Scott Yunker

1 month ago | bigislandnow.com | Scott Yunker

February 23, 2025, 1:06 PM HST Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 62-year-old male visitor that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Captain Cook. The man has been identified as Gary Windle of Deer Park, Illinois. At 12:29 p.m. on Feb. 22, Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a man struggling in the water near the shoreline at Manini Point Cove Park in Captain Cook.

2 months ago | kauainownews.com | Scott Yunker

The Kaua‘i County Council continues to seek short-term solutions to avoid a catastrophe at the island’s only landfill, which is relentlessly approaching capacity. About 90,000 tons of waste enter the Kekaha Landfill on the West Side of Kaua‘i each year. But current permits do not allow the landfill to operate beyond November 2027. On Wednesday, the council was briefed on several initiatives under way to extend the life of the Kekaha Landfill.

2 months ago | bigislandnow.com | Scott Yunker

The powdered green tea matcha is valued around the world for its unique umami flavor. But there is apparently only one matcha mill in Hawaiʻi, and it’s easy to miss. The rare machine and culinary treasure, about the size of a mini fridge, is tucked away in a corner at Collab Café, a restaurant in Kapaʻa on Kauaʻi dominated by a massive coffee roaster. The dimensions of the matcha mill belie its 500-pound weight.

2 months ago | bigislandnow.com | Scott Yunker

It took years, but the most important food crop in Hawai‘i finally became its official plant. The Hawai‘i Legislature in 2007 passed an act to establish kalo as the official plant of the islands because of its cultural significance. The law did not take effect, however, until Jan. 1 this year, some 18 years later. Many kalo cultivars are grown at the Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the North Shore of Kaua‘i.

2 months ago | kauainownews.com | Scott Yunker

A new Kauaʻi community hub and coworking space in Līhu‘e is providing classes, events and a leg up to local entrepreneurs, along with an on-site coffee shop that turns into a cocktail bar when the work day ends. The Hale Līhu‘e community hub, located on Rice Street opposite the top of Kress Street, is leased and operated by the nonprofit Rice Street Business Association.