Kauai News
REMINDER: Kauaʻi County Division of Motor Vehicles offices to be closed for staff training
The Līhu‘e and Kapa‘a locations will be closed Oct. 8 and resume normal hours of operation Oct. 9.
Shorelines of all islands to experience minor coastal flooding during peak high tides
Peak monthly tides will combine with higher-than-predicted water levels to produce conditions ripe for inundation of shorelines and low-lying coastal areas during early morning hours through afternoon of Oct. 10.
Kaua‘i Bus launches Open Payments with Masabi
Riders now have a contactless option to pay for trips by tapping a credit or debit card or mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on any Kauaʻi Bus.
New report ranks Hawaiʻi No. 1 in nation for affordability of mental health care
Hawaiʻi has been recognized as one of the top states in the nation for mental health, according to the 2025 State of Mental Health in America report released by Mental Health America.
Enrollment exceeds 51,000 at UH’s 10 campuses, but slightly down at Kauaʻi Community College
This marks the third consecutive year of growth for Hawaiʻi’s sole provider of public higher education and a 5.1% increase since fall 2023.
Unique handmade products and fresh produce on display at Senior Center Craft Fair
Discover unique handmade crafts, baked treats, and fresh produce at the Senior Center Craft Fair in Līhuʻe on Oct. 11, presented by local senior clubs from Līhuʻe, Waimea and Kekaha.
Update: High surf advisory canceled for north and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
The National Weather Service canceled the high surf advisory for the north and west shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
Hanalei-Wainiha-Hā‘ena Community Association hosts Community Supper
Neighbors, friends and families from Hanalei, Wainiha and Hā’ena came together for a night of good food, meaningful connection and community spirit.
‘Real People, Real Stories’: Powerful exhibit brings fight and suffering with drug addiction into the light
INTO LIGHT Project on display from Feb. 1 through April 30, 2026, at Kauaʻi Performing Arts Center offers chance for healing and awareness as well as opportunity for Garden Isle residents to have the stories of their loved ones become part of the exhibit’s national tapestry.
Young artists encouraged to enter annual art competition for chance at recognition, scholarships
Submit your art by Dec. 12, for opportunities to earn recognition, scholarships, and to be featured in exhibitions at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum and beyond.
Scheduled Kaua‘i lane closures on state roadways for Oct. 4-10
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.
Real Property offices to close for staff training
The offices will be closed Oct. 8, with normal business hours resuming Oct. 9.
U.S. Department of Energy cancels grant funding for 2 Kaua‘i critical grid reliability projects
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative would have received $18.2 million in federal assistance to apply toward the combined $35.8 million total cost of the two projects.
UHERO Brief: The vulnerability of Hawai‘i’s nonprofit sector to cuts in federal funding
New analysis finds Hawai‘i’s nonprofit sector is facing budget cuts and program changes that could disrupt essential services statewide.
Hawaiʻi researchers enhance reef recovery with 3D-printed coral protection
University of Hawaiʻi offer a groundbreaking, low-cost solution to boost reef recovery worldwide and significantly increasing coral survival rates in real reef environments.
Update: Kaua‘i firefighters extinguish 2 small brush fires in Pākala area in vicinity of Kaumualiʻi Highway
The first fire is estimated to have been 200-by-15-yards in size; the second blaze was smaller, and was located about 1 mile to the east. No injuries or damaged structures were reported.
Women, Infants and Children program remains fully operational in Hawaiʻi
“While we closely monitor the federal government shutdown, I will not let it harm our families who rely on this important source of nutrition,” said Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green in an announcement the afternoon of Oct. 3. “I will ensure that funding remains available for this critical program.”
Distressed Wisconsin hiker rescued from Kalalau Trail
First responders arrived shortly after 4:35 p.m. Oct. 2 near the 1.5-mile landing zone and discovered the 31-year-old hiker, who was suffering from heat stroke.
Local union workers to strike Kaiser Permanente across the state after months of contract negotiations
Union representatives seek to secure a contract that values Hawaiʻi workers with wages that account for the high cost of living and safe staffing numbers for quality patient care.
