Stories by Coco Zickos

Abandoned vehicles costing taxpayers

LIHUE —Broken down, picked apart vehicles left on the side of the road and other inconspicuous places around the island are an epidemic. Trouble is, it’s hard to track down the owners of abandoned or derelict vehicles because, more often than not, the drivers of the cars never transferred ownership.

Talk story: Mel Rapozo

Mel Rapozo might be outspoken when it comes to government issues, but behind the scenes he’s also a major advocate of keiki sports.

Property tax bill goes to mayor

LIHUE — Families that have lived on their properties for generations but whose names are not on title are one step closer to applying for the same tax exemptions other owner-occupants enjoy.

‘Guest house’ bill becomes law

LIHUE —The “guest house” bill was signed into law on Thursday. That means that a guest house, which is a separate unit away from the primary dwelling that is no more than 500 square feet and may not be used as a transient vacation rental or homestay operation, may now contain a kitchen.

‘Refocusing Tourism’

Visitors average about 28,000 a day on Kauai, according to statistics from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Residents may qualify for property tax exemptions

LIHUE — The longer we wait, the harder it will be to solve, said Councilmember Ross Kagawa at Wednesday’s Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting of the County Council. He was talking about Bill No. 2756 that aims to grant real property tax exemptions to family members whose names are not on titles.

‘He was on his way’

LIHUE — Ali‘i Brown offered his T-shirt to his mom, Desaray Saito-Brown, so she could wipe the tears from her eyes as she played a song that reminded her of her oldest son, Keanu Shannon Lawai’a “Anu” Saito. She had just finished talking about Saito’s untimely death two years ago when he was only 20 years old.

New roles filled at NTBG

The National Tropical Botanical Garden recently welcomed Dr. Nina Ronsted as its new director of science and conservation. She succeeds Dr. David H. Lorence, who has worked with the plant conservation organization since 1987 and held the title of director of science and conservation and curator of the herbarium for the past 17 years.

‘The taxes are killing us’

Haunani Pacheco’s family has had their Anini property for 108 years. She came to Wednesday’s public hearing to thank the County Council for a bill that, if passed, would allow family members to apply for real property tax exemptions.

Honoring loved ones

When Steve Kruger’s father, Curt, forgot how to get to the driving range, he knew something was wrong.

Council OKs guest house bill

The Kauai County Council approved a bill Wednesday that allows kitchens in guest houses. Bill No. 2754, introduced by Councilmembers Mason Chock and Arthur Brun, now heads to the mayor for his final review and decision.