Kauai News

Talia Jimenez, 21, of Kōloa, was identified as the victim in the first traffic fatality of 2026, following a single-vehicle crash on Kūhiō Highway.

At 3:59 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Hawaii’s first baby of 2026 made his debut at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center.

Peak monthly high tides combined with water levels running higher than predicted will lead to minor flooding along the shoreline and in low-lying coastal areas of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

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.

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.

Online resource platform aims to strengthen early childhood and family support throughout the islands.

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.

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.

Suspension caused by high demand and limited inventory from local retailers.

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.

“We’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly and keep safety front and center this New Year’s Eve,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Adults should closely supervise children, make sure everyone understands the risks and remember that fireworks should never be held or thrown.”

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.

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.

The Kauaʻi Bus will launch its first electric buses along with two new routes, improving island-wide connectivity with routes that include Līhuʻe Airport.

Cybercriminals are creating deceptive web addresses to trick users into providing sensitive personal information or login credentials.

Residents and businesses can conveniently drop off unwanted items like clothing, toys, and books for reuse at the Kauaʻi Resource Center on Jan. 9.

Due to staffing shortages, residential trash collection in Wailua Homesteads will be delayed and can be postponed until tomorrow, Dec. 31.

“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

Preston Chong has been with Kaua‘i County’s Department of Parks and Recreation since 2020, serving as the department’s fiscal officer.

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.