Post-disaster scams expected to target wildfire survivors seeking to rebuild

Between May 1 to May 15, adoption fees at all Maui Humane Society adoption locations will be reduced in price. The “Empty the Shelter” event is part of a national effort that’s helped more than 226,000 pets find loving homes since 2016.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery is urging wildfire property owners who opt for the Alternative Debris Removal Program to stay informed by signing up online for important notices.

As Maui residents look ahead to rebuilding after the devastation of the August wildfires, there’s another danger awaiting them — fraudulent construction contractors.

The federal disaster center at the Lahaina Civic Center is moving to Hyatt Regency, and a state resource center will open at Royal Lahaina Resort in the coming days.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources increased a fine against the owners and operator of the luxury yacht, Nakoa, to $1,818,85.97 on Friday, to account for biological and cultural damages, as well as “emotional distress to the community.”

With National Small Business Week (April 29-May 3) coming up, a number of workshops and programs are available to small businesses of Maui to build skills and connections. Co-presented by Maui Economic Development Board, workshops include helping sub-contractors to work with government; teaching how to use Quickbooks for business; building a capability statement; and exploring the work of the Maui Food Innovation Center.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D. nominated, and the Hawai‘i State Legislature confirmed, three new members to the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority Board.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi nei, and Queen Kaʻahumanu Center will celebrate with the community on May 4 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

The Construction Industry of Maui today announced that it donated $26,000 to Maui High School this past week to benefits its high school construction vocational programs. The funds raised at CIM’s first annual golf tournament last September, a total of $50,500, includes the $26,000 disbursement to Maui High School. The second annual golf tournament is scheduled for Sept. 28 at The Dunes Maui Lani Golf Course.

Applications are being accepted for directors to head two new County of Maui Departments – the Department of ʻŌiwi Resources and the Department of Housing.

Travel services provider, CLEAR, will begin offering its optional identification verification services at Kahului Airport on Tuesday. The new airport vendor will allow travelers who subscribe for a fee to CLEAR, to use a dedicated line to verify their identity using biometrics such as an eye scan or fingerprint, instead of having to show a government-issued photo I.D. Passengers will still need to be screened by TSA.

Maui Public Art Corps in collaboration with the County of Maui and Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House / Maui Historical Society will host its third “Hui Mo‘olelo Film Festival” from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. The event is FREE and will be held at ProArts Playhouse in Kīhei. The public is invited to this premiere of a new collection of animated film shorts that celebrate Maui history, culture and sense of place.

With National Small Business Week (April 29-May 3) coming up, a number of workshops and programs are available to small businesses of Maui to build skills and connections. Co-presented by Maui Economic Development Board, workshops include helping sub-contractors to work with government; teaching how to use Quickbooks for business; building a capability statement; and exploring the work of the Maui Food Innovation Center.

The Construction Industry of Maui today announced that it donated $26,000 to Maui High School this past week to benefits its high school construction vocational programs. The funds raised at CIM’s first annual golf tournament last September, a total of $50,500, includes the $26,000 disbursement to Maui High School. The second annual golf tournament is scheduled for Sept. 28 at The Dunes Maui Lani Golf Course.

In 2023, Matson contributed $6 million in cash, services and equipment support to organizations in Hawaiʻi, Guam/Micronesia and the South Pacific, with the largest concentration of giving in Maui disaster relief and community support at $1.7 million.

Gas prices statewide continue to increase slowly, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average price for regular unleaded is $4.81, three cents higher than last week. The national average gas price is $3.66, one cent lower than last week. 

Breezy east to east-southeast winds will continue to gradually ease through early next week. A plume of moisture will produce passing showers across windward...

Surf heights will remain below advisory thresholds for all shores through the forecast period. A small northwest, medium period swell is forecast to ease...

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.

The principal was praised for expanding access to college-level courses, career academy pathways and Career and Technical Education programs.

Due to a significant decrease in daily reports being submitted, officials believe that the scope of impact has been captured. Therefore, KEMA will be closing the portal on Monday, April 29.

Breezy east to east-southeast winds will continue to gradually ease through early next week. A plume of moisture will produce passing showers across windward...

Surf heights will remain below advisory thresholds for all shores through the forecast period. A small northwest, medium period swell is forecast to ease...

"In an increasingly interconnected world, access to broadband is not just a convenience—it's a necessity," said Governor Green.

“We commend members of the community, especially those from Honolua, who came forward to share their concerns." BLNR Chair Dawn Chang #BigIslandNow #BigIslandNews

The 11th Big Island Chocolate Festival continues this weekend, culminating with the “Mystical Chocolate Masquerade” gala on Saturday at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.