Bikes on Rice is back with new eBikes
LIHU‘E — Wendy McKintosh got to use a new electric-assisted bicycle during the August Bikes on Rice event sponsored by Get Fit Kaua‘i, the Kaua‘i Path, the County of Kaua‘i, and a host of community sponsors.
How we’re going to spend CARES Act money
Imagine what would happen if a genie came up to you and said, “Here’s a pot of money for you. All you need to do is spend it by the end of the year. If you don’t, whatever you haven’t spent will disappear.” What would you do with it?
‘Breakfast anytime’ for Hyatt employees
Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa colleagues were invited to “Breakfast Anytime” Thursday afternoon at the Po‘ipu resort.
Hawaii coffee farmers in jeopardy with no federal aid
HONOLULU — Hawaii’s congressional delegation has continually urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand its coronavirus relief program to include coffee farmers but the state’s roughly $50 million coffee industry waits in a state of limbo.
KGEFCU initiative involves musicians, business
KILAUEA — Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union’s business development officer, Chantal Zarbaugh, said when the novel coronavirus hit Hawai‘i, musicians were among those losing all their gigs and sources of income.
How the unemployment tax impacts nonprofits
Two weeks ago in this space we discussed the unemployment tax and insurance system and how employers are likely to be hit with a significant and automatic rate increase at the end of this year.
Opening Kai Bar, pandemic or not
Raj Denisewicz wasn’t expecting to pick up a coffee from Java Kai on Saturday when he journeyed to Kilauea to check his post office box.
A true family practice
“We just put up the new sign Monday,” said Dr. Scott Shimabukuro, a dentist practicing in Kalaheo. “I was afraid they wouldn’t like things on Kaua‘i, but I guess the sign makes it official.”
Just two tax bills passed in the Legislature this year
Our Legislature has reconvened and has adjourned for the year.
Blooming Tails goes live
Alex Monks, communication specialist with the Kaua‘i Humane Society, went to live social media Saturday to enhance the actual opening of Blooming Tails, the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s thrift store.
Hanapepe and Kapa‘a Sunshine Markets are back
The County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development announced that the Kapa‘a and Hanapepe Sunshine Markets resumed normal hours last week.
Forthcoming small business grant program
LIHU‘E — The county has allocated $5 million in grants for small businesses that will be distributed by local credit unions next month.
An emotional mayor’s luncheon
Mayor Derek Kawakami addressed members of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday in an emotional, virtual mayor’s luncheon that touched on the plan to bring students back to public schools and the hardships COVID-19 has brought to the community.
Electric vehicle sweeteners running out
If you are one of the lucky people who have managed to buy an electric vehicle and get a special plate for it, you probably know that several benefits came with that special plate, including the ability to park at government parking lots (including at the airport!) and street spaces for free, and the ability to jump into carpool lanes even though there is just one person in the car.
Outfitters Kaua‘i prepares to move
Outfitters Kaua‘i, a local adventure-tour company, is celebrating 32 years in business and preparing to switch locations by hosting an online auction before moving to their new headquarters in Kipu.
Discounts bringing locals out
LIHU‘E — With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension.
Kekaha Credit Union, Aloha Pacific FCU donate food, cash
KEKAHA — Kekaha Credit Union, a Division of Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, collected 240 pounds of food and donated more than $1,000 to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank. The donations went toward the food bank’s Spring Healthy Food and Fund Drive, which ended April 30.
Art Cafe Hemingway facing eviction
KAPA‘A — A once-bustling cafe and its owners are now on the brink of eviction facing a back rent of over $25,000 and less than 10 days to either pay that sum or turn in their keys.
Future of unemployment insurance
Multiple readers have asked about unemployment insurance and how it is going to fare after the pandemic. This will give you an idea of how the system works.
Walmart issues ‘Open Call’ to suppliers
LIHU‘E — Entrepreneurs of locally-produced goods who want to see their items on Walmart shelves have an opportunity during Walmart’s Seventh annual Open Call for U.S.-manufactured Products.