Discussion
County officials continuing damage assessments following storm, advises residents to stay informed
Due to a significant decrease in daily reports being submitted, officials believe that the scope of impact has been captured. Therefore, KEMA will be closing the portal on Monday, April 29.
BLNR to decide on Coco Palms land parcels issue
The Friday meeting surrounds two state parcels, measuring 0.12 and 0.855 acres, which are connected to the Coco Palms Resort.
AARP expert warns Hawaiʻi homeowners to beware of contractor fraud
“Disasters unfortunately attract crooked contractors,” said Greenwood, who spoke at AARP Hawai`i Fight Fraud Together seminars in Kona and Hilo this week.
University of Hawaiʻi publishes spring 2024 commencement schedule for all 10 campuses
The Kauaʻi Commiunity College graduation will be held on Friday, May 10.
Friend of jailed Kaua‘i artist accused of threatening a councilman speaks out following court hearing
The court hearing was continued to May 7 to allow more time for a mental health and fitness examination from a state psychologist.
Court records reveal Līhuʻe manʻs alleged threatening letter to Kauaʻi council member ahead of court appearance
Facing first-degree terroristic threatening, a class C felony, and harassment, a petty misdemeanor, 67-year-old Glenn Gruenhagen is in jail on $100,000 bail for reportedly leaving the “threatening note” for County Councilman Bill DeCosta in January and returning days later to look for him at the county building.
Ambulance service providers vying for contract as procurement process restarts following controversy
“We look forward and we’re very confident in our ability to provide all thatʻs required and requested and more,” said Speedy Bailey, the regional director for American Medical Response (AMR) in Hawaiʻi, in an interview on April 19.
Over 2 dozen homes severely damaged by flooding on Kaua‘i; assessments ongoing
“If itʻs your home, that’s all that matters to you is that your home is lost,” said Padraic Gallagher, the director of disaster services for American Red Cross Kauai, in an interview on Wednesday afternoon.
Applications to Homeowner Assistance Fund program on Kaua‘i closes May 1
The HAF programs were funded through the American Rescue Plan signed into law by the Biden Administration with the goal of preventing foreclosure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both counties of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i participate in this program.
12 hikers rescued in Wailua, Kōke‘e during flash flood warning
Three hikers were rescued at Blue Hole Trail in Wailua in the early afternoon on April 14, and another nine hikers were rescued from the Waimea Canyon in Kōke‘e later that day.
County of Kauaʻi officials assessing damages following recent storm
Two displaced boats were found damaged at Running Waters, a nearby beach in Lihuʻe. One of the boats reportedly had a person on it, who was able to swim safely to shore.
Verizon service restored following over 7-hour outage
“We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers on Kaua’i,” said Verizon representative Alexis Madrigal in an email response to Kaua’i Now at 8:06 p.m. on April 11.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay to host culinary series featuring Top Chef winner Melissa King
From April 12-14, 2024, Chef Melissa will participate in a wine pairing, cooking class and curated dinner as part of the resort’s Chefs by Nature series.
Fentanyl task force following Big Island blueprint coming to Kaua‘i
County representatives were part of a two-day training program administered by the Hawaii Island Task Force last month, which included representatives from the Kauai Police Department, the Kauai Safety Bureau, the county prosecutor’s office, the county housing agency, health care providers, and various nonprofits.
State libraries to have ‘newer, faster’ checkout
“We’re now able to check out stacks of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials at one time rather than individually,” said Stacey A. Aldrich, State Librarian in a Wednesday statement. “This will make getting in and out of the library much faster.”
Coco Palms developer, state officials deny claims of burial disturbances
Alan Downer, the administrator with the state Historic Preservation Division, the agency responsible for investigating possible burial disturbances, said there was no need to continue with a formal investigation after speaking with onsite archaeological monitor Nancy McMahon.
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.