Kauai Real Estate and Local News Update January 19
*****The Kauai Storm That Never Was*****
On Friday school children, teachers and state workers were given the day off in preparation for a storm that was suppose to bring us up to 50 mile an hour winds. It turned out to be “The Wind That Wasn’t” according to our paper. There were a few minor wind related incidents on Thursday night (Lumahai Beach tree toppled and one downed power pole) but nowhere near the new reports that we had heard. Saying they would rather give people a “heads up with nothing happening” state officials stand by their decision to play it safe rather than sorry. In Poipu I heard the winds coming in at 1 am which was a little later than projected and there were sudden burst of hard rain, however Friday turned out to be a beautiful sunny day here in Poipu. There was a big run at the grocery stores, gas stations and Costco!
*****Kauai Real Estate Update*****
For a complete island wide list of what came on the market and what sold last week CLICK HERE
*****Over $10K Stolen From Kauai Community College*****
On Tuesday night KCC was broken into and thieves took over $10,000 dollars worth of cash and postage stamps after making off with the college bookstores safe. Apparently the crooks were hungry too, candy bars and the entire stock of beef jerky was taken also. This has brought to light that security on campus has been an issue and this latest incident adds fuel to that fire. The bookstore is on the backside of the campus which is fairly remote, it looks like thieves busted down the doors and rolled the safe to a waiting vehicle on the new bypass road.
*****Possible Expansion of Lihue Airport*****
The Department Of Transportation (DOT) and Grove Farm teamed up for a possible expansion of Lihue airport. The state signed an agreement to purchase some 70 acres of Grove Farm land and negotiations are open to buy more land. The Lingle administration is doing this in effort to keep up with the long term transportation needs and stimulating the economy by creating jobs.
*****Poipu Swimmers Swept Out To Sea*****
Two visitors from New York were swept out to sea Thursday morning and Poipu lifeguards brought them back to safety using jet skies. The couple were swimming out in front of the Marriott Waiohi at 10:45 am and got into serious trouble.
In another incident on the same day two male visitors were swimming at Anini beach at 5 pm and they became separated. The son made it back to shore but the father was pulled out into a big channel. Bystanders called 911 and firefighters from Hanalei station paddled out and brought the man safely to shore.
*****State of Hawaii Faces Possible $40 Million Deficit*****
Mayor Mufi Hannemann says Honolulu could see anywhere from a $13 to $40 million deficit for the year 2010. The mayor has asked city agencies to cut their budgets by 3% and has a freeze on hiring and a moratorium on travel.
*****Huge Surf On Northshore*****
A high surf warning was issued for the north shore and only the most expert of surfers went into the water. Residents and visitors alike were being asked to stay away from the shoreline. 20 to 40 foot faces were reported and Hanalei Bay’s waters were churning. People from the Poipu area were making day trips just to drive up and see the massive swell which is suppose to subside by yesterday.