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UPDATE: 2 more sharks spotted in Hanalei Bay; officials continue to advise no ocean activities
Lifeguards will now reassess the situation July 12; if there are no other shark sightings, the beach will reopen to ocean activities. This marks three sharks sighted in the bay in 2 days.
Kaua‘i Police Department investigates increase in Wailua vehicle break-ins
Unlocked vehicles and valuables left in plain sight are involved in many of the incidents. Police say common targets include electronics, wallets, purses and other easily seen items.
NASA seeks renewal of state lease in Kōkeʻe to continue work to measure Earth’s rotation
In 1965, NASA officially contracted a 23-acre site in Waimea from the State of Hawai’i for its Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory, and has operated from there ever since.
Can you Vision Zero? State committed to future without traffic fatalities, serious injuries
Hawaiʻi Department of Health — working with national, state and county traffic safety partners — developed and launched the Vision Zero Hawaiʻi initiative to assert that commitment to the public and raise awareness about how residents with a shared vision can help.
Volcano Watch: Snowshoeing on the Big Island’s Kīlauea? High fountain episodes pose new challenges to volcano monitoring
While it is challenging that a small portion of the Kīlauea monitoring network is impacted by the ongoing summit eruption, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says maintaining the network during eruptions comes with the job when it’s monitoring one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
Hirono, fellow Dems want immigration enforcement officers to be more VISIBLE
Aimed at strengthening oversight, transparency and accountability of immigration enforcement,the Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement, or VISIBLE, Act of 2025 would require immigration enforcement officers to display clearly visible identification during public enforcement actions.
Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi launches scholarship program for resort employees and ʻohana
The resort and spa located near Poʻipū on the South Shore awarded $3,500 scholarships to 14 employees and their children this year to help with their pursuits of academic and professional goals.
State’s first fire marshal in nearly half a century becomes official, Maui wildfire settlement funds solidified
“Today, we are re-envisioning the path forward in the roadmap of wildfire prevention and recovery,” Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green said. “We are taking action from both ends of the wildfire spectrum — building a more robust fire prevention framework within the state and enacting historic legislation that will aid in timely access to compensation following disaster.”
Decommissioning of UKIRT telescope atop Mauna Kea on Big Island officially underway
It will be the third observatory decommissioned under University of Hawaiʻi’s Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan, following Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Hōkū Keʻa Observatory, both completed in 2024.
Lane closures scheduled for ʻŪhā, Kauhale roads in Lāwaʻi for resurfacing work
Drivers should plan accordingly, allow extra travel time if driving through the work areas and avoid parking in the work zones.
Repairs to Hanalei Water System completed, restoring dependable operation
A pump motor at the Maka Ridge Pump Station failed April 4, affecting a 250,000-gallon water storage tank; a resulting water conservation request for the Hanalei and ʻAnini Beach areas was lifted and pump fixed last weekend, 3 months later.
Popular Ritz cracker snacks recalled from Hawai‘i grocery store shelves
The state is inspecting local stores to ensure that the recalled products are no longer available for sale.
Kōloa Plantation Days festivities return to The Shops at Kukui‘ula
The theme of year’s events “Holomua: Riding the Waves of Change” invites guests of the Poʻipū shopping and dining destination to reflect on the past while celebrating Kaua‘i’s rich plantation heritage through storytelling, music and culinary experiences.
Kaua‘i County to launch wildfire outreach education in communities vulnerable to blazes
The first event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to nooon July 14 in Kaumakani. The second is slated for later this summer in Waimea. “By coming together as neighbors and staying informed, we can help protect each other,” Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami said.
Portion of Maluhia Road to be closed in preparation for Kōloa Plantation Days
Message boards are posted along Kaumualiʻi Highway in both directions to remind motorists about the closure.
Housing, infrastructure workshop will be tonight as part of series on East Kauaʻi plans
Contribute to the county’s long-term planning efforts with three more public workshops planned for the East Kauaʻi Community and Circulation Plan.
Kaua‘i County mayor proclaims July 2, 2025, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong Day for ‘Lilo & Stitch’ star
Agudong, born and raised on Kaua‘i, plays Nani, the older sister and guardian to the adorable and mischievous girl Lilo, who befriends a runaway alien.
U.S. could begin seabed mining off the coast of American Samoa
As the U.S. Department of the Interior’s comment deadline approaches on July 16, American Samoa and environmental advocates oppose seabed mining, citing potential threats to marine life, fishing zones and the cultural heritage of the coast.
Gov. Green signs bills addressing rising insurance costs, youth homelessness
Gov. Josh Green has signed pivotal legislation to tackle Hawaii’s housing crisis, with Senate Bill 1044 (Act 296) to address rising property insurance premiums and House Bill 613 (Act 297) to support homeless youth through the permanent Safe Places for Youth program.
Nearly 50 ‘green’ Hawai‘i businesses, events awarded for sustainability practices
Awardees — which include several from Kaua’i — were honored for their commitment to energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, cultural and natural resource preservation, plus more.