New Workforce Housing On Its Way

The groundbreaking of Kolopu. From left: Kamuela Cobb-Adams, Kaulana Finn, Makani Maeva, mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Wanda Shibata, Kevin Carney, Craig Hirai, Jay Furfaro, Dan Conger, Derek Kawakami and Nadine Nakamura. Photo courtesy Kauai County

Signs, signs, everywhere there are signs — messing up the scenery. Political signage is in full abundance this year, creating quite an eyesore to passersby. Now, I don’t mind an occasional tasteful sign here and there to let us know who’s running for office, but some of the campaigns this year are seriously out of hand (you know who you are and so do we). Many of the signs, in fact, have been placed illegally on state land, which to me is just as unsavory as littering. Please, dear candidates, I understand your need to advertise, but consider the beauty of the island that we all wish to enjoy without so many obstructions …

Good news on the people-who-actually-live-here affordable housing front. The construction of a new “workforce-housing” complex, called Kolopua, broke ground July 22. This project, which is expected to be completed by April 2015, will create 16 one-bedroom (a rarity on Kauai), 16 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom rentals near Princeville Center. The homes are restricted to people at or below 60 percent of the island median household income. In other words, one person cannot earn more than $38,160 and two people no more than $43,620. Rental applications will be accepted as the project nears completion, and a lottery (when did we get to this point?) will be held to determine who will be the lucky new residents. Call the County Housing Agency at 241-4444 for more information …

The Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa recently received recognition as Travel + Leisure‘s 2014 World’s Best. The South Brother Noland Shore establishment was the only resort on Kauai to place in the top 10 in the state. The poll is based on opinions of the magazine’s travelers and readers. This is the 19th year the Grand Hyatt Kauai has made the list. The official results will appear in the magazine’s August issue …

Moonlight & Music in the Garden, a benefit for National Tropical Botanical Garden (an event that I hope to attend myself one day), will be held Aug. 9. The musical group Ho’okena, accompanied by hula dancer Nani Dudoit, will perform at the full-moon evening party which will take place at NTBG’s McBryde Garden in Lawai Valley. Also playing are solo artist Brother Noland and Kauai’s own eclectic musical group, Wailoa. Tickets cost $150 and can be purchased online at ntbg.org/moonlightmusic or by phone at 332-6500 …

Attention, junior golfers! You are invited to play free of charge through the end of August at Poipu Bay Golf Course. The Juniors Play Free program is offered for golfers ages 6 to 17 who are accompanied by a paying adult (one junior per adult). Juniors are advised to bring their own set of clubs, although discounted rental rates for clubs will apply. Visit poipubaygolf.com or call Poipu Bay Golf Shop at 742-8711 for more information … cocomidweek@gmail.com