Kaua‘i COVID-19 update: 29 new cases, no deaths
LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 29 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 on Kaua’i this past week, bringing the total number of cases on the island up to 19,215 since the start of the pandemic.
Coco Palms Resort to be rebuilt
KAPA‘A – The latest developer of Kaua‘i’s infamous Coco Palms Resort is officially prepping for the site’s demolition and reconstruction, and he says people can expect the new resort to be completed in about three years.
Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union hosting free financial webinars
LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union is holding six free financial education webinars in April and June, and is encouraging the public to register.
Kaua‘i seeks funding for pre-planning of new road and trail
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Council approved a move to apply for $800,000 in funding for the initial planning of two infrastructure projects aimed at constructing a major road and trail system on Kaua‘i. But its still likely to be several years before either project approaches the development stage.
Hilton Garden Inn on Wailua Bay fire show thrills visitors
KAPA‘A — Twice a week, the Hilton Garden Inn Kaua‘i on Wailua Bay hosts what it calls a “mesmerizing fire show” for visitors, and it certainly kept that promise on Friday night.
County of Kaua‘i sets full-scale search and rescue exercise
LIHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i will hold a full-scale, multi-agency search and rescue exercise this month with a number of participants, including the United States Coast Guard, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i Police Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, and Kaua‘i Search and Rescue.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority seeks help with Canadian market
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is requesting proposals for “visitor education and brand management services” for the Canadian market.
New policy could reduce high cost of evictions
Lawmakers are hoping that a new bill will help reduce evictions and assist tenants struggling to make rent payments.
CDC recommends hepatitis B screening for all adults
HONOLULU — A Hawai‘i coalition working on hepatitis elimination throughout the state is hoping that new federal guidance for hepatitis B screening will encourage more people to get screened.
Hawaii Tourism Authority decries budget allotment
HONOLULU — Just hours after the state House Finance Committee unanimously approved the operating and capital budget for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s President and CEO John De Fries issued a statement citing “extreme concern” with his agency’s allocated funding.
Koloa principal nominated for leadership award
A Kaua‘i elementary school principal has been nominated for a $25,000 education award, and she’s hoping to use the funding to help expand a teacher training program.
Error found on over 2,000 Hawai‘i drivers licenses
LIHU‘E — Hawai‘i residents who received a driver’s license in February should check their cards for a printing error, according to a recent advisory from the state Department of Transportation.
Grounded yacht sinks to the ocean floor
HONOLUA BAY, Maui — The 120-ton luxury yacht stuck on the shore reef of Honolua Bay was finally freed over the weekend, only to then be sunk to the bottom of the ocean on Sunday.
Jimmy Johnson to hold book signing at Talk Story Bookstore
LIHU‘E — After more than three decades of dreaming of becoming a novelist, a Kaua‘i real estate agent has made his own wish come true.
Senate committees support recreational pot bill
LIHU‘E — A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii was approved by two state Senate committees earlier this week, and it’s now moving to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Grounded yacht owner responds to claims he refuses to pay for damage
HONOLUA BAY, Maui —The owner of the grounded yacht stuck on the reef in Honolua Bay is speaking out against reports that he is refusing to pay for his vessel’s removal from the shore reef, which the state estimates will cost close to $500,000.
Kaua‘i tourism industry continues post-pandemic rebound
Tourism continued to successfully rebound post-pandemic on the island of Kaua‘i, as evidenced by a rise in visitors and visitor spending in January.
Second attempt fails to free grounded yacht on Maui
HONOLUA BAY, Maui — Salvage teams failed in their second attempt at freeing the 120-ton yacht stuck on the shore reef of Honolua Bay on Monday night, and the state says that inclement weather has postponed further efforts until this weekend.
120-ton yacht remains grounded on Maui
HONOLUA BAY, Maui — The state is still working to free a 120-ton super yacht from the corals and reefs of Honolua Bay in northwest Maui, more than a week after its owner accidentally landed the vessel on the shoreline.
Community theatre group brings new musical to stage
A community theater group is hoping its latest production helps bring positivity and joy to audiences.