Kauai deploys detection dogs to combat invasive beetles. LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) - Four newly certified detection dogs have joined Kauai's efforts to manage coconut rhinoceros beetles. The Office of Economic Development announced Friday that Kauai's CRB response team has been strengthened by a specialized conservation dog training project. The dogs were trained to identify the smell of CRB breeding sites, which helps teams confirm the presence of active breeding grounds. Early detection is critical to slowing the spread of CRB and reducing damage to vulnerable plants and crops. Kauai's CRB response team partnered with Conservation Dogs of Hawaii to protect the island's palms, hala, kalo, banana, pineapple, ulu, and more. They are accepting CRB survey requests from residents, businesses, and property managers, who suspect there may be CRB breeding activity on their properties. "Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle," said Nalani Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development. "Having four locally based, certified detection dog teams ready to deploy strengthens Kauai's ability to confirm CRB breeding sites and better understand where management actions may be needed," Brun said. The effort was funded by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development. For more information, contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at (808) 241-4951 or [email protected].

Kauai Bus launches electric routes, expands island access. * by kayli Pascal-Martinez * dec 30, 2025 updated dec 30, 2025 * 0. LIHU'E, Hawaii (Island News) - The Kauai Bus announced the launch of new 900/950 public bus routes beginning Monday, January 5, 2026. The launch marks a significant step in Kauai County's ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation. The new route will operate between Anahola and the Waimea Athletic Field, providing expanded access across the island and convenient stops at Lihu'e Airport in both directions. "We are excited to introduce the new 900/950 routes and highlight our commitment to a cleaner, greener Kauai," said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. The service will be the first on Kauai to feature the agency's newly acquired Battery Electric Buses (BEBs). The buses were obtained through a combination of federal and local funds, including support from the Federal Transit Administration's Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No Program). The Low-No Program helps local transit agencies modernize their fleets with clean, energy-efficient technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers operating costs, and improves air quality for residents and visitors alike. "The addition of electric buses represents a meaningful investment in sustainable infrastructure and the health and well-being of our island community," continued Mayor Kawakami. Top videos. Contact the Kauai Bus at 808-246-8110 or by emailing [email protected]. New electric buses can soon be found on the roads of Kaua[[ʻ]]i, Maui and Hawai[[ʻ]]i Island in an effort for more sustainability in the state's public transportation. Kayli Pascal-Martinez, an Oahu native and Hawaiian Mission Academy graduate, earned her degree from UH West Oahu in 2024. She joined Island News in 2022 as the first Robert Kekaula Fellow and now serves as a Digital Content Producer, bringing passion and dedication to her role.