Kauai News

Matthew Packard-Asai was last seen Wednesday (Jan. 28) fishing on rocks near the northern point of the Kīlauea beach before he was reportedly swept away by surf.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood statement for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, warning of minor flooding and erosion along north- and west-facing shores through February 2.

The Honu Hub project — led by University of South Florida, with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers taking charge of design and real-world pilot demonstration — is developing a solar-powered, compact and certifiable alternative to cesspools that protects human health and the environment.

Among the six people who died in the Sunday plane crash was 34-year-old Shelby Kuyawa, who had worked at two resorts on the Big Island and was currently a level-three sommelier.

The funding — part of nearly $34 million in new federal funding secured by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i — supports the continued development of the interactive 3-D platform Hawai‘i Advanced Visualization Energy Nexus system.

The proposed legislation supports abuse survivors, prevents exploitation and protects access to health care.

Kauaʻi’s Sleeping Giant Trail was marred by antisemitic vandalism, with swastikas spray-painted along half a mile of the scenic route, prompting strong condemnation from local officials who reaffirmed their commitment to community safety.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i spoke out Wednesday (Jan. 28) on the Senate floor about the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents during the past weekend.

Next week, members of the Hawaiian Council’s outreach team will be on Maui and Hawai‘i Island to provide in-person assistance for eligible Native Hawaiian residents currently receiving SNAP benefits.

Two significant northwest swells are expected to impact the state during the next several days, originating from a broad and complex low that evolved over the far northwest Pacific throughout the past few days; surf is forecast to exceed warning levels from late Friday through Saturday for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

Proposed measures address a range of critical issues, including expanding access to free school meals, strengthening responses to youth mental health challenges, prohibiting flavored nicotine products, establishing regulations for e-bikes and improving family court processes for youth involved in the child welfare system.

TSA ConfirmID enables travelers to verify their identity before arriving at the security checkpoint, for a $45 fee, with the process typically taking 10 to 15 minutes, though it could require 30 minutes or more in some cases.

Matthew Kai’mana Packard-Asai was last seen Wednesday (Jan. 28) fishing on the rocks near the northern point of Kahili Beach in Kīlauea. The 19-year-old is about 5-foot-7, with black hair and wearing a black hat, black shorts and black shirt.

The hue-tiful menu item highlighted the continued farm-to-school efforts by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and its commitment to student wellness.

The 2026 annual update to the immunization schedule was based on a thorough and deliberate review of medical evidence; these recommendations continue to thoughtfully consider specific disease risks and health care delivery in the United States.

Assigned seating went live Tuesday (Jan. 27) in Honolulu and throughout Southwest’s network, opening the book to the airline’s next chapter; the change followed the final Southwest open seating flight from Honolulu and a gate celebration the night before.

The vigil, organized by American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi, Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights and The Legal Clinic Hawai‘i, honored the life of 37-year-old Alex Pretti of Minneapolis, who was killed last week by federal agents, and spurred communitywide support for bills to protect due process and Hawaiʻi residents.

Better Choices, Better Health — developed by the Self-Management Resource Center — is designed to support kūpuna in building confidence and skills to manage chronic conditions while maintaining active, fulfilling lives.

Following the correct guidelines helps collection drivers pick up trash safely and efficiently, reduces service delays and supports a cleaner community islandwide.

Freelance court interpreters are paid a minimum $35 an hour; completion of the 2-day workshop is required.