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UPDATE: Police ID man who died after being swept off North Shore while diving in Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach
The 26-year-old Kīlauea resident was identified as Leonardo Mangamaw.
2025 Kaua‘i Cultural Grant Program and Events awardees announced
“These projects reflect the heart of our island — rooted in tradition, driven by community and full of purpose,” said Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Brun.
U.S. Coast Guard reports fewest boating fatalities in more than 50 years
The 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report revealed a nationwide fatality rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from 2023. The rate was 20.6 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vehicles in 1971 when the Safe Boating Act was passed.
Hawai‘i students partner with conservation professionals to produce first-ever draft genome of critically endangered Palila
In a landmark collaboration between science and education, six Hawaiʻi high school students have successfully produced the first-ever draft genome of the palila—a critically endangered, finch-billed Hawaiian Honeycreeper endemic to the islands.
Hawai‘i State road usage charge begins for electric vehicles on July 1
On the next registration renewal received after July 1, eligible EV owners will have the option to pay a state per-mile road usage charge, or RUC, of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50, or a state flat annual state RUC of $50.
Drone surveillance now allowed in Hawaiʻi to crackdown on illegal fireworks
The new laws also will increase penalties for people with illegal fireworks and allocate more resources to law enforcement agencies to investigate such cases.
Kaua‘i structure fire kills 2 pets, displaces 2 residents
Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to the blaze on Hoi Road shortly after 12:30 a.m. When crews arrived on scene, firefighters discovered a residence on fire.
Hundreds get rolling during Wilcox Medical Center’s 10th annual Keiki Bike & Skateboard Safety Day
Highlights of the event included keiki receiving free mult-use helmets, bike skills enhancement course, skateboard lessons and tips, free bike tune-ups, educational booths about concussion prevention and 55 children receiving free bicycles donated by Wilcox employees and the community.
Spawnbreezie headlines America’s Most West Freedom Fest at Pacific Missile Range Facility
“Freedom Fest is a fantastic community celebration with top entertainment, lots of good food and fun activities throughout the evening.” — Pacific Missile Range Facility Director of Fleet and Family Services Jeffrey Shaw
7th annual Garden Island Boogie Board Classic set for July 18-20
Registration is now open for this year’s installment of the competition, hosted and organized by Kaua‘i nonprofit Kaikeha, that showcases some of the world’s best bodyboarding talent, from near and far.
UPDATE: Episode 27 lava geysers of Kīlauea summit eruption reach heights of about 1,100 feet before ending
High fountains lasted nearly 11 hours and produced about 1.6 bilion gallons of lava, covering 80% of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor within the Big Island volcano’s summit caldera. Lava flows from this episode could continue to exhibit slow movement or incandescence throughout the coming days.
Wastewater septic disposal rate increase goes into effect July 1
Rates for cesspool/septic and waste activated sludge disposal will increase from $64.80 to $88.78 per 1,000 gallons, effective through June 30, 2026.
Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association First Tee Hawai‘i announces winners of Wailua Challenge
Total of 38 junior golfers from throughout the islands teed up for the event at Wailua Golf Course on the beautiful east shore of the Garden Isle from June 27-28.
Kaua’i conservation leaders hope Hawaiʻi’s new Green Fee will prioritize environmental initiatives, not tourism
Some conservation groups on Kauaʻi are concerned about how the state is going to disperse about $100 million in annual funding from the state’s new “Green Fee.”
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay donates $10K to Kaua‘i Community College Culinary Arts Program
Funds were raised during the hotel’s past four ‘Chefs by Nature’ culinary series events, which is a collaboration between the resort’s culinary team and visiting guest celebrity chefs, and will be used to provide scholarships supporting culinary education.
4th of July festivities flashy and fun with fireworks, but USPS reminds public they can’t be mailed
U.S. Postal Service reminds the public that while fireworks and firecrackers are fun on the 4th of July, all kinds — including sparklers, bottle rockets and Roman candles — are banned from the mail.
Public invited to discussion about Kapaʻa Homesteads Tanks Project
Outreach event is opportunity for community members to review the project and share feedback. Project will replace existing 200,000-gallon storage tank with two new 500,000-gallon tanks along with installing additional water lines and associated appurtenances.
County reminds public to properly dispose of combustible and hazardous materials
Improper disposal can cause fires or other damage resulting in injury to county staff and equipment, potentially interrupting services or shutting down a facility.
Precursors to Episode 27 lava fountains underway at Kīlauea summit on Big Island
“Sustained lava fountaining is likely to begin on June 29 or 30 [Sunday or Monday] based on the current rate of summmit inflation, but could begin sooner if precursory activity escalates.” — Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Kaua‘i Fire Department urges community to celebrate fire safe this 4th of July
When it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, the best course of action is to have fun safely and responsibly. Fire Department officials remind the public that consumer fireworks/firecrackers are only allowed to be ignited from 1 to 9 p.m. July 4 and offer tips to keep you fire safe.
