Kaua‘i Surfrider Blue Water Task Force back in action
LIHU‘E — The Surfrider Foundation’s Kaua‘i chapter has resumed monthly testing of rivers, streams and surf breaks after a lengthy hiatus prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Kaua‘i’s Valentine’s Day UFO was mystery balloon
LIHU‘E — A UFO seen floating above North Shore waters on Monday triggered a sensation on local social media and a U.S. military response.
DLNR offers new boat speeds near whales
PORT ALLEN — New speed recommendations for vessels operating near humpback whales haven’t made waves for Kaua‘i tour-boat companies.
A socially conscious farm venture moves to Koloa
KOLOA — A family farm is moving to the South Shore, just beyond the shadow of Ha‘upu mountain.
Former Kress building to become art center, with help from Kaua‘i artists
Celebrated local ceramicist David Kuraoka is helping torenovate the former Kress Store building on Rice Street, where a community art center is in the offing.
CC&R bill continues through Kaua‘i County Council
County lawmakers are pushing legislation that would prevent new housing developments from locking out lower-income families through strict covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), which often exceed the county’s own zoning ordinances.
Current, hopeful KIUC directors seek ratepayers’ votes in March election
LIHU‘E — Incumbents are touting advancements toward a 100% renewable-energy portfolio, while a rival calls for increased electric-vehicle infrastructure in the run-up to the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors election.
Public pushes Kaua‘i County Council to pass feral cat feeding ban
Speakers from throughout the island, state and mainland urged Kaua‘i lawmakers to ban the feeding of feral cats on county property at Wednesday’s County Council meeting.
Pizza restaurant pairs island ingredients with New York tradition
KAPA‘A — There’s a new pizzeria in town, specializing in old-school, New York-style pies with a Kauaian twist.
Rapid ‘ohi‘a death penetrates the Alaka‘i Plateau on Kaua‘i
KOKE‘E — Rapid ‘ohi‘a death has been found in a dead tree on the Alaka‘i Plateau, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee reported Tuesday.
Social Awareness Film Festival at Anaina Hou runs Feb. 17-27
KILAUEA — Anaina Hou Community Park’s third annual Social Awareness Film Festival begins later this month, with one of nine documentaries scheduled from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27.
KISC taking virtual huaka‘i through island environments
KAPA‘A — The Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee is recognizing Hawai‘i Invasive Species Awareness Month and its own 20th anniversary throughout February.
Fishers eye potential drone ban, FADs funding in State Legislature
LIHU‘E — Officials briefed fishers on proposed state legislation affecting their industry during a meeting held by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Thursday.
Kaua‘i completes home test distribution
LIHU‘E — Georgina Keawemauhili-Keaweamahi was first in line at Kaua‘i’s final distribution of free COVID-19 test kits, held at the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center on Friday afternoon.
Coffee leaf rust management ‘a learning process’
LIHU‘E — Coffee leaf rust, avocado lace bugs and beetles with a potential connection to rapid o‘hia death were among topics under the microscope Wednesday, during an online conference dedicated to Hawai‘i’s invasive pests.
EPA fines Koloa real-estate company, citing illegal cesspool
KOLOA — The federal Environmental Protection Agency has fined real estate firm Hale Kaua‘i $40,000, after finding a large-capacity cesspool at the company’s Waikomo Road property, which operates as Hardware Hawai‘i.
Makauwahi Cave Reserve projecting record visitor numbers
PO‘IPU — Makauwahi Cave Reserve is on track for its most-popular year ever, two years after the first wave of COVID-19 caused tourist traffic to plummet.
Revamped Waimea bar hopes to become community hub
WAIMEA — Waimea Plantation Cottages’ on-site restaurant is undergoing a transformation as management completes upgrades meant to cement the spot in the Westside community.
Environmental caucus touts 10-measure legislative package
A 10-bill package promoting a wide range of green initiatives is top of mind for the state Legislature’s Environmental Legislation Caucus.
Tourism officials talk top priorities in 2022
Island tourism officials have a game plan for 2022, one year after the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority debuted county-by-county Destination Management Action Plans to address a changing visitor industry.