Kaua‘i Diner opens on Rice Street in Lihu‘e
LIHU‘E — Art Paris of California and Naty Bali of Lihu‘e had the distinction of placing the last of the morning’s breakfast menu items on order on Saturday at Kaua‘i Diner, which is located on Rice Street near the Lihu‘e Fire Station and Kalena Park.
TAX MAN: Honolulu ready to study empty homes tax again
One concept that has popped up again, more often than the little animals in a Whack-a-Mole game, is the prospect of an “Empty Homes Tax.”
TAX MAN: How not to cool the schools in the Aloha State
Imagine Hawai‘i’s keiki sitting in hot classrooms. That has been an issue for our public schools for many years, with then-Governor Ige signing several bills, such as Act 47 of 2016 that appropriated $100 million toward heat abatement upgrades, and Act 260 of 2022 that appropriated another $10 million.
TAX MAN: Gov. Green has signed the budget, now what?
On June 30, Gov. Green hosted a signing ceremony on the fifth floor of the Capitol where he dutifully put pen to paper and signed into law the state budget, House Bill 300, and the tax credit bill, House Bill 954.
Kaua‘i Beer Company helps the animals
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Beer Company on Thursday presented a check for nearly $545 to representatives of the Kaua‘i Humane Society, including Caitlin Fowlkes, Tanya Ramseth, who came to the Rice Street restaurant with adoptable Lucie.
Rice beer on tap on Rice Street
LIHU‘E — Rice grower Jerry Ornellas said when the first batch of Jerry’s Rice Beer — the name assigned to the rice-based beer by the Kaua‘i Beer Company — went online on Monday, it was the first time in more than 60 years that Kaua‘i-grown rice was used commercially.
BBB: Purchasing online with trust
Have you tried searching for trust online? It’s no easy feat. But as you may know, it’s critical to know who you’re buying from these days. So, when you’re shopping for a specific item or service, where do you start? With family or friend’s recommendation? An online search? Or do you trust a business ad that pops up on social media? Of course, the bigger question is, how do you look up a company’s trust factor?
Back to School Bash registration starts July 6
LIHU‘E — Melissa McFerrin Warrack, of Kukui Grove Center, announced the annual Back to School Bash will take place on July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Five locals announced as CAK Scholarship winners
LIHU‘E — Five students, who are currently studying in a college or university, were named recipients of the 2023 Contractors Association of Kaua‘i scholarships on Thursday during the CAK quarterly membership meeting held at the Philippine Cultural Center.
TAX MAN: Gov. Josh Green’s 2023 intent to veto list
On June 23, Gov. Green issued his intent to veto list. Any bill that is now pending before him and not on the list will become law. Any bill that is on the list may or not be vetoed; the Governor has until July 11 to make a final decision.
KIFB receives pallets of Kaua‘i Coffee
NAWILIWILI — When Valerie Cooper and Angie Molina and her American Sign Language interpreter showed up for the presentation of a Kaua‘i Coffee Fair Trade Committee award to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank at the food bank warehouse, they were greeted by a pallet of Kaua‘i Coffee.
TAX MAN: Economic misfortune can fix our ‘shadow budget’
In recent weeks, we have been reporting on Hawai‘i’s “shadow budget.” We found out that a first responders’ campus in central O‘ahu, even when a bill to create it was stomped on, shaken violently, and killed in the House, could still be funded via the State’s budget bill due to some behind-the-scenes machinations involving the powerful chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa to be acquired by luxury hotel company
LIHU‘E — A Honolulu-based luxury hotel chain is reconnecting with the island of Kaua‘i.
Kaua‘i Coffee employee Fair Trade Committee starts distributing $120K
HANAPEPE — Monday was an exciting day for Milani Pimental, the executive director for Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity, which started a week of activities that include groundbreaking for a new project, start of a new project and finishing of a housing project in ‘Ele‘ele.
Kaua‘i chocolate farm featured in (HBO) Max food series
A Kaua‘i cacao farm owner has high hopes for the growth of the chocolate industry in the state after being featured in an episode of Zooey Deschanel’s documentary food series last month.
TAX MAN: Cesspools — Hawai‘i’s dirty problem
We’ve long had a dirty problem here in Hawaii. A number of homes here are not serviced by a sewer system. Instead, waste goes into a cesspool in the ground, and every so often the homeowner calls up a friendly neighborhood pumping service to pump it out and get rid of the contents.
Safeway Summer Rice Drive nets more than 5,000 pounds on Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — The Summer Rice Drive, directed by Hokulei Village Shopping Center Safeway store Manager Lesah Merritt, benefitted the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i to the tune of more than 5,000 pounds of rice during its run from early June at both the Safeway Waipouli and Safeway at Hokulei Village.
TAX MAN: Senator Kurt Fevella’s film feud at Hawai‘i Capitol
On Wednesday, May 31st, there was a press conference held at the State Capitol regarding the Hawai‘i movie and TV production tax credit. Two of the main speakers were Kevin Holu of Hawai‘i Teamsters Local 996 and Senator Kurt Fevella (R, District 20). Hawai‘i News Now shared footage of the event.
Whalers Cove gets Howard’s nod
PO‘IPU — Whalers Cove General Manager Marianne Martin said the phone exploded with phone calls following the airing of Howard’s Business Reports over the weekend.
Chef Grecean Manuel tops Kaua‘i Poke Festival
A sold-out audience of more than 600 people enjoyed the sampling by more than 20 amateur and professional chefs creating their specialties during the third Kaua‘i Poke Festival held at Koloa Landing Resort on Saturday.