likely to be scheduled in the coming days, as the bill has a March 7 deadline to cross over to the House for further consideration.
Kaua‘i County Council defers resolution against legalizing recreational marijuana
Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo introduced a resolution on Wednesday urging the state legislature to oppose Senate Bill 3335, a measure that would make recreational cannabis legal in the state effective Jan. 1, 2026. After a lengthy debate, the county council voted in a 3-3 tie, deferring the resolution for reconsideration on March 13.
