Kauai News
‘No work, no school, no shopping’: American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi supports planned ‘National Shutdown’
There are more than 300 registered actions and events set for today throughout the nation, calling on people, organizations and communities to “strike” and demand a stop to federal government-sponsored violence being inflicted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents against peaceful protestors in Minneapolis, Minn., and elsewhere.
UPDATE: Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau north and west shorelines now under high surf warning
The warning replaces a high surf advisory that was previously issued for the same shores; surf is expected to build to heights in the 20- to 30-foot range along north-facing shores and 20- to 25-foot range along western shorelines by this afternoon.
‘Activations of Ea’ interactive exhibit coming to a University of Hawaiʻi library near you
The exhibit expands to a statewide tour this spring, including exhibition dates at Kauaʻi Community College; it centers on Hawaiian history while inviting communities to actively engage with ea — life, air, breath, sovereignty, rural, independence.
Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits recalled because of potential contamination
The product was distributed nationwide, including by retailers such as Walmart, Target and Longs Drugs in Hawai‘i; recall was issued because the biscuits might have soft plastic and/or paper pieces inside that could cause injury or pose a choking hazard.
Lane closures scheduled for guardrail repair, installation on Kainahola Road in Kapa‘a
The closures are planned for 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 5-6, weather permitting; motorists should make appropriate accommodations.
Coastal flood statement in effect through Monday afternoon for Kaua’i, Ni’ihau
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.
$5M National Science Foundation award to address outdated wastewater infrastructure
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.
Second person with Hawai’i ties identified as victim in private jet crash in Maine
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.
Hawaiʻi State Energy Office secures $1.8M to advance energy, land use, disaster planning
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.
2026 bill package proposed by Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus supports women, keiki, families
The proposed legislation supports abuse survivors, prevents exploitation and protects access to health care.
Kauaʻi officials condemn antisemitic vandalism on Nounou Mountain
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.
WATCH: Schatz condemns Minneapolis shooting — ‘We will not tolerate tyranny’
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.
Hawaiian Council assists Native Hawaiians statewide with up to $350 in grocery gift cards
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.
Hawaiʻi Legislature Keiki Caucus introduces 2026 bill package, focused on 5 priorities
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.
Option to pay fee for TSA ConfirmID coming to Hawai‘i airports for travelers without REAL ID
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.
UPDATE: U.S. Coast Guard, partners search for missing man off Kauaʻi beach
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.
Salad of locally sourced veggies gives Hawai‘i students chance to ‘taste the rainbow’
The hue-tiful menu item highlighted the continued farm-to-school efforts by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and its commitment to student wellness.
2026 American Academy of Pediatrics keiki immunization schedule endorsed by West Coast Health Alliance
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.
Southwest rolls out major changes in Honolulu, including assigned seating
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.
WATCH: Day of remembrance, action hosted at state Capitol, showing Aloha to Alex
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.
