Kauai News
One beautiful plant highlights endangered species recovery efforts
As the 50th anniversary of the federal Endangered Species Act is celebrated this month, the Endangered Species Coalition chose Hawai‘i’s Plant Extinction Prevention Program as one of 10 outstanding efforts to recognize.
Aloha Airlines uniform donation makes UH keeper of historical collection
The uniforms are now part of the UH Historic Costume Collection that already has more than 10,000 items of dress related to the people and history of Hawaiʻi, including subcollections of Hawaiʻi, Asia, western and global dress.
Minimum wage to increase to $14 on Jan. 1
Act 114 incrementally increases the minimum wage to $16 per hour Jan. 1, 2026, and to $18 per hour Jan. 1, 2028.
Update: High surf warning extended for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
Surf of 20 to 30 feet along north-facing shores and up to 18 to 22 feet along west-facing shores is forecast today. Surf will briefly drop before rising again to 25 to 35 feet along north-facing shores and 18 to 24 feet along west-facing shores Thursday.
Reminder: Scrap metal not accepted at Līhu‘e refuse transfer station until further notice
Customers should continue transporting their metal to the Puhi Metals Facility at 951 Puhi Road in Līhu‘e.
Kaua‘i police seek the public’s help with identifying unidentified body
According to a preliminary report filed on Dec. 16, 2023, KPD personnel responded to a call of a person found deceased at a campsite located under a thick canopy of kiawe trees.
November 2023 Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report
The State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) issued today the Hawai‘i Vacation Rental Performance Report for the month of November utilizing data compiled by Lighthouse Intelligence, Ltd.
Christmas trees accepted for recycling
When brought to all recycling locations, the trees must be bare and free of flocking, tinsel, and ornaments.
High surf advisory issued for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
Surf is expected to peak Sunday afternoon at 18 to 22 feet along northern shorelines and 10 to 14 feet along western shorelines.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority releases November Hotel Performance Report
The report’s findings utilized data compiled by STR, Inc., which conducts the largest and most comprehensive survey of hotel properties in the Hawaiian Islands.
Luana Hospitality Group promotes Furuto-Mears to VP, Berry to Culinary Director
Luana Hospitality Group is comprised of Huggo’s, On the Rocks, KAI Eats + Drinks in Historic Kailua Village and Lava Lava Beach Club Waikoloa on Hawaii Island and Lava Lava Beach Club on Kaua‘i.
Volcano Watch: A pupu platter of earthquakes
Thousands of earthquakes occur every year in Hawaiʻi. These earthquakes are monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and fall into three main classes: volcanic, tectonic and mantle.
Hawai’i Wildlife Conservation Stamp Contest opens
Artwork sought to feature the Melanistic Mutant (blue) Pheasant and a Hawaiian forest bird.
State intends to declare traffic emergency zone on Kaua‘i due to instability of slope by ‘Opaeka‘a Falls Scenic Lookout
A traffic emergency zone designation allows the state to expedite procurement and permitting to take action to construct improvements to protect access to the state road.
Full closure of Hanalei Bridge beginning Jan. 2
The $2.9 million project will replace the timber decking, steel bolts, and corroded steel members of Hanalei Bridge.
Update: Flash flood warning extended again, Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei still closed
Rain gauges also indicate high water levels in Wailua River.
Task force seizes large amount of illegal fireworks
Aerial fireworks have long been prohibited in Hawaiʻi because of the risk they pose in causing injuries or property damage.
Gov. Green names Mizuno to serve as next leader of homelessness team
John Mizuno will succeed James Koshiba, who laid the groundwork for Gov. Green’s campaign to reduce chronic homelessness and provide housing solutions for the disadvantaged.
Kuamo‘o Road in Wailuā reduced to single lane
Travel in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control in the single remaining lane. Highway users are urged to use caution and avoid the area if possible.
State of Hawaiʻi Issues $750M in general obligation bonds
In preparation for the bond sale, Gov. Green, Director of Finance Luis Salaveria, and other senior state officials met with bond rating agencies that included S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, and Fitch Ratings, to facilitate their review of the state’s credit quality.
