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‘Death threat’ investigation against Kaua‘i councilman remains ongoing
Kaua‘i County Councilmember Bill DeCosta remains on administrative leave from Kapa‘a High School due to an undisclosed January incident that coincided with the local politician receiving an alleged handwritten death threat back in January.
855 humpback whale sightings observed throughout state on final count day of 2024 Sanctuary Ocean Count, Great Whale Count
Volunteer citizen scientists collected data March 30 from 46 sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Warning sirens to be tested April 1
The test is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. and will be accompanied by a test of the live audio broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
New hours begin April 1 for Kaua‘i police records services, firearms registration
The department’s Records Section is adopting the new schedule in an effort to significantly increase the public’s accessibility for walk-up window hours to include early morning, late afternoon and lunch hours.
Volcano Watch: Using acoustic signals to identify the start of the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption
The global volcano monitoring community routinely installs clusters of acoustic sensors called arrays on the flanks of volcanoes that can measure the audible noise (sounds we can hear) and the inaudible noise, which have frequencies that human ears can’t sense (infrasound).
$1.25M grant provides catalyst for new Asian-American, Pacific Islander environmental justice initiative at UH
The funding provides a catalyst for a cutting-edge interdisciplinary initiative complete with two new faculty positions, a humanities lab to develop new teaching materials and a dynamic forum for professional development and exchange of ideas.
Kaua‘i police offers new resource for residents to aid in crime investigations
City Protect is a program using technology that allows residents and businesses to voluntarily register their external security camera locations allowing law enforcement to view footage with their consent.
Arraignment for man charged with killing dog, assaulting owner postponed for third time
47-year-old Jason Mearns was scheduled to appear before Fifth Circuit Court Judge Randal Valenciano for his arraignment and plea for the Mar. 17 incident, which involved him reportedly strangling a dog to death and then assaulting the pet’s owner outside the owner’s Koloa residence.
Local event: Easter brunch at Kōloa Landing Resort
The buffet will feature elevated classic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Menu items include a variety of local brunch specialties, such as Punalu‘u French toast, Kaua‘i kimchi fried rice and kalua pork hash. Those seeking a sweet treat can visit the sweet shop and enjoy ice cream, homemade brownies, and chocolate chip cookies.
Botanical gardens hosting monthly native plant giveaway
“It’s just really trying to invite our community to grow native plants and grow heritage crops and be part of environmental restoration.”
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority releases February Hotel Performance Report
For February 2024, the survey included 168 properties representing 48,046 rooms, or 86.0 percent of all lodging properties with 20 rooms or more in the Hawaiian Islands, including those offering full service, limited service, and condominium hotels.
Man arrested in connection with Koloa dog strangling case
“A 35-year-old male resident of Kōloa was inside his residence when he heard a loud noise coming from where his dog was kept outside. Upon exiting the residence, the 35-year-old man found 49-year-old Jason Mearns lifting his dog off the ground by its chain,” the Kaua‘i Police Department said in a statement.
Community petition to revoke permits is denied as Coco Palms rebuild continues
The planning commission’s decision comes amid developer Reef Capital Partner’s announcement that they have reached key milestones in the demolition process, and that construction crews are actively working to complete the once-renowned Coco Palms Resort in 2026.
Looking for employment? Check out the Kaua‘i Job Fair
More than 50 businesses, representing a variety of industries on the Garden Isle, will offer an assortment of employment opportunities.
Construction of new Olympic tower in waters off Tahiti could damage reef
A new study by researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and Arizona State University along with community partners in Tahiti found that just dredging the site would cause at least $1.3 million in damage to the live reef habitat.
Parents struggle to prevent St. Catherine School closure amid low enrollment
St. Catherine School in Kapa‘a announced that it would close in February, but some parents are fighting to try to keep the school open.
State agency seeks public input on how to shape future management of Hawai‘i tourism
A website was launched to provide information about the study. The site includes an online public survey. Anyone who has an interest in Hawai‘i tourism is invited to take the survey and share their thoughts.
Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run raises awareness for at-risk youth on Kaua‘i
The Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run celebrated its ten year anniversary in September 2023, but the Keala Foundation team decided to add a spring race to their calendar this year.
Sen. Schatz announces passage of appropriations deal, securing billions in new federal funding for state
The U.S. Senate passed the first half of a bipartisan appropriations deal on Friday, Mar. 8, which aims to deliver billions in federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i.
