Reminded Of Renters’ Dilemma

I forgot how difficult the housing situation on Kaua’i is for those of us who live and work here. Now that I’m back in the market again for a new rental after receiving word that my landlord is selling my home, it has become painfully obvious. It is a well-known fact that a large portion of the people who reside here are unable to pay comfortably the exorbitant rental fees. It makes me wonder if any more affordable housing projects are in the works …

The largest event to occur on-island this weekend is the fifth annual Kaua’i Marathon starting at 6 a.m. Sunday. This year, the marathon also is holding a Saturday event for keiki runners. The new Youth Program, sponsored by Newton Running‘s “Hello Better” Campaign, will start at 9 a.m. with late registration at 8 a.m. on race day. There are three categories: a 100- yard trot for 2- to 4-year-olds, a quarter-mile run for 4- to 7-year-olds and a half-mile run for 8- to 12-year-olds. Visit kauaimarathon.com for more information …

Long overdue is a new dog park on the North Shore. Kaua’i North Shore Community Foundation is having a yard sale called Cause for Paws Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fundraiser, which also will offer locally made jewelry for sale, is raising money for the Kilauea park that the nonprofit made a reality. Visit kauainorthshorecommunityfoundation.org for more information …

It’s August, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t time to start getting into the spirit of holiday giving. Operation Christmas Child, which assists keiki in need, is holding this year’s project kickoff Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Regency at Puakea in Lihue. Volunteers are invited to help pack shoe boxes with gifts that will be distributed in November …

Healthy living is certainly all the rage now, as it should be. The county sponsors a Health and Wellness Fair Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lihue Civic Center, and currently is extending an invitation to organizations in the trade to participate.

“I encourage health and wellness groups to join us at the fair, where residents will be able to obtain information on a broad spectrum of health concerns in a central location,” says Theresa Koki, Life’s Choices Kaua’i coordinator. “Our aim is to help people live healthy and productive lives.” Call Koki at 241-4925 or email tkoki@kauai.gov by Sept. 6 to sign up. Visit kauai.gov/lifeschoiceskauai for more information …

Ron Margolis of the Rotary Club of Kapaa reports that the Adopt-A-Classroom project is looking for individuals or businesses to donate $234 to support Kapaa Elementary School and Anahola’s public charter school Kanuikapono. The donations will help to buy books for the students, ultimately assisting them in their ability to read. Donors also can volunteer one hour of their time each week reading with students. Visit kapaarotaryangels.com for more information. Email Margolis at ron@hawaiilife.com or call 346-7095 to participate …

Kalaheo entrepreneur John Teel invented a miniature hands-free LED lighting device sold in retail outlets across the country, including Ace Hardware. It was recently selected by Walmart to compete in its national contest “Get on the Shelf.” The winner of the contest will have their products sold by the national retailer. Visit getontheshelf.walmart.com/product/113e/Pop-up-MicroLite by Sept. 2 to vote for the product and support a local business. For more information, visit microlitetech.com …

Kaua’i County Liquor Control Commission recently named Gerald Rapozo its new director. Rapozo has worked with the agency for two decades, and began as a liquor control investigator.

“Gerald has decades of experience and has served the department well for the past year as acting director,” said commission chairman Billy Gibson. “In voting on this matter, the commissioners felt he has the requisite experience and qualifications, and can continue to lead the agency in a seamless transition.”

“I look forward to the challenges ahead with the continued cooperation and teamwork of the excellent staff of the department,” says Rapozo. “I’m grateful for the show of support from the commissioners” …

Congrats to Lauren Dickey of Princeville, who was named to the Whitworth University Laureate Society for the 2013 spring semester. She achieved the honor by maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.75. Another student who deserves a nod is Justin Langstaff of Kapaa, a multimedia major. He was one of 629 students who made the Dean’s List at California Lutheran University by maintaining at least a 3.6 grade point average …

Kaua’i Police Department introduced the new Police Chaplain Corps earlier this month: Thomas Contrades, Kevin Cram,

Steven Franks, Alpha Goto and Thomas Iannucci. The program provides support and guidance to KPD employees and their families. They also are available for grief-counseling services to victims or their families of major incidents.

“Our police department is very grateful to have a team of chaplains who are well-respected members of both their faith organizations and our local Kaua’i community,” says Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “All of our chaplains are providing this service to KPD as volunteers, at no charge to the department or our officers” …