Hello Hands Free Cell Phones In Your Vehicle Kauai
If you're going to be traveling to Kauai, here's a reminder that it is no longer legal to be talking on your cell phone while driving, like the young lady above. The new law bans the use of handheld mobile eletronic devices by a driver. The law prohibits driving while holding and using all types of cellular phones, along with text messaging, paging, as well as playing video games and the use of laptop computers, personal digital assistants and digital photographic devices. Violaters are subject to fines of $97 and up to $147 if they are cited in a school zone or construction area.
This ban is something that is becoming more commomplace everywhere you go, so it should come as no surprise to visitors to Kauai. If you've forgotten about it and land on island without a hands free device, you should plan on stopping by Radio Shack at Kukui Grove or Costco  across the street. Both stores are not far from the airport (take the highway going south) and have several different solutions as varying price ranges.
For more information about this ordinance, go to: www.kauai.gov/cellphoneban.com.
And if you're interested in a unique solution to cell phones in cars you might want to check out the new Phone Car.
Major Highway Construction
For years and years, we Kauai residents have taken pride in our lack of any major roads on the island. By that I mean that our one road that goes around the island has always been a two lane highway. There are a couple of places on the island where it widens to three lanes, mostly for passing, however the overwhelming majority of our roadways are two lanes. That is all about to change and I reluctantly have to say it's probably for the good.
One project will be creating two miles of four lane roadway in Lihue. The construction begins by the old sugar cane mill, continues past Kauai Grove, past Kauai Community College and ends shortly after that. Now hold on to your hats for the cost. It's going to be a whopping thirty million dollars and at first I thought that sounded about right, seeing as how a new bridge would have to be built by the mill for the addional two lanes that are being added. However that is a separate project that will cost an additional twenty million dollars. I guess I million just doen't go very far in road construction these days. I have not seen the plans but am hopeful the design calls for a landscaped median between each two lanes. We'll see.
 The second project will also be widening the road to four lanes in an area where there are currently three lanes and a fourth is desperately needed. Currently there are two lanes going north out of Lihue and one coming south into Lihue. During rush hour, however, two south bound lanes are created by adding those bright orange cones down the road and converting one of the north bound lanes into a south bound lane. In the evening, the flow is reversed, hence our name for it "Contra Flow". Obvioulsy this will be a much needed addition and will hopefully relieve communters in this area of their lengthened commute times. I don't have a number as to the cost of this project, however it's probably in the same neighborhood, cost per mile wise, as the other project.
Police Enforcing 25mph Speed Limits
in Construction Zones
 If you skipped the above article on construction, you might want to read this one if you'll be driving either north or south out of Lihue airport during the next year. There was an article in the local paper recently that our police department is enforcing the 25mph speed limit in the two major construction zones on the island. My observation is that most traffic during the day slows down to close to this speed anyway. Driving around concrete road barriors with orange flashing lights on top of them will do that for you. The difficulty arises at night, when there aren't nearly as many cars on the road and drivers are more aggresive as a result. And this is exactly the time when citations are being issued.
So, drivers be aware and watch your speeds in these two construction zones. The fine for exceeding the 24mph speed limit is a whoopping $250 and could really spoil an otherwise perfect vacation. Don't let it happen to you!
 Movies In The Park Update
We now know the names of the films that are going to be shown in Poipu Beach Park this summer. So grab your beach chairs, or beach towels and coolers and come down to the park and enjoy an evening of family fun. There will also be food booths if you don't have time to pack your cooler.
July 16th-"Imagine That"
August 20th-"Wizard of Oz".
This is really a fun evening, so if you're going to be on island, plan to attend!
Fourth Of July Fireworks
 PMRFAs is years past, there will be two different events with fireworks celebrating July 4th this year. The Pacific Missle Range Facility Barking Sands, otherwise known as PMRF, is having it Stars and Stripes Freedom Celebration from 5pm to 10pm July 3rd. That's not a misprint, as this event is held a day before the other one you'll hear about shortly. The public is invited to PMRF's free event on the grounds of Shenanigans restuarant. Kauai bands Battery Alley and Greenstone Project will provie music and the event will also inlcude a 12 minute fireworks display on the beach presented by Hawaii Explosives and Pyrotechnics, Inc. Food, games and craft booths will be available throughout the event.
Watch for signs on the highway to direct you to the entrance. Free parking will be available on base, although visitors are reminded that all vehicles will be subject to search. No outside food or beverages, coolers, tents, pets, weapons or personal fireworks are allowed, although beach umbrellas can be used. For more information on this event call 808.335.4380.
21st Annual Concert In The Sky-Hospice Fundraiser
On July 4th at 4pm gates will open at the Vidninha Soccer Field in Lihue for the 21st edition of the Concert In The Sky, the major annual fundraiser put on by Kauai Hospice. The soccer field is right next to Vidninha Stadium in Lihue, so there is lots of free parking available. This event offers the largest aerial fireworks show on Kauai, together with family fun and games plus great food from top hotels and restaurants. From the moment the gates open there will be continuous live entertainment featuring John Cruz, Shilo Pa, The Quake, Halau Ka Lei Mokihand 'O Leina'ala and more.
If you've not been to this event before, it's really a lot of fun. Everyone spreads out on beach blankets and beach chairs and just relaxes and has a good time. There's the fun zone for kids with inflatibles, water slides, face painting and more! Adults won't be disappointed with the silent auction tent with over 200 items to bid on. Don't forget to enter the raffles for a Hawaiian quilt and a trip for two to Las Vegas. Massages and Healing Touch will also be available all day.
Another tip is not to rush off with the crowds after the fireworks have finished. There will continue to be live music, so you can sit and enjoy it for 20-30 minutes and by then the crowds and traffic will have all but vanished. Leaving right when the fireworks are done means sitting that 20-30 minutes in traffic, so why not listen to music instead?
Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased until July 3rd at all Big Save Markets and Menehune Food Marts (which if you didn't know are owned by Big Save). Tickets at the gate on July 4th are $15 for adults and $7 for keiki 6-12.
All proceeds from this event benefit Kauai Hospice's services to individuals facing a life-threatening illness, bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one, and to promote an understanding of Hospice services. For more information call 808.245.7277. www.kauaihospice.org.
Koloa Plantation Days Coming July 17th to the 25th
Island Culture and plantation history--Local foods and shopping
Sports and outdoor recreation--Kids and family activities
Celebration events with live entertainment.
"Sweet Memories" is the theme for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Koloa Plantation Days. Nine days of events will feature some new events as well as annual favorites. Most activities are fee or low cost making this event perfect for families.
This year's colorful parade on Saturday, July 24th through Koloa town celebrates the festival's 25th anniversary with floral floats, walking and equestrian units, decorated vehicles, vintage cars and musicians. After the parade, stroll to Knudsen (Koloa) Ball Park for an all-day celebration with a delicious variety of ethnic foods, keiki rides and activities, all day entertainment featuring the cultures that comprised the plantation camps and Hawaii musical talents, a silent auction and Kauai's largest craft fair of Hawaii-made products.
For a complete schedule of events, including an informative video of past Plantation Days events, just go to www.koloaplantationdays.com.
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