LĪHU‘E – The public is invited to attend the First Anniversary Celebration of the Mayor’s Aloha Garden scheduled on Wednesday, March 17. The event will begin at 3 pm next to the garden, which is located on the front lawn of the Kaua'i War Memorial Convention Hall. Hosting the celebration will be members of the Kaua'i High Key Club, the current stewards of the Mayor’s Aloha Garden, along with Kaua'i Agricultural Initiative, the group that spearheaded the establishment of the garden. Long-time Kaua'i entertainer Larry Rivera will provide the music.
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LĪHU'E — In light of the fact that minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in American homes, the Department of Water (DOW) is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” from March 15 to 21. Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense® program as an annual reminder to Americans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
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LĪHU'E – Kaua'i’s Complete Count Committee announced the kick-off of the week-long Census road tour scheduled Monday, 10:15 am, in the Mo’ikeha Building courtyard at the Līhu'e Civic Center. The kick-off will begin with a proclamation by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr, followed by presentations by Council Vice-Chair Jay Furfaro, former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka and representatives of the U.S. Census Bureau. Also making an appearance at the event will be the Hawai'i Counts van with U.S. Census Bureau staff members on hand to answer questions and distribute mementos of this event.
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HANAPĒPĒ – Windy conditions in Hanapēpē last night caused a brush fire to spread across two acres in a short period of time. Fire fighters from the Hanapēpē station responded at around 11:53 pm to the brush fire, which broke out near a helicopter hanger adjacent to Burns Field. When they arrived at the scene approximately one-half acre of brush was burning, and then strong winds caused it to spread.
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LĪHU‘E – Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. welcomed members of the county’s all-volunteer boards and commissions at a recent four-hour orientation. The training was sponsored by the county’s Boards and Commissions Office in partnership with the Kaua'i Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Kaua'i. “Board and commission members are vital to county operations, and we appreciate their expertise and contributions in addressing the concerns and issues faced by the County,” said the mayor.
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LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help with finding a missing person. Leighna Kerbawy, an 18-year-old student at Kaua'i Community College, was last seen on March 2 at around 8 am. She was driving to school in a 1996 green Chrysler Sebring, license plate KWB-955. Later that day, Kerbawy called her dad and told him that she planned to go camping for a few days with a friend named Brian. She has not been seen or heard from since then.
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KEĀLIA – The Keālia comfort station is closed until further notice due to a break in the main waterline at Keālia Beach Park. In addition, the shower on the side of the building cannot be used.
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WAILUA – Young golfers are invited to participate in two free events at the Wailua Golf Course this Wednesday. A junior golf clinic is scheduled to start at 5:30 pm on the practice greens, followed by a college workshop, which will be held in the clubhouse. Participants in the clinic will be given tips on how to improve their game, while the workshop will focus on transitioning to college athletics and college life in general.
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HANAMĀ'ULU – Due to windy conditions, four families in Hanamaulu were alerted of a possible evacuation this morning when a brushfire burned near their homes. The fire broke out at around 10:17 am in a field between King's Chapel and Laukona St., approximately 50 to 75 ft. away from the homes. Ten fire fighters, four rescue specialists, a battalion chief, and police responded to the fire. At around 10:35 am, the fire was deemed under control and fully extinguished at around noon.
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KEĀLIA – A passenger van heading north on Kūhi‘ō Hwy. along Keālia Beach yesterday afternoon caught on fire and sustained major damages. The driver, who was a 70-year-old Anahola man, and his dog were able to exit the vehicle without any injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
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WAIMEA – The Waimea swimming pool will be closed to the public this Sunday due to unforeseen circumstances. The normal hours of operation at the Waimea pool are: Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 am to 2:45 pm; Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 am to 3:45 pm; Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm; and Sunday, 12 to 4:30 pm.
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HĀ'ENA – According to a preliminary report, a helicopter company under contract with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources was moving construction materials via a sling load this morning from Hā'ena to Kalalau Valley. At around 8 am, a strong gust of wind caused the load to shift and some of the lumber fell onto a patio roof of a Hā'ena home. No one was injured in the incident.
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LĪHU'E – County officials received word Tuesday that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) closed the re-evaluation period on the modifications to the Wailua Beach portion of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use coastal path, and concurs with the County that the proposed changes are not substantive in size, scope, intensity, use, location and timing. FHWA also approved the funding of $7.4 million to complete phase A of the Lydgate Park to Lihi Park portion of the coastal path. Phase A extends from the Kūhi‘ō Hwy. and Kuamo‘o Rd. intersection to the northerly end of Papaloa Rd. and the spur from Kūhi‘ō Hwy. to Gore Park in Hundley Heights above Kapa‘a town.
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LĪHU'E – Over the last five years, the amount of recyclables collected in the Kauai Recycles Program for residents has far exceeded projections. “I think this shows that Kaua'i residents really care about our island home and are doing their best to keep things that can be recycled out of the landfill,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “It’s also a reflection of the hard work by our county recycling team to increase awareness about the benefits of recycling.” In order to accommodate the rise in recycling, the County implemented several measures over the years.
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LĪHU'E – A 34-year-old Wainiha man was arrested yesterday morning on multiple charges upon his release from Wilcox Hospital. Zion Harada was arrested for driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, third degree promotion of a dangerous drug, and prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia. Harada had been confined at Wilcox after sustaining injuries in a Feb. 25 traffic collision that occurred on Kūhi‘ō Hwy. near Tunnels Beach in Hā'ena.
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LĪHU‘E – In light of the recent tsunami warning, county officials are urging residents and businesses who have not yet signed up for Connect CTY, the county’s free mass notification service, to do so. Officials utilized Connect CTY last Saturday at around 5:45 am to notify residents and businesses who had signed-up for the service about the tsunami threat and later notified the same people about the tsunami cancellation notice. “I strongly encourage those who haven’t had a chance to sign for Connect CTY yet to please do so as this will enable them to receive important information at any given time,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “I also want to remind residents or businesses whose published phone numbers have changed within the past year to call us and let us know what their current number is so we can update our files.”
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KĪLAUEA – Thanks to alert neighbors, the residents of a Ho‘okui St. home in Kīlauea escaped unharmed this morning after a fire broke out in a work shed that was partially attached to their home. The American Red Cross Kaua'i Office is providing assistance to the three residents as their home sustained substantial damage and is currently uninhabitable. The structure fire began at around 6:25 am and spread to the back half of the home including a bedroom, bathroom, living-dining room and kitchen.
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HANALEI – A 70-year-old male visitor was pulled from the water at Hanalei Beach late yesterday morning and pronounced dead at the scene. According to a preliminary report, the Juneau, AK resident had been wading in the water about 20 ft. from shore at around 11:50 am when a possible medical condition caused him to fall in. The man’s grandson had been with him just a few minutes before and had left to get a bogey board from the shore. When the younger man turned around and was getting ready to return to the water, he saw his grandfather signaling for help. He tried to get back out quickly, however, when he reached his grandfather, the older man was face down in the water.
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HANALEI – A high surf warning is in effect for all north- and west-facing shores today, and is expected to continue at least through 6 pm tomorrow. Officials report high surf and hazardous ocean conditions from Hanalei to Kekaha, and recommend that beachgoers seek other guarded beaches for swimming and snorkeling, i.e. Lydgate, Po'ipū or Salt Pond.
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KALĀHEO – County officials announced that a sports camp for youth in grades four to eight will be offered during spring break, from March 16 to 18. Sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Hawai'i Recreation and Parks Association, the three-day sports camp will be held at the Kalāheo Neighborhood Center from 8 am to 3 pm. Registration for the camp will be held this week at the Kalāheo center.
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LĪHU‘E – The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has cancelled the tsunami warning. There have been no reports of damages on Kaua'i as a result of the tsunami.
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LĪHU‘E – The tsunami has reached Kaua'i and thus far has generated waves that are less than a foot. Residents and visitor are urged to continue to exercise caution as the danger can last for many hours after the initial wave arrives. Tsunami heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest. Extremely strong and unusual nearshore currents can accompany a tsunami. Debris picked up and carried by a tsunami amplifies its destructive power. Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. has signed a disaster declaration for the purpose of authorizing the expenditure of county founds to allow for the speedy and efficient relief of the damages that might be caused by the tsunami.
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LĪHU‘E – Anyone in tsunami inundation zones should evacuate immediately.
If you are not in a tsunami inundation zone, please stay off the road if at all possible.
A tsunami may arrive on Kaua'i at around 11:45 am. Police have set up roadblocks near low-lying areas, and are not allowing motorists into tsunami inundation areas. Of particular note are the roadblocks along Kūhi‘ō Hwy. in the Kawaihau District at the junction of Kawaihau, Olohena, and Kuamoo roads, as well as the Po'ipū roundabout and Ala Kinoiki Rd. (Kōloa bypass rd). Additionally, those heading south from the north shore on Kūhi‘ō Hwy. will be stopped on the hill located above Keālia Beach. As a precautionary measure, the Department of Water is asking the public to exercise water conservation measures and not use water for non-essential purposes, e.g. washing cars, watering plants and doing laundry. The Kaua'i Resource Center is closed, along with the Wailua Golf Course, Hanapēpē transfer station and Kekaha Landfill.
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LĪHU‘E – Starting at 9:30 am, Kaua'i police will be setting up roadblocks and only vehicles heading for higher ground will be allowed to travel on coastal roadways. If you are in a tsunami inundation zone, you should evacuate to higher ground as soon as possible. If you are not in a tsunami inundation zone, please stay off the road if at all possible.
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LĪHU‘E – There is no new information to report at this time on the tsunami that might arrive on Kaua'i at approximately 11:45 am. State Civil Defense will continue to activate the outdoor sirens every hour on the hour to alert the public about a tsunami that could cause damage to all coastal areas of the islands. The Civil Air Patrol will also be flying along coastal areas to warn those in remote areas about the tsunami. Check the tsunami inundation maps in the front section of your local phone book. If you are in a tsunami inundation zone, you should evacuate to higher ground no later than 9 am. Anyone evacuating a residence or business should turn off their gas appliances.
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LĪHU‘E – State Civil Defense has been sounding the outdoor sirens to alert the public about a tsunami that could cause damage to all coastal areas of the islands. For Kaua'i, the tsunami waves could arrive at approximately 11:45 am. The sirens will continue to be activated every hour on the hour until 11 am, and again at 11:15 am. The Civil Air Patrol will also be flying along coastal areas to warn those in remote areas about the tsunami. Check the tsunami inundation maps in the front section of your local phone book. If you are in a tsunami inundation zone, you should evacuate to higher ground no later than 9 am. If you are not in a tsunami inundation zone, please stay off the road if at all possible. Do not use telephones or cell phones except for emergencies.
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LĪHU‘E – The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for the State of Hawai'i at 12:46 this morning Hawai'i Standard Time (HST). A tsunami has been generated by an earthquake that occurred last night near the coast of central Chile. The tsunami could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in Hawai'i. Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property. If you are in a tsunami inundation zone, you should evacuate to higher ground. Maps of the tsunami inundation zones can be located in your local phone book. If you are not in a tsunami inundation zone, please stay off the road if at all possible.
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LĪHU‘E – County officials announced that the Anti-Drug Office was awarded a $1.2 million grant for underage drinking prevention programs. The funding is part of a 2006 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) federal grant, and is administered by the state Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division. “We are pleased to receive tremendous support from state and federal agencies for the prevention of underage drinking in our community,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “Research has shown that our young people are starting to consume alcohol at a younger age these days so we need to bolster our efforts to prevent this from occurring.”
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HANALEI – County officials have issued a warning to north shore boaters of the possible safety hazard in the Hanalei River near Ohiki Rd. about ¼ mile from the Historic Hanalei Bridge. Officials said that some of the boulders used to build a temporary revetment wall on the riverbank last year have separated from the wall and are now in the river, creating a possible safety hazard. Boaters heading downstream are advised to stay to the left of the buoys that mark the location of the boulders. The County is working with state and federal agencies to develop a plan to remove the boulders.
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'ELE‘ELE – The County has acquired from Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (A&B) the fee simple title to a 75-acre parcel of land in 'Ele'ele that will provide future affordable housing opportunities for Kaua‘i residents. This transaction, which was recorded today, included a donation by A&B because it sold the parcel to the County at a sales price below fair market value. The $2.5 million purchase was approved by the County Council in December of 2009. The land purchase was initiated by former Mayor Bryan Baptiste, who saw a need for the County to take an active role in the development of affordable housing for Kauai residents by acquiring land and working in partnership with private development organizations. Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. has carried this vision forward by reaching this milestone. The parcel is situated along Kaumuali‘i Highway, adjacent to and east of Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity’s 'Ele'ele I Luna affordable housing project.
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LĀWA‘I – An autopsy conducted today confirmed that the deaths of a man and woman found in a Lāwa‘i residence Monday was the result of a homicide and suicide. The gunshot injuries found on the victims were consistent with a homicide-suicide scenario. A gun was recovered at the scene that matched the caliber of the bullets recovered. Kaua'i police have identified the woman as Clara Kaneshiro, 43, of Kapa‘a.
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LIHUE -- County officials announced that a new law prohibiting the use of mobile electronic devices by drivers will take effect on May 23. Ordinance No. 892 prohibits the use of all types of cellular phones while operating a motor vehicle as well as text messaging, paging, the use of laptop computers, personal digital assistants, digital photographic devices, or playing video games.  read more ...

NIUMALU – A backyard fire in Niumalu Valley ran away this afternoon and burned two old collapsed wooden sheds. The sheds were located about 25 feet away from the fire and were approximately 300 sq. ft. and 150 sq. ft. respectively. No one was injured in the fire. Engine 3, Rescue 3, Engine 5 and Truck 5 responded to the 12:09 alarm. The fire was deemed under control and fully extinguished within minutes after their arrival.
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LĀWA‘I – Kaua'i police have identified the man whose body was found in a Lāwa‘i residence yesterday morning as Duane Bukoski, age 38, of Lāwa‘i. The female victim, an acquaintance of Bukoski, remains tentatively identified and awaits verification. The case has been classified as an apparent homicide-suicide. Police are continuing their investigation.
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LĪHU‘E – No motorcycle road tests will be conducted on Tuesday, March 2, due to a statewide video conference for all chief and motorcycle examiners. The motorcycle tests are normally offered on Tuesdays, 9 to 10 am.
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LĀWA‘I – Kaua'i police responded to a Lāwa‘i residence this morning after receiving a report about two lifeless bodies. A preliminary investigation revealed that the bodies were that of an adult male and adult female. The victims have been tentatively identified, and are pending verification. Their names will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
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IWAKI, JAPAN – John Thomas (JT) Service who won the inaugural Kaua'i Marathon last September came in third in the inaugural Iwaki Sunshine Marathon held Sunday in Japan. Service, a San Francisco resident, earned a berth in the Iwaki marathon as part of his prize package for winning the Kaua'i Marathon, along with free hotel accommodations, meals and ground transportation provided by Spa Resort Hawaiians and the Iwaki-Hawai'i Exchange Association. Airfare for Service’s Japan trip was provided by the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. “I’d like to acknowledge all of the organizations that partnered with us in this endeavor,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “JT represented Kaua'i well and helped to promote this year’s Kaua'i Marathon as well as goodwill between Iwaki, our Friendship City, and the Garden Isle.”
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LĪHU'E – County officials announced that the Energy Conservation Code governing all new construction on Kaua'i will be effective May 26. The bill was passed by the County Council and signed into law by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. last month. Paving the way for more energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings, the new code incorporates the 2009 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) along with local amendments developed by the state Building Code Council and Howard Wiig, energy specialist for the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
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LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help with finding a runaway. Jamie Victor left her residence on Wednesday evening and has not been seen since then. Police believe that she may be with someone named Frankie. Victor, age 15, is five feet four inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds. She has brown eyes, shoulder length brown hair, a tan complexion and a medium build. Victor is of Hawaiian descent.

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OMA‘O – Two Lāwa‘i men died in a two-car crash that occurred this morning on Kaumuali‘i Hwy. in Oma‘o near the Pune‘e Rd. junction. Don Kaneshige, age 51, died at the scene and James Denny, 86, was pronounced dead at Wilcox Hospital. There were no passengers in either vehicle. According to a preliminary report, Denny was heading west at around 9:58 am in a pick-up truck on Kaumuali‘i Hwy. and was approaching Oma’o Bridge when he crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into an eastbound pick-up truck driven by Kaneshige.
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LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help with finding a missing person. Natalie Johnson, age 27, of Līhu'e was reported missing Wednesday. A friend told police that Johnson has not contacted any of her friends since Feb. 5, which is not like her to do so. Johnson is about five feet nine inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds. She has hazel eyes, shoulder length blond hair, a light tan and a medium build. Johnson is of Caucasian descent.
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OMA‘O – Traffic on Kaumuali‘i Hwy. in Oma’o is being redirected due to a two-car crash near the Pune‘e Rd. junction. Westbound traffic is being diverted to Maluhia Rd. and traffic heading east is being redirected to Oma‘o Rd.
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LĪHU‘E – Over the last several days, Kaua'i County officials received word of the county’s upgraded credit ratings from three bond rating companies. Standard & Poor’s Rating Services reported that it raised its rating and underlying rating for Kaua'i County from AA- to AA, while Fitch Ratings assigned an AA- rating to the County and upgraded its General Obligation (GO) debt to AA- from A+. Yesterday, Moody’s Investors Service announced that the county received an Aa3 rating, up from A1. “This is great news,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “These are the highest credit ratings the County has ever received. What this means is that the interest rate for the new bond issuance will be lower than it would have been with the previous ratings, resulting in an estimated savings of $3.2 million in gross interest costs over the life of the bond repayment period.”
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WAIMEA – The Waimea swimming pool will be closed to the public this Saturday for the Ed Ho Memorial Swim Meet. Sponsored by the West Kaua'i Lions Club, the event is held annually and is part of the Waimea Town Celebration. The normal hours of operation at the Waimea pool are: Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 am to 2:45 pm; Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 am to 3:45 pm; Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm; and Sunday, 12 to 4:30 pm. The pool is closed on Monday and holidays.
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HANAPĒPĒ – Due to electrical problems, loose mixed waste is not being accepted at the Hanapēpē transfer station until further notice. The facility is still accepting bagged trash, along with green waste, scrap metals, propane tanks, and residential used motor and cooking oil for recycling.
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KALĀHEO – County officials announced that improvements to the Kalāheo Neighborhood Center will soon be underway. The project includes: expansion/resurfacing of the parking lot including the creation of new ADA compliant stalls; walkways leading to the center; as well as new lighting. The expansion of the parking lot is scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 22. “Not only will the improvements to the Kalāheo Neighborhood Center enhance the programs offered at the facility, but it will also support our Park & Ride Program,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., adding that implementing and supporting sustainable initiatives like the Park & Ride Program is a priority for the County.
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In observance of Presidents' Day, County of Kauai offices will be closed on Monday, February 15,  read more ...

Wearing red to show support of February as Drug Free Awareness month on Kauai  read more ...

The Kauai Police Department reported that William Corbett, 61 years old of Lihue  read more ...

The Kauai Police Department reported a 3-car accident on Kaumualii Highway read more ...

KEKAHA – Due to the landfill expansion project, residential scrap metal is not being accepted for recycling at the Kekaha Landfill until further notice. However, appliances are still being accepted at the landfill. Residents have the option of taking their scrap metal to the Hanapepe transfer station or any other transfer station on the island. The Kekaha Landfill is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm except on holidays. Normal operating hours at the transfer stations are from 7:15 am to 5:15 pm daily except on holidays.
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LĪHU‘E – The Kaua'i Police Department has begun issuing a newly designed police shield to all of its sworn officers. Patrol officers are wearing silver badges, while sergeants and those of higher rank wear gold badges. This is the first time the shield has been changed in decades. The design merges the American Bald Eagle from the previous shield with KPD’s mission statement, the Kaua'i County seal and the Aloha Spirit as defined in the Hawai'i Revised Statues 5-7.5. “It is an exclusive blending of the past, present and future, while embracing the connection of our diverse heritage,” said Kaua'i Police Chief Darryl Perry, adding that the new badge is so unique that the public can easily distinguish it from a fraudulent badge.
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KAPA‘A – A new HI-5 certified redemption center recently opened in the Arzadon Industrial Park in Kapa‘a. The center is located at 962 Kipuni Way next to the Kaua'i Community Federal Credit Union, and is operated by Kaua'i Community Recycling Services. The hours of operation at the center for large loads of HI-5 beverage containers are 8 am to 4 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, with no break in services for lunch. For smaller loads, reverse vending machines (RVMs) are also available at the new Kapa‘a center, and can be accessed daily, from 8 am to 4 pm.
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PO'IPŪ – Ocean Safety officials report that box jellyfish have been found this morning at several Kaua'i beaches, including: Po'ipū; Salt Pond; and Kekaha. Officials are urging beachgoers to exercise caution and to check with lifeguards before entering the water at these beaches.
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PO'IPŪ – A 62-year-old visitor from Colorado Springs is in Wilcox Hospital this evening after being found face down at around 3:14 pm in the water fronting Lāwa‘i Beach Resort. His current condition is not known. The man had been snorkeling about 20 feet offshore with family members when his brother noticed that he was motionless. His brother brought him to shore and bystanders performed CPR.
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LĪHU'E -- County Auditor Ernesto Pasion announced today the results of the independent financial audit for the County for the fiscal year ending June 2009. The audit, conducted by the firm of RC Holsinger Associates PC, resulted in a clean audit opinion. The complete report is available on the county website. Also posted on the county’s website are the auditor’s letters documenting the results of the single audit for the County in the same period. The single audit is an annual audit required by federal law, and is intended to ensure that the County is expending federal funds properly.
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LĪHU‘E – Nearly all of the new members of county boards and commissions recently attended a four-hour orientation where they were provided with an overview of their new role as county officials. A number of returning members were also in attendance. The training was sponsored by the county’s Boards and Commissions Office in partnership with the Kaua'i Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Kaua'i. “Board and commission members are vital to county operations. They lend their expertise to discussions on county issues and their input is invaluable,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “It’s important that we provide them with the training they need to succeed as contributing members of their respective boards and commissions.”
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LĪHU'E – County officials are advising residents and businesses that a new state law requires manufacturers of covered electronic devices (CEDs) to implement recycling programs for their products starting this year. The CEDs addressed in the Hawai'i Electronics Waste and Recovery Act (Act 13) include: computers; computer printers; computer monitors; and portable computers with screens that are larger than four inches measured diagonally. In January of next year, the list of CEDs will expand to include televisions.
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LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help with finding a runaway. Ruby Ann Octavio was reported missing on Feb. 1 when she failed to return home from school. Police believe that she may be with a 20-year-old man in the Puhi-Līhu'e area. Octavio, age 15, is five feet three inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds. She has brown eyes, long brown hair, a fair complexion and a medium build. Octavio is of Portuguese descent.
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LĪHU‘E – A 31-year-old Lāwa‘i man who was involved in Kaua'i’s first fatal crash of the year was arrested yesterday morning at police headquarters in Lihue. Tomas Garcia, age 32, of Kapa‘a, was killed in the crash that occurred on Kaumuali‘i Hwy. near the entrance to Kahili Mt. Park on Jan. 19. His passenger, a 27-year-old Kīlauea man, was injured. Norman Bukoski, Jr. was arrested and charged with drunk driving, first degree negligent homicide and first degree negligent injury. He was later released pending completion of the investigation.
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KAPA‘A – Green waste operations at the Hanalei and Kapa‘a transfer stations have resumed. The service was temporarily suspended due to safety concerns caused by muddy conditions in the drop-off area.
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LĪHU‘E – In light of the recent fatal traffic crashes, the Kaua'i Police Department will be increasing its speed enforcement efforts throughout the island with particular emphasis on the south and westside. “Statistics show that speeding is a factor in about one-third of fatal traffic crashes,” said Acting Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan. “We felt it was time for us to step up our speed enforcement efforts to deter drivers from going over the posted speed limit and to help keep our roadways safe.”
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HANALEI – The Hanalei HI-5 bottle redemption center is closed today due flooding caused by the heavy rain. The facility will reopen next Tuesday, 8 am to 2 pm. Normal operating hours at the Hanalei center are Tuesdays from 8 am to 2 pm, with no break for lunch.
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HANALEI – Green waste is not being accepted at the Hanalei and Kapa‘a transfer stations until further notice due to safety concerns caused by muddy conditions in the drop-off areas. In the meantime, residents may drop off their green waste at the Līhu‘e or Hanapēpē transfer station or the Kekaha Landfill.
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KAPA‘A – Volunteers on the East Kaua'i Drug Prevention and Education Team are coordinating the Seventh annual Eastside Family Summit, a large-scale family event that offers free food, social service information, fun activities and entertainment. The event will be held this Saturday, from 1 to 5 pm, in the courtyard between Kapa‘a High and Kapa‘a Elementary schools. Attendees are asked to bring a canned or other non-perishable food item to the event to help support the efforts of Hale Ho‘omalu, an organization based on the eastside, that offers a food pantry twice a week to needy families and individuals. Over 50 organizations will be on hand with information about the services they provide to families. Activities galore will be offered, entertainment is lined up for the entire afternoon, participants will be eligible to win door prizes, and free food will be provided by local restaurants and businesses.
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HĀ'ENA – Due to safety reasons, Hā'ena Beach Park will be closed to the public for about a week while the parking lot is being resurfaced. The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 8 and is expected to be completed by Feb. 18, weather permitting. The project will include: leveling of the parking lot, placement of crushed coral and the creation of new ADA compliant stalls. The resurfacing of the parking lot is part of an overall project to improve this popular visitor destination. A new comfort station, walkway and septic system are also under construction. The old comfort station has already been removed.
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LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help with finding two runaways – Mandy and Zoe Abreu. The Abreu sisters were reported missing on Jan. 24. Mandy, age 15, is five feet three inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds. She has brown eyes, black hair, a tan complexion and a medium build. Zoe, age 17, is five feet seven inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. She has hazel eyes and long black hair, a fair complexion and a small build. The sisters are of Hawaiian descent.
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LĪHU‘E – If your list of New Year’s resolutions reads like the typical list – lose 10 pounds, exercise more, eat healthier – and you are living with a chronic health condition, get ready to put your New Year’s resolutions into action. Another six-week series of interactive workshops entitled “Ke Ola Pono: Healthy Living” is being offered to seniors 60 years and older and their caregivers by the Agency on Elderly Affairs in partnership with the Kaua'i District Health Office. To gain maximum benefit from the program, participants should plan on attending all six sessions. The workshops will be held at Sun Village in Līhu'e on Wednesdays, from 2:30 to 5 pm, starting on Feb. 10. The cost of the workshops is $12 for seniors 60 years and older, and it includes a companion book and a relaxation CD/audio tape.
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LĪHU‘E – In an effort to increase awareness about drug use and abuse on Kaua'i, county officials are encouraging residents to show their solidarity by taking a visible stand in “Living aloha, and living drug-free.” Kaua'i residents are asked to wear red on Friday, Feb. 12, the day that Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. will make a proclamation designating February as Drug-Free Awareness Month on Kaua'i. The event will be held at 9 am in the rotunda of the Mo’ikeha Building at the Līhu'e Civic Center. “The color red was selected because families and community can be the lifeblood of the anti-drug initiative,” said Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki, noting that drug- and alcohol-abuse are the heart of the problem for many of Kaua'i’s families.
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LĪHU'E – The County has agreed to pay $7.5 million for its portion of the Ka Loko global settlement. Of that amount, the County will be responsible for $250,000 with the balance to be covered by insurance proceeds. “While the County believed it had viable defenses, joint and several liability applied in this case. Had the County lost at trial with the other defendants, we could have ended up having to pay almost everything, not just the percentage the jury assigned to us,” said County Attorney Alfred Castillo. “Since this case had potentially huge damages, well in excess of our insurance limits, the County and its insurance carriers believed that settling was in the best interest of the County.”
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LĪHU‘E – A portable classroom at Wilcox Elementary School was saved from destruction last night due to quick action by a resident who lives across from the school. At around 9 pm, Herbert Honjo, who resides on Hardy St., saw what he initially thought were flickering lights behind the portable. Honjo quickly realized that it was actually a fire and ran across the street. Using a garden hose located next to the portable, he doused the fire.
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LĪHU'E – The Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division will be moving to a new location tomorrow. Their new office is down the hall from their current office in the Mo’ikeha Building at the Līhu'e Civic Center. The phone numbers for the entire staff, including their fax, will remain unchanged.
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WASHINGTON – With dwindling tax revenues and the worst economic climate since the Depression clouding current county budget proposals, Hawai'i’s four mayors pressed their congressional representatives for federal funds needed to expand infrastructure, diversify transportation options and hire more police officers. Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., along with Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Big Island Mayor William Kenoi, and Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares travelled to Washington, D.C. last week for the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting. Following meetings with President Barack Obama and several key federal stakeholders, the mayors sat down with U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka.
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WAIMEA –Three county facilities are slated for resurfacing over the next several days – the Kekaha Neighborhood Center pavilion and Isenberg Park parking lots and Waimea tennis court No. 2. While the work is underway, these sites will be closed to the public. The Waimea re-paving project will begin on Friday, and is expected to be completed in about four to six weeks. The Kekaha project is scheduled on Monday, and the Isenberg Park improvements are set for the following day. Both projects are expected to be finished in one day.
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LĪHU‘E – Originally scheduled for last week, the installation of a new identification (ID) system at the county’s Driver’s License Division is now slated for this Thursday, from 3 to 4 pm. During the installation, no permits or licenses will be processed. Only written tests will be offered. Normal operations are expected to resume the following day.
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LĪHU‘E – The Agency on Elderly Affairs is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Outstanding Male and Female Older American awards. If you would like to honor a senior 65 and older who has made exceptional contributions to the community, you can submit his or her name as a nominee for this special recognition. Nomination forms are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, at the Elderly Affairs’ office located at the Līhu‘e Civic Center, Pi‘ikoi Building, suite 330. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 5.
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KŌLOA – Due to safety concerns, Kaua'i police have moved the roadside memorial set up over the weekend in the triangle at the junction of Maluhia Rd. and Kaumuali‘i Hwy. to the nearby shoulder. A fatal accident involving a motorcyclist and a vehicle occurred at that location on Friday. The motorcyclist, Charles Sumera, a 46-year-old Kekaha resident, died in the crash.
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KALĀHEO – Over the next several months, four Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) courses are scheduled, including classes for JROTC cadets at Waimea High School, and more are planned over the course of the year. There is no charge to attend the training sessions, which are sponsored by the Kaua'i Fire Department and Kaua'i Civil Defense Agency. “The fact is we don’t know when a disaster might strike so it’s important to be prepared,” said Kaua'i Fire Chief Robert Westerman. “Through the CERT program, volunteers are trained so that in the event of a disaster, they can take care of their families and neighbors in their respective communities until first responders arrive.” Westerman noted that Kaua'i is the first in the state to offer the CERT program to high school students.
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KAPA‘A – Organizations who offer family-strengthening programs are encouraged to sign up for an information booth at the Seventh annual East Kaua‘i Family Summit: Living the Simple Life. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 1 to 5 pm, in the courtyard between Kapa‘a High and Kapa‘a Elementary schools. “The family summit offers a great opportunity for organizations to let the community know what kind of services they offer,” said Bridget Arume, Parent Community Network Coordinator, Department of Education, and member of the organizing committee. “Hundreds of people turn out for this fun and informative annual event.” Participating organizations will be provided with a tent, table, electricity, Internet access if needed, as well as lunch. The deadline to register for a booth at the family summit is Friday, Jan. 29.
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KŌLOA – Only one-way traffic is flowing on Maluhia Rd. between the Kaumuali‘i Hwy. and Kōloa Rd. junctions due to a fatal crash that occurred at around 4:02 pm on Maluhia Rd. involving a motorcycle and a sedan with one occupant in each vehicle. The motorcyclist, a 46-year-old Līhu'e man, was taken to Wilcox Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Traffic heading towards Līhu'e on Maluhia Rd. is flowing. Traffic heading to Kōloa on Kaumuali‘i Hwy is being diverted to Oma’o Rd. Police are conducting an investigation, and expect that it will take at least three hours to complete the investigation at the scene.
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HANAMĀ'ULU – A 21-year-old Kapa‘a man who is a suspect in thefts, burglaries, forgeries and other cases was arrested last night following a struggle with police officers that ended with the use of a Taser and pepper spray. Acting on a tip, three police officers went to a Hanamā'ulu residence at around 6:15 pm to search for Tyson Yadao, who was wanted for a number of crimes including: seven counts of second degree forgery; eight counts of second degree theft; third degree theft; fourth degree theft; three counts of first degree burglary; second degree reckless endangering; reckless driving; resisting an order to stop; and a bench warrant for contempt of court.
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LĪHU‘E – Anyone needing to make 911 calls from Wailua to Princeville should use their cell phones due to repair work being done on fiber optic cables in the area. read more ...

 KAHILI – A 32-year-old Kapa‘a man, who was the driver of a white Ford pick-up truck, died last night in a two-car crash on Kaumuali‘i Hwy. near the entrance to Kahili Mt. Park. A passenger in the Ford truck, a 27-year-old Kīlauea man, is in fair condition at Wilcox Hospital. A 31-year-old Oma‘o man, who was the sole occupant of the other vehicle, a white GMC pick-up truck, is in serious condition at Wilcox Hospital.
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LĪHU'E – Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe today orally granted the county’s motion to unseal the Ka Loko Dam global settlement and its appendix. The written order must now be approved by all parties and signed by Judge Watanabe. This is expected to take approximately two weeks.
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LĪHU‘E – Anyone interested in voting online for the next “Movie in the Park” feature film can do so at http://www.kauai.gov/moviesinthepark. The deadline is Sunday, Jan. 31. Voters will be eligible to win a $20 gift certificate. In addition, voters will be asked to take a quick, anonymous survey regarding underage drinking, which will assist the County with obtaining state funds for the prevention of underage drinking on Kaua'i. The movie choices are: The Princess Bride; Whale Rider; and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
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