Kauai News
65-year-old leader of trans-Pacific drug trafficking ring sentenced to 28 years
The drug trafficking ring was responsible for bringing methamphetamine, fentanyl and carfentanil — a fentanyl analogue and used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals — to the Hawaiian Islands for distribution.
UPDATE 2: Search for missing Kapaʻa man to continue at first light Saturday in waters off Kahili Beach
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.
Police continue search for man missing since November 2024
The Kauaʻi Police Department is urgently requesting the public’s assistance in locating 64-year-old Julius Krizon, who was last seen in November 2024.
Online nursing degree program University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa gets high national marks
The university’s flagship campus placed No. 62 out of the top 209 online master’s in nursing programs recognized in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings of the nation’s best online programs.
Working Families Caucus, community advocates introduce 2026 proposed bill package
The package includes five measures to be considered by state lawmakers, targeting issues such as child care, health care and cost-of-living relief.
German visitor and minor rescued on Kalalau Trail along Kauaʻi’s Napali Coast
Kauaʻi Fire Department’s Air 1 helicopter rescued a 51-year-old German hiker and a minor facing distress on Kalalau Trail, following a delay due to ongoing search efforts at Kahili Beach.
Rep. Tokuda to kick off town halls in state, including Kauaʻi
The lawmaker will discuss policies affecting Hawaiʻi, address concerns about the Trump administration and answer questions from community members.
Admiral’s visit showcases Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands team
U.S. Navy Region Hawai’i Commander Rear Adm. Brad Collins made a point to spend a good chunk of his time while on base speaking with sailors of all ranks and asking how U.S. Navy Region Hawai‘i can better support the Barking Sands facility.
Volcano Watch: When it rained rocks; tephra falls far and wide during Kīlauea Episode 41
Strong updrafts coupled with light winds blowing to the east and north sent lava fragments — called tephra — from those molten rock geysers over much of Puna, into Hilo and falling along the eastern edge of Kaʻū; learn more now!
Kaiser Permanente strike enters 5th day as health care workers walk out
According to union officials, thousands of healthcare workers are participating in a nationwide strike at Kaiser Permanente, now in its fifth day, to protest unsafe staffing levels and heavy workloads.
‘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.
