Kauai News
‘Return-to-Home program’ proposed for homeless people to return to their home states
A bill introduced by 13 representatives in the state House calls for establishing a permanent “Return-to-Home program” with an as yet undetermined amount of funding to return homeless people in Hawaiʻi to their home states.
Not just surviving, thriving: Majority caucus at state House presents 2025 bill package
7-bill package championed by the caucus of 42 Democrats covers critical issues the state faces such as housing, homelessness, agriculture and biosecurity, economic development and public safety.
Complete closure of Kūhiō Highway scheduled near Lumahaʻi Bridge
Crews will be trimming and removing a hanging branch. Both lanes need to be temporarily closed for safety purposes and to have room for equipment to do the work.
Firefighters battle blaze at business building in Līhu‘e
Kaua‘i Fire Department crews made their way into the structure after arriving at about 1 p.m. Jan. 21, encoutering heavy smoke before finding and fully extinguishing the blaze at its origin.
Vacant lot in Līhu‘e sells for $13.25 million; new owner plans to build U-Haul center
The 11-acre parcel of real estate fronts Kūhiō Highway between Wilcox Medical Center and Walmart.
North shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau under high surf advisory through Friday
A large short-period northwest swell will peak tonight into Thursday morning followed by a large medium-period north to north-northwest swell Thursday afternoon into Friday, bringing waves rising to 12 to 16 feet along the northern coastlines of both islands.
Box jellyfish reported at Salt Pond Beach Park
Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau officials advise the public to avoid swimming in this area, and beachgoers are urged to follow all warning signs posted.
Lane closures underway on Maluhia Road in Kōloa
Single-lane closures will continue through Friday in the vicinity of the S-turns to ensure the public’s safety during grass-cutting and vegetation maintenance along the roadway.
Start time of Kaua‘i students’ free Kid Pan Alley concert rescheduled
The Jan. 31 concert will cap off the students’ participation in the Kid Pan Alley songwriting program.
Summer courses now more affordable at 7 University of Hawai‘i community colleges
Summer tuition will match fall and spring semester costs at just $131 per credit for Hawai‘i residents, which will allow students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.
Lane closures scheduled for road resurfacing in Kekaha
One-lane closures are necessary during the day through the end of this week on Elepaio Road, between Kala Road to Pueo Road, and Mamo Road, weather permitting.
Transformative outcome: Community-built comfort station coming to Hā‘ena State Park
The unique project is the first of its kind, where a nonprofit community group led the design and planning process for improvements in a state park but is paying for the entire project with non-government funding.
Gov. Green delivers State of the State address, again prioritizing tax cuts, housing
As he enters his third year in office, Gov. Josh Green told a joint session of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature: “Today, I am proud to report to you that the state of Hawai‘i is strong.”
Illegal vapes, most widely used tobacco products among youth, sold in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi attorney general says the products, which are largely made and then illegally imported into the United States from China, also are packaged and distributed in myriad keiki-friendly flavors, playful shapes and bright colors. Some even include video games that encourage youth to earn vitural coins by vaping.
Hawai‘i state rep introduces congressional bill to end discriminatory shipping practices
Hawai‘i US Rep. Ed Case has reintroduced a bill in the US House to end what he called “the discriminatory and exclusionary shipping practices faced by residents and businesses in Hawai‘i, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and other US territories.”
GoFarm offering course to Kauaʻi residents wanting to become next crop of farmers
In 2025, no prior experience is required to join GoFarm’s six-month AgXcel course.
University of Hawai‘i seeks additional funding to operate weather stations throughout state
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is partnering with the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to improve flood and wildfire early warning systems by installing 100 weather monitoring stations across the main Hawaiian Islands.
Real Property Tax Collections Section scheduled to reopen this week
The office has been closed for about a week and a half for renovations. Regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
State urges more biosecurity measures to protect flocks from avian flu
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a viral disease of domestic and wild birds and is a major threat to the poultry industry and animal health.
Annual Hoʻike hula concert brings a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture to Kauaʻi
The Hoʻike hula concert will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, along with a craft fair and grinds event from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall.