Paul C. Curtis The Garden Island LIHU‘E — Vernon “Kahui” Niau, 24, with a last known address in Koloa, was a no-show at his scheduled jury trial on burglary and theft charges in September.

LIHU‘E — Ulu Ko Park in Lihu‘e will be closed starting Monday while improvements are being made, a county news release states.

LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i drivers would be forced to pay an additional 50 cents for every gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel they purchase if the County Council goes along with measures recommended in the final draft of the Kaua‘i Energy Sustainability Plan released this week.

Over 200 residents gathered at Larsen’s Beach (Ka‘aka‘aniu) on Saturday to share information about the historic coastal trail, according to photo contributor Isa Maria. Beachgoers will have a tougher time accessing the shoreline if an adjacent private landowner’s fencing permits are approved. The line through the middle of the group represents the proposed fence line.

LIHU‘E — The collection of classic films is just a month old, and “to our delight, the day after we opened up the Classic Movies section we had patrons raving about how helpful it is,” said Lisa Post, the library’s circulation desk supervisor.

Today 2010 CENSUS JOBS TEST — 10:30 a.m., at the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center. Complete application and take a thirty minute written test; bring two pieces of identification. Call 697-7220 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov for more information.

LIHU‘E — There were so many cars at Kukui Grove Center over the holidays, the management turned to Twitter to help shoppers find a parking space.

LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Council on Tuesday interviewed a multitude of mayoral appointees to various boards and commissions.

LIHU‘E — Brad Kubisch on Tuesday morning pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree theft.

LIHU‘E — A shipment of the latest Official Kaua‘i Beach Guide was recently delivered to the Office of Economic Development and the Kaua‘i Fire Department and are available to the public at no cost, a county news release states.

KOLOA — Stephen Ruiz, a farmer out of Kalaheo, was out of merchandise in 20 minutes, Monday.

LIHU‘E — Broad-daylight burglary, high-speed chase, subject escapes by jumping into the ocean and swimming off.

LIHU‘E — While his heart, soul, family, friends and work are here on the Garden Isle, Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent Bill Arakaki said Monday that he would consider moving up the state Department of Education ladder if asked.

A pair of albatross are seen in Catherine Steinmann’s yard in Kilauea recently. The endangered birds can live to be 80 years old and mate for life. Catherine Steinmann/Contributed photo

HANALEI — The Hanalei and Kilauea HI-5 certified redemption centers are closed this week due to a staffing shortage.

“We didn’t even make one.” Jason and Jenette Clary, Elk, Wash. “Maybe excercise? That’s always the case.”

The Garden Island corrects errors of fact in news stories. If you notice an error, please contact us at one of the numbers listed in the staff box below.

As 2010 unfolds before us and as a result of support from individuals, families, companies and foundations, Hale ‘Opio staff will return to a twice monthly schedule of Kaua‘i Teen Court hearings.

LIHU‘E — One of this week’s Most Wanted subjects is a familiar name to Kaua‘i Police Department officers and those covering the state courthouse. He is suspected to be a key player in a string of burglaries impacting visitors and residents, KPD Chief Darryl Perry said.

LIHU‘E — Members of the county body that annually recommends properties to be acquired for open space and public access purposes are concerned about “vegetative encroachment and beach privatization.”