Behind the scenes of the Kaua‘i District Health Office
The Kaua‘i District Health Office was one of the first to provide translated educational COVID-19 materials.
Rowena Pagan and team help feed the houseless community
All it took was one selfless woman at the beginning of the pandemic, Rowena Pangan, to spearhead and get the ball rolling for a community meal delivery program that runs every Saturday for the houseless communities island-wide with 12 to 15 committed volunteers.
Hometown Heroes” Lihu‘e Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
Florencio “Flo” Espinosa Jr. has been through a lot this October, said his wife, Jlyn.
Master Gardeners, Lions, county help deliver garden kits
Worried about Kaua‘i kupuna nutrition and health during this pandemic, three organizations came together to bless 50 kupuna across the island with garden starter kits earlier this month.
A Labor of Love at the Friendship House
Normally, the Friendship House off Kuhio Highway at Kealia Bluff would be bustling. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, capacity and activities are limited.
Edward Kawamura’s patriotism and loyalty to serving Kaua’i veterans
Edward Kawamura Sr. wasn’t interested in being labeled a “Hometown Hero.” Kawamura, the owner of Kawamura Farms, felt getting named such an honor comes from a place of ego, which doesn’t exemplify the Aloha Spirit.
Friends of Kalepa help clear out overgrown graves
All it took was a detour off of a hiking trail a few weeks ago at the base of Kalepa Ridge for resident Jennie Waiwaiole-Vega of Kapa‘a to take action.
Couple delivers goods across the island
Dennis Neves peeked into one of the containers Monday morning while loading the 60 box lunches from the Waipouli Deli & Restaurant.
Medical Reserve Corps assists in COVID response
The Kaua‘i branch of the Medical Reserve Corps has 127 volunteers. Of that, one volunteer is assisting with houseless outreach. Some are assisting with meal delivery for those in isolation and quarantine.
Kaina Makua is focused on Kaua‘i’s sustainability
KOLOA — The catalyst that motivates Kaina Makua to serve the people of Kaua‘i can be summarized in two words: “broken systems.”
KPD serving Kaua‘i around the clock
The Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) unifies when it comes to keeping the community safe and giving back to those in need during a crisis, and has been nominated as this week’s Hometown Hero because of the department’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Dr. Monty Downs, Kaua’i’s health, safety is his top priority
How many Kapa‘a High School Warrior supporter shirts does Dr. Monty Downs have? Jen Chahanovich, the president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center, said Dr. Downs has been providing medical support for the Kapa‘a football team in addition to caring for patients in the Emergency Department at Wilcox Medical Center.
Deployed at home
Stationed in Kapa‘a, the Hawai‘i National Guard has assisted the county in pandemic response.
Andrade came home, collaborates on delivery of food boxes
Pelika Andrade’s attitude towards being nominated to be a Hometown Hero personifies what it is to be one.
Giving back is in the blood
From donating to food banks to helping coordinate fundraisers, Kaua‘i custom home builder and “Dateline” TV show producer Luis Soltren has been busy helping his Kaua‘i community stay strong through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Balmores has PMRF ready for disaster
BARKING SANDS — Putting out the correct message at the right time with the correct information — that is the name of the game when it comes to emergency management.
Malama Kaua‘i: Connecting farmers to the community
In April and May, Malama Kaua‘i helped deliver 6,000 bags of local produce to families in need. The money from those purchases went to local farmers.
‘Kaua‘i people have the biggest hearts’
Bart Thomas is a hometown hero, said Kimmy Achuara in her nomination email.
Teaching with the times
Known by the majority of her students as “Miss Val,” Val Hertzog has patrolled hallways of education for over 20 years, teaching lower elementary to high school students, beginning her career on Kaua‘i in special education at Kilauea School from 2006 to 2013.
Working through the pandemic
When are we gonna go back? The Special Olympics Kaua‘i athletes want to know, said Leona Sa McDermott, a Special Olympics coach.