HONOLULU – The First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) board of directors has elected Jeff Shonka senior vice president, chief operating officer (COO). Shonka joined FICOH in 2002 as its chief financial officer. With this promotion, Shonka has assumed responsibility for key operational areas of the company, including Claims, Personal and Commercial Lines, Legal, Surety & Fidelity, and First Risk Management Services (FiRMS), a subsidiary brokerage operation for non-standard risks.

“Jeff is an invaluable member of the executive team who during his 10 years with First Insurance has not only earned the respect and trust of our officers, but of his department, our company and other industry leaders in Hawaii,” said Allen Uyeda, president and CEO of First Insurance.

The following information is provided by the County of Kauai:

LĪHU'E -- Department of Water (DOW) officials announced that a portion of Pua Loke Street between Haleko and Hala roads will be closed this Thursday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only local traffic for businesses in the area will be allowed.

The road will be closed because the DOW will be hosting its Ninth annual Make a Splash Water Festival at the Pua Loke Arboretum for fifth grade students from around the island.  

During the festival, the DOW will have limited customer services available. Drop off water bill payments will be accepted throughout the day, but the water resources and planning division will not be processing water permits until after the event.

For more information, please call the Department of Water at 245-5461 during business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The following information is provided by the County of Kauai:

LĪHU'E – In recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Kaua'i police will be hosting a free car seat safety inspection on Friday, September 21 at Kapa‘a Middle School from 4:30 to 6 p.m.           

“Car crashes are the number one cause of death for children under 12 years of age in the United States,” said Lieutenant Jon Takamura of the Traffic Safety Unit. “No matter how safe of a driver you are, collisions can happen at any time, and properly restraining your child could mean the difference between life and death.”           

In order to be effective, car seats must be the right fit for both your child and vehicle, and they must be properly installed.