Kauai News
UPDATE: High surf advisory canceled for eastern shorelines of Kaua’i, Ni’ihau
That advisory was the last advisory, watch or warning to end or be canceled since late last week when the National Weather Service started issuing inclement and severe weather statements and products because of anticipated impacts from what was likely not a “classic” kona low.
State unemployment rate falls to 2.2% in November as jobs increase by 10,400 from previous year
There were 672,350 people employed in November while 15,350 were unemployed. Those numbers mean there was a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 688,000 statewide.
Annual first quarter business reports due by end of March; can be filed at any time online
Businesses are encouraged to monitor their information online and file reports timely to remain in good standing, which might be a prerequisite to qualify for contracts, loans and other forms of assistance.
State starts work on Līhu‘e Airport parking improvements
The $10.2 million project, awarded to contractor Alpha, Inc., is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Hawai‘i ‘Eyes on the Road’ program aims to improve maintenance response on state thoroughfares
The state department has commissioned the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Engineering and Blyncsy to distribute free dash cameras to collect information on the condition of 982 miles of state-managed road and 744 bridges.
UH researchers say Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy future could be fueled by microalgae
Tiny, sun-powered organisms found in freshwater pools could soon fuel Hawaiʻi’s sustainable future.
Hawaiian Airlines unveils $600M investment plan including airport upgrades
Starting this year through 2029, Hawaiian Airlines will renovate lobbies and gates in Honolulu, Līhuʻe, Kahului, Kona and Hilo to improve passenger flow and comfort.
Nālani Kanakaʻole, revered Kumu Hula and cultural matriarch, passes at 79
Nālani Kanakaʻole, a fifth-generation loea hula whose life work preserved and perpetuated the ancient traditions of Hawaiian chant and hula kahiko, died peacefully on Jan. 3, 2026, in Hilo.
Register now for Kaua‘i Police Activities League’s flag football season
The K-PAL flag football program is open to school-aged youth, from kindergarten to high school seniors.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative offers new rebates for medical device power backup
The Medical Device Power Backup Rebate Program provides eligible members with a rebate of up to $200 for the purchase of a qualifying backup power solution, such as a battery backup or portable generator.
Storm’s likely worst impacts set to arrive today, with more heavy rainfall, flooding
Another round of moisture makes its way into the state, and is expected to persist through tonight and linger through Tuesday, with Kauaʻi and Big Island having the greatest potential for excessive rain and flooding.
Schatz bipartisan legislation supports, helps grow native tourism
Bill that will improve on the Hawai‘i Democrat’s NATIVE Act passes U.S. Senate unanimously
Hawaiʻi modernizes parentage law, strengthening protections for LGBTQIA+ families
Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission Vice Chairman and Legislative Lead Michael Golojuch Jr. says the enactment of Act 298 as of Jan. 1 “brings Hawaiʻi’s parentage laws into the present and centers the best interests of the keiki, regardless of their parents’ gender, sexual orientation or marital status.”
UPDATE: Flood watch, coastal flood statement remain in effect for Kaua’i, Ni’ihau
Radar shows that heavy rain has diminished over the island; flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.
UPDATE: Coastal flood statement extended again; high surf advisory issued for eastern shores of Kauaʻi
Flooding continues to be expected through early Tuesday morning in low-lying coastal areas around Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; meanwhile, the high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauaʻi will be in effect from 6 a.m. Monday through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa among top 12 in U.S. for oceanography, atmospheric science, tourism
The rankings were released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy; the annual Global Ranking of Academic Subjects released by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of university performance by discipline.
‘Miracle House’ in Lahaina listed on National Register of Historic Places
This honor highlights the property’s architectural value as well as its contribution to Lahaina’s history and serves as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the people of Maui.
Hirono co-reintroduces measure to reunite and protect immigrant families
The Reuniting Families Act would reduce visa backlogs, boost efficiency throughout the immigration process and ensure a fairer, more humane process for immigrant families.
Kawaihau Road utility work, lane closures extended through February
The work and lane closures are necessary for the Kapaʻa Homesteads Tank Project.
