Kauai -- Kauai Stories, a book by Kauai writer Pamela Varma Brown, has been named a finalist in the 2013 National Indie Excellence Book Awards in the Biography - Historical category.

Kauai Stories is a crisply edited collection of joyful stories told in people's own words that illustrate life on the Garden Island.

(PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY) - The traditional fireworks show will not be included in this year's Freedom celebration at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) due to budget constraints.

In addition, the Navy’s July 3 observance at PMRF will be a picnic-type, family event open only to DoD ID cardholders, their families and MWR recreational pass holders.  July Fourth events have been scaled back across all Navy installations worldwide as a result of fiscal constraints and sequestration. 

“We regret we won’t be able to host public Independence Day activities on base this year,” said Capt. Nicholas Mongillo, PMRF commanding officer.  “We hope to be able to return to normal operations in fiscal year 2014.” 

LIHU‘E --   The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces the opening of feral pig archery hunting in Hunting Unit J Archery Area on the island of Kaua‘i. Hunting Unit J will be open during the month of June only on weekends and on King Kamehameha day – Tuesday, June 11, 2013. 

Access into Unit J will be limited this year due to the July 2012 Koke‘e fire declaration closure which is still in effect.  Hunters may access Unit J from Koke‘e Road – Hwy. 550, Trail 2 upper Papa‘alai ridge road and Trail 3 – upper Ha‘ele‘ele ridge road to the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir.