Mayor Kawakami asks to rejoin Safe Travels
LIHU‘E — If approved, by the first week of April travelers coming to Kaua‘i may utilize the state’s single-pre-travel-test option to bypass a state-mandated quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test.
Proposed DOTAX Kaua‘i reorganization
LIHU‘E — The state’s Department of Taxation plans to reduce staff and reorganize the Kaua‘i District Tax Office, eliminating some on-island services by the end of the year.
County has spent 95% of federal funds
LIHU‘E — As the county continues to work through its federal allotment of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money, unused funds originally committed are being put toward contingency plans.
Council passes debated school-reopening resolution
LIHU‘E — For much of the discussion regarding a resolution urging the state to reopen in-person education, county councilmembers went back and forth.
$22M rental-assistance program coming
LIHU‘E — The County Housing Agency has been given the OK by the County Council to start up what hopes to be a $22-million, federally-funded rental assistance program.
4 lanes for Wailua
KAPA‘A — A daily average of 32,500 vehicles drive between Wailua River and Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli, according to the state Department of Transportation.
County hoping for late spring reopening
LIHU‘E — The county doesn’t want to miss out on summer tourism because it’s not participating in the state’s Safe Travels program, County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig explained Wednesday.
DOW mainline break causes homeowner flooding
KAPA‘A — A county Department of Water main line break on Kahuna Road was the cause of a homeowner’s 17-day-long flooding.
Ku Makani crisis resource line opens
LIHU‘E — Trained crisis counselors are here to help.
Sex-assault services in peril
At any hour, any day of the week, the YWCA can offer an immediate crisis response to victims of sexual assault. And as cutbacks are sweeping at every level, this service is threatened.
Kapahi property floods even without recent rains
KAPA‘A — Wearing rain boots up to her knees and a waterproof jacket, Kim Murriera trudges through the mud, sinking with each step she takes in her yard.
Igne toxicology shows THC, alcohol
LIHU‘E — The Lawa‘i man involved in a fatal two-vehicle crash on Christmas Eve on Kaumuali‘i Highway near Knudsen Gap tested positive for drugs and alcohol the day of the crash, the Kaua‘i Police Department confirmed Friday.
An end to houseless beach park camping
LIHU‘E — Beginning next month, the county will be suspending its “Shelter in Place” program that had issued permits to houseless individuals and families to live at county-owned beach parks.
HB1286 would make travel program uniform statewide
LIHU‘E — Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort General Manager Chip Bahouth wants uniformity.
Housekeeping measure triggers closer look at county code
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Council recently received a two-decade-old bill affecting public access.
Comments wanted for $50K economic diversification grants
LIHU‘E — A vertical high-density environment controlled farming facility, mental health training and a land-based coral nursery are all projects currently up for public discourse in the hopes of landing $50,000 in funding.
Council rushing flood maps to FEMA
LIHU‘E — While some county councilmembers felt the bill could have used more discussion, a time crunch pushed their hands to pass amendments to the county’s floodplain-management code.
Super support shown for Alekoko “Menehune” Fishpond
LIHU‘E — The Alekoko “Menehune” Fishpond has been on the market for $3 million for about a month. Thursday, the county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission moved in support of the acquisition of the fishpond with overwhelming support from residents and community stakeholders.
COVID-19 vaccinations come to Longs Drugs
LIHU‘E — Beginning Thursday, CVS will begin accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible populations at Longs Drugs locations, including the store in Kapa‘a.
Statewide Safe Travels bill is alive
LIHU‘E — A bill that would create a uniform Safe Travels policy across the islands is moving forward in the state House, still with some hesitation from lawmakers, highly supported by the tourism and business sectors and opposed by vocal Kaua‘i officials and residents.