Stories by Jessica Else

Careful when entering the forest

LIHU‘E — Researchers have found more diseased ‘ohi‘a trees on Kauai and in several of the other Main Hawaiian Islands since the COVID-19 pandemic curbed forest activity, and experts ask people to take care when reentering the forests as the state reopens.

EPA to close 16 large cesspools on Kaua‘i

LIHU‘E — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken enforcement actions in Kaua‘i to close 16 pollution-causing large capacity cesspools (LCCs) and collect $55,182 in penalties. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA banned large capacity cesspools in 2005.

Probiotics for the reef

A new study out of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa suggests reef health may largely be dictated by a microscopic turf war between coral and algae, though other environmental factors still impact reefs, such as ocean acidification or excess nutrients.

Kaua‘i: no new cases

While there are no new active COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i as of Friday, Hawai‘i public health authorities said Friday 15 more people tested positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus statewide.

Officials: Keep wearing masks

LIHU‘E — Representatives of the World Health Organization say data now shows secondary transmission of COVID-19 in asymptomatic individuals, or those showing no signs of the virus, is “very rare”.

Recategorizing COVID numbers

The state Department of Health reported a total of nine new cases of COVID-19 in the state on Friday, but that number includes three older cases that were recategorized as “a result of data-clearing,” with one of those cases each being on O‘ahu, Maui and Kaua‘i.

Senate passes changes for small-business coronavirus relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday afternoon, the Senate passed the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA), to make it easier for businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic to take advantage of a payroll subsidy program that’s been a central part of Washington’s response to the corresponding economic crisis.

Virus impacts wedding industry

LIHU‘E — Wedding professionals across the state are reporting loss of business at the dawn of the June “wedding season,” and professionals on Kaua‘i are asking officials to start opening up the industry.

Drive-by parade graces Kaua‘i Care Center

Residents and their ‘ohana were treated to a parade at Kaua‘i Care Center on Thursday in which family and friends of residents drove by the venter with signs, balloons and decorated vehicles.

Rule 11 proposes outdoor team sports

LIHU‘E — Pending Gov. David Ige’s blessing, Kaua‘i County is hoping on June 1 to allow the reconvening of outdoor team sports, the reopening of gyms and fitness centers, the resumption of dine-in restaurant service, and the reopening of personal services, such as spas.

Two men, truck flip down hillside Sunday

KOKE‘E — Two Kaua‘i men are recovering at home after the emergency brake released on the pickup truck they were sitting in and careened over a cliff on Sunday near Sugi Grove in Koke‘e, according to an eyewitness.

Bursting with regrowth

‘ANINI — A Kaua‘i diver has reported a successful coral spawn on Kaua‘i, as well as new baby corals from about four inches wide to 12 inches wide in ‘Anini Bay.

Aquarium Fishing EIS rejected

HONOLULU — In a 7-0 decision Friday, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) voted to reject an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for proposed aquarium fishing in West Hawai‘i.

2020 hurricane season prediction: 2-6 cyclones

LIHU‘E — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting between two and six tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific hurricane region in the upcoming 2020 hurricane season.

Kawakami asks to reopen early

Mayor Derek Kawakami said Kaua‘i is aiming to reopen some businesses earlier than the timeline proposed Monday by Gov. David Ige, and his office is looking for the governor’s approval to do so.

14,000 counted on the beach

LIHU‘E — Lifeguards reported 14,000 people on Kaua‘i beaches on reopening weekend and in a Monday public address, Mayor Derek Kawakami reminded people that they could again close if people don’t follow the rules.

You can still celebrate your grad

Drive-thru diplomas are going to be the standard across the board for the Class of 2020, and though this year’s grads aren’t going to get the usual amount of pomp and circumstance at their ceremonies, there are still ways for us to make this time memorable for the Class of 2020.

Phased reopening

Kaua‘i residents are back on the beaches and some businesses are open as the island enters its fifth week of zero cases of COVID-19, and residents are reentering a different world.

Roadwork to continue in Waialeale Subdivision

KAPA‘A – The Department of Public Works is announcing that GP Maintenance Solutions will continue with asphalt crack sealing roadwork in Kapa‘a on weekdays from May 18 to May 21, weather permitting.