What’s really in Kauaʻi’s County budget? 💰

In this special Budget Breakdown episode, we break down Day 1 of budget hearings—so you don’t have to sit through hours of meetings.

Here’s what we cover:
• Why the budget is increasing
• Where the County’s money actually comes from
• Where your tax dollars go
• And why housing is a major priority this year

Plus—what officials are worried about heading into the future 👀

If you’ve ever wondered how decisions about taxes, housing, and services are made… this is where it starts.

#BudgetBites #Kauai #CountyCouncil #HawaiiNews #LocalGovernment #WhereYourMoneyGoes #AffordableHousing #CostOfLiving #CivicEngagement

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Ever wonder how everyday people on Kaua‘i can help save a life during a cardiac emergency?

In this episode of Island Alert, host Max Richardson sits down with Chris Pico, Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Lifeguard, to talk about PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts nearby CPR-trained responders when someone experiences cardiac arrest.

Chris shares how witnessing a dramatic rescue as a teenager inspired him to become a lifeguard and eventually join Kaua‘i’s Ocean Safety Bureau. The conversation then explores how PulsePoint works, why every second matters during cardiac emergencies, and how community members can step in to help before first responders arrive.

From lifeguard training and rescue experiences to the technology helping save lives across the island, this episode offers an inside look at how Kaua‘i prepares for emergencies and how residents can be part of the response.

Produced by Hōʻike Kaua‘i Community Media
Supported by County of Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau

Subscribe for more hyperlocal stories of Kaua‘i’s everyday heroes.

Resources

PulsePoint download link (iOS):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsepoint-respond/id500772134

PulsePoint download link (Android):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.firedepartment

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In this episode, we break down one of the biggest discussions from the March 11 Kauaʻi County Council meeting: the future of the Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant.

County officials are requesting an increase in a state loan from $14 million to $25.5 million to fund repairs at the aging facility near Lydgate. The plant is more than 60 years old, located in a tsunami zone, and unable to expand — raising questions about whether the County should continue investing in repairs or focus on building a new wastewater treatment plant.

Councilmembers debated the cost, environmental compliance requirements, and long-term infrastructure planning before ultimately voting to defer the decision for two weeks while they review additional information.

Listen as we break down what happened, why it matters, and what to watch for when the issue returns to the Council on March 25.

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