Stories by John Steinhorst

Plethora of performances

There are plenty of live musical performances taking place on the island this week, so let’s get moving and grooving.

Kilauea college student recognized for mentor idea

A Kauai college student in Massachusetts received recognition for creating a promising mentor program. Kilauea’s Alana Mann earned honorable mention during the Fifth annual Social Venture Challenge, a competition designed by Gordon College to inspire students to start something for good.

Siena Agudong stars in Nickelodeon series and Warner Brothers movie

A Kauai teen is in the limelight with a new television series and upcoming movie. Born on the Garden Isle in 2004, Siena Agudong is paving her way in the entertainment industry at just 13 years old. She has captivated audiences through her performances, whether on stage or on screen, and is now part of a Nickelodeon series and Warner Brothers movie.

Inland waters a concern

Concerned citizens gathered Thursday to better understand the present flow of Kauai’s inland waters. “I am against all water diversions, period,” said Puanani Rogers, born and raised in the ahupuaa of Kealia. “This (diversion) is giving harm to our aina, to our staple foods, to the livelihood of our people here.”

Film fest shares history, culture

Celebrating the island’s diverse creative industries with food, fiction, fashion, film and fun, the Philippine Cultural Center presents the Garden Island Film Festival during Creative Industries Month on Kauai. Films begin today.

Tourism impacted by storm, aftermath

Damage from recent flooding and landslides has made some tourists wary about vacationing on the Garden Isle. With impassable roads and closed bridges, many visitor accommodations are no longer available, and some of the most popular sites remain inaccessible.

Tia Lardizabal finalist in congressional contest

A painting created by a Kauai High School senior is now on display at Hawaii’s State Capitol in Honolulu. Tia Lardizabal’s submission for the He Inoa O Kaumualii art contest last fall was recently selected as a finalist in U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Kaha Kii Congressional Art Competition, held each spring.

Kauai High technology center opens

Kauai High School students can get a head start in high-tech careers with the help of a brand-new facility and equipment. A dedication ceremony for the school’s new Technology STEMworks Center took place on Thursday afternoon.

Finding therapy in Kauai’s music

The sounds of Kauai are like music, including the enchanting songs of white-rumped shama birds and the rustling of palm fronds in the tradewinds. But another collection of noises has dominated parts of the island impacted by recent floods.

Small businesses make big splash

Kauai’s small business owners are making a difference in the island’s economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced the 2018 SBA Small Business Awards to recognize two remarkable entrepreneurs from the Garden Isle. One of them is Maris Isabel Manzano, owner of Verde Restaurant, who was awarded Small Business Person of the Year for the County of Kauai. Another hardworking individual to be recognized by the national organization is James Mayfield, president of Island Business and Commercial Brokerage, who was awarded Small Business Advocate for Financial Services for the state of Hawaii.

Soltren Construction, Ace donate supplies to stranded residents

More aid and supplies are getting to flood victims in Wainiha thanks to community support, including Lihue residents and businesses. Soltren Construction and Ace Hardware joined together to split the cost of desperately needed supplies, including 20, five-gallon canisters of propane, 25 shovels, boxes of trash bags and heavy duty gloves. The donated supplies worth more than $400 were taken to Hanalei to be delivered by boat to cutoff residents.

Kauaians nominated for Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

The 2018 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominees have been announced, and some Kauai musicians are excited to be recognized by the organization hosting what are sometimes called Hawaii’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards.