Featured
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.
New UH study: Groundwater directly impacts water chemistry in coral reefs
Cascade of changes groundwater triggers in coastal ecosystem described by university researchers as a ‘Goldilocks scenario,’ when too much is not good but ‘just right’ is beneficial.
Say aloha to solar system’s third known interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, detected by University of Hawaiʻi telescope
Newly identified object, suspected to be a comet, should show increasing activity as it gets closer to the sun, but it will never get warm enough to be seen by the naked eye. And it poses no risk of hitting Earth.
New, stronger labeling regulations become law for māmaki tea grown in Hawai‘i
The new law prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names and motifs on the label of a consumer package that says it contains or includes tea or dried leaves from Hawai‘i māmaki plants, Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves from the māmaki is actually grown in Hawai‘i.
12 projects receive Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants from Office of Economic Development
A selection committee carefully reviewed and scored each of the eligible 18 proposals submitted, with the 12 selected projects partially or fully funded with a total of $637,429.
‘Give your keiki a great start’: Application period open for Preschool Open Doors program
The subsidy program provides services statewide to families sending their children to a licensed preschool during the 2 school years prior to them entering kindergarten. Its goal of is to promote school readiness, focusing on meeting the needs of the child.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands secures $22M in Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant funds
The department allocated nearly $40 million to affordable housing initiatives last fiscal year using funds from the federal block grant program. It has built, purchased or rehabilitated 769 affordable homes; improved nearly 700 lots with infrastructure to support construction of new housing units; and rehabilitated three community centers, plus more, during the past 23 years since it was first awarded the block grant funding.
Injured 38-year-old Kansas kayaker rescued from Kalalau Beach
The woman visitor was found by responding Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel the morning of 4th of July sitting in a kayak on the beach, under the shade of trees, being assisted by bystanders. Her ankle was splinted and she was flown by Air 1 to Princeville Airport to awaiting emergency personnel.
UPDATE: Kauaʻi County Department of Water lifts water conservation request for Hanalei, ʻAnini
Customers can now resume normal water usage 3 months after the conservation request was initially put in place.