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Spotted: Monk seal finds shade under beach chairs on Maui’s North Shore
On Monday, a monk seal was observed moving quickly up a crowded beach along Maui’s North Shore, where it settled about 20 feet from beachgoers.
Nation’s first climate impact fee among new Hawaiʻi laws taking effect Jan. 1
Hawaiʻi’s new first-in-the-nation climate impact fee to be paid by tourists will take effect Jan. 1, but for now it will not include cruise ship passengers due to an 11th hour ruling by a federal appeals court.
Wailua Mauka Bridge to be closed nightly for repair project next week
The Wailua River Bridge will close between Kuamoʻo Road and Wailua Marina Road from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Jan. 5 to Jan. 9.
New statewide First 5 Hawaiʻi website launches eligibility screener for families
Online resource platform aims to strengthen early childhood and family support throughout the islands.
Free safe driving app aimed at helping reduce crashes, save lives on Hawai‘i roads
2026 Safe Roads Challenge turns traffic safety into a game with a free safe driving app, available on Apple and Android smartphones, created to reward users for driving responsibly.
Road work to fully close portion of Waimea Canyon Drive daily beginning Monday
Waimea Canyon Drive will be fully closed from Panini Place and Kōkeʻe Road from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday until Friday, Feb. 27.
Nighttime work scheduled for Kūhiō Highway (Hardy-Oxford) Waterline Project
Work will take place in the center two lanes on Kuhio Highway between Oxford and Hardy streets — no left-hand turns will be allowed into side streets or businesses; one northbound lane and one southbound lane will remain open.
Maui native Kamalei Kawaʻa, a top 20 finalist on Season 25 of ‘The Voice,’ releases debut solo album
Four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Grammy nominee features 13 mele on his new album, including original compositions and select favorites, honoring the people, places and moments that shaped him throughout his life and musical journey.
Kauaʻi’s year of 2025 in pictures and stories
From fierce winter storms and technological breakthroughs to vibrant cultural festivities and interstellar discoveries, 2025 was a transformative year for Kauaʻi, embodying resilience and community spirit.
New Kaua’i bus routes to connect Anahola and Waimea beginning Jan. 5
The Kauaʻi Bus will launch its first electric buses along with two new routes, improving island-wide connectivity with routes that include Līhuʻe Airport.
CYBERSECURITY ALERT: Phishing threat masquerading as Hawaiʻi departments
Cybercriminals are creating deceptive web addresses to trick users into providing sensitive personal information or login credentials.
Reuse collection event scheduled for next week
Residents and businesses can conveniently drop off unwanted items like clothing, toys, and books for reuse at the Kauaʻi Resource Center on Jan. 9.
Rubbish pickup delayed in Wailua Homesteads due to staffing shortages
Due to staffing shortages, residential trash collection in Wailua Homesteads will be delayed and can be postponed until tomorrow, Dec. 31.
Kauaʻi prepares for New Year’s Eve: Fireworks for sale, increased DUI enforcement
“Safety starts with each of us. Plan ahead, make responsible choices, and look out for one other to help keep Kaua‘i safe.” — Kauaʻi Fire Chief Kalani Ke
New deputy director for Kaua‘i Parks and Rec sworn in
Preston Chong has been with Kaua‘i County’s Department of Parks and Recreation since 2020, serving as the department’s fiscal officer.
Hawai‘i joins multistate settlement against luxury auto manufacturer
The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition of 50 attorneys general announcing a nearly $150 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Gov. Green appoints acting chair of DLNR while Dawn Chang out on medical leave
DLNR’s Deputy Director Ryan Kanaka‘ole will serve as acting chair and director of the state agency, effective immediately.
First monthly emergency siren test in 2026 scheduled
The all-hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of the Hawai‘i Statewide Alert and Warning System used to notify the public during emergencies.
Collaborative design meeting to engage public in shaping Haleko Road next month
Due to the challenging Halekō Road design, workshops aimed at fostering community input are set for Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Thursday, Jan. 15.
New research into Cookiecutter shark bridges Hawai‘i knowledge with modern science
The study analyzed a larger dataset than previous research, examining bite patterns recorded across Hawaiʻi’s longline fisheries over many years.
