Counties, the TAT is now your problem too!
For many years, the counties and the state have been bickering about how much support from the state’s transient accommodations tax (TAT) they should get to help fund county infrastructure.
Restaurateurs take a chance
Johnny’s Wingz ‘N Tingz Sports Bar and Grill, a full-service bar and restaurant with plenty of food, is a new restaurant located in the old Trees Lounge building, was inspired by a man’s love for his wife and his wife’s love for chicken.
Report appears to be ‘whack job’ on state auditor
Last week we wrote about an unflattering report on the state auditor released by a working group convened by the state House speaker’s office.
Old Koloa Town Market busts out
KOLOA — “We’ll have a piece of Fried Chicken,” the couple said to Arlyn Perez of Kaua‘i Family Cafe, described as a “Filipino food eatery, as Perez undid the lids concealing a wide variety of food offerings, including finger foods like Spam Musubi to a vegetarian stew with octopus, Saturday as the clock hands teased 4 o’ clock.
YAMACHIKA: State Auditor facing a whack job
The House Speaker’s office recently released an unflattering report on the State Auditor. It faulted the Auditor’s Office for appointing executives without proper experience and said the move contributed to “delays and untimely reports,” and other actions that were “not in complete compliance” with the provisions of the Hawai’i Constitution governing that office.
Big Monster Sushi and Thai opens in Lihu‘e
Meephol and her family recently opened the doors to Big Monster sushi and thai following the absence of Little Thai Kitchen that was a regular at the Kaua‘i Community Market.
Kaua‘i Bakery awarded Readers’ Choice title
There was a run on malasadas, Wednesday morning at the Kaua‘i Bakery in the Kukui Grove Center. And, it was not Malasada Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday).
YAMACHIKA: The dreaded Bride of Frankenbill rises again
We wrote last week about House Bill 58, a “Frankenbill” made from bits and pieces of other bills. By putting those pieces into a bill that is still alive at the Legislature, those pieces are given new life.
From bracelets to burritos for Sandy Cameron
After losing her jewelry business during the pandemic last year, Chef Sandy Cameron of Lihu‘e decided it was time to make a different dream happen: owning a food truck.
Tiki Iniki mandates employees receive vaccine
PRINCEVILLE — In March, Michele Rundgren, owner of Tiki Iniki, made the decision to mandate all employees have a COVID-19 vaccine, including servers, bartenders and cooks.
Timbers embraces community throughout pandemic
LIHU‘E — Timbers Kaua‘i at Hokuala is one of the many resort properties on Kaua‘i now accepting trans-Pacific visitors through the Hawai‘i Safe Travels program.
Beware the return of the Frankenbill!
Most of us have heard of “Frankenstein,” a novel written in 1818 by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The story’s protagonist, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, created a creature by assembling bits and pieces from cadavers and then bringing it to life using some unexplained method. (Mad scientists have to have their trade secrets!)
Coffee Leaf Rust has not reached Kaua‘i’s coffee orchards
KALAHEO — General Manager Fred Cowell of Kaua‘i Coffee Company said his nearly 3,000 acres of coffee is just coming out of its bloom season.
HOOSER: House tries ‘end-around’ on COVID rules
Today at 1:30 p.m., the state Legislature’s House Committee on Finance is holding a hearing on SB266.
Building internet capacity on Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — Last year, Hawaiian Telcom’s parent company Cincinnati Bell Inc., announced it was being acquired by Australian company Macquarie Infrastructure Partners in a $2.9-billion deal.
Revisiting the ‘Maintenance of Effort’ bill
A little more than a month ago, we ranted on about Senate Bill 815, the “maintenance of effort” bill, that would ensure funding for the Department of Education (DOE).
Farmers’ market, craft fair Friday
WAIPOULI — Chef Judy Capertina of Haole Girl Bakery will be joined by at least two farmers Friday when the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort opens the farmers’ market phase of their farmers’ market/craft fair from 3 to 5 p.m. in the resort’s parking lot.
Chamber’s Kokua Card promoting safety, savings
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau the Kaua‘i Chapter of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association created an opportunity for small businesses to reach visitors directly through their new Kokua Card program and the chamber is now accepting applications from now until Mar. 29.
Sheraton and The Cliffs gear up for April 5 reopening
KAPA‘A — Hotels on Kaua‘i that are not apart of the county’s enhanced movement quarantine aka “resort bubble” are gearing up for April 5, when the county returns to the state’s Safe Travels Program.
Time for a blessing
The overnight rains subsided and fingers of sunlight poked through the heavy clouds hanging over the Wailua coastal plain Friday morning.