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Hard hit by inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and a downturn in local business caused by the August wildfires, the iconic Home Maid Bakery, “home of the crispy manju,” will be shutting down permanently at the end of this month.

In response to a letter from Hawaii delegates, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced it is reopening enrollment for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens impacted by the Maui wildfires.

The DHHL Wildfire Relief Program, a direct response to the ongoing hardships faced by Native Hawaiian families residing on Hawaiian Home Lands, will offer up to six-months of rental and utility relief to eligible individuals and families. In the wake of the wildfires, this initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens that have arisen, enabling affected families to regain their stability and rebuild their lives.

Today, after nearly 30 years of grassroots community planning and engagement within their moku and across Maui and the state, Hawaiʻi nonprofit organization Kīpahulu ‘Ohana, Inc. saw their Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) signed into law.

Maui Pops Orchestra steps back to delight in the music of the 1920s at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s (the MACC’s) Castle Theatre, this Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m.

Maui seniors who have health, mobility or memory challenges can now take advantage of an assisted transport program being offered by Vivia by Hoʻokele Home Care.

Memorial consultant, Greg Miller will be the speaker at the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Miller will share the overview of the process and steps involved in the San Diego Surfer’s Memorial.  He currently serves as the advisor of the Lahaina Town Fire Memorial.

March 17 marks the birthday of Queen Kaʻahumanu, a cherished Kuhina Nui from the island of Maui. This year, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center is celebrating with brand-new events that embrace community, culture and commerce.

Kaunakakai Elementary teacher David “Kawika” Gonzales Jr. and Wahieʻe Elementary reading coach Melanie Teraoka are among a list of educators, recognized by their respective complex areas as District Teacher of the Year. They will be recognized along with their counterparts during the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Annual Education Week, taking place March 18-22 at the state Capitol.

In Kauaʻi County’s efforts to reduce fire risk and fuel sources, Mayor Kawakami announced this year’s budget will include $2.7 million in heavy equipment for Kauaʻi road crews to help manage vegetation, and added $1.5 million to cover costs to clear brush and large debris from county properties. The Kaua‘i Fire Department will also acquire two water tenders and a brush fire-fighting apparatus to enhance fire response.

After a closure of seven and a half months since the August wildfires, Lahaina Cannery announced it is reopening its doors to Maui residents and visitors on Monday, March 18, 2024.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery shared several updates for residents including progress made on deferred properties and sewer and water line inspections, and two new community engagement events.

Comedian Rex Navarrete is the featured May 24 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s McCoy Studio Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale online only at 10 a.m. on March 15.

Community input is being sought on how tourism can be managed in Hawai‘i.

The average price of a regular unleaded gas in Kahului dropped 4 cents in a week to $4.81 per gallon as of Thursday, AAA Hawaiʻi reported. The current price is the same as last month and 11 cents lower than a year ago.

The first proposed addition, 162 acres in north Hawaiʻi adjacent to the Manowaialeʻe and Hilo Forest Reserves, includes a koa seed bank with potential for restoration. The second addition is located in southwest Hawaiʻi, currently leased for pasture purposes.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea welcomes canoe teams from sister properties in Bora Bora and Hawaiʻi, as well as local Maui crews for an outrigger canoe paddle called “Molokini Kaʻapuni,” this Saturday, March 16, 2024. The cultural gathering, timed to celebrate the end of Makahiki season, brings together an extended ʻohana bound together by the love of the sport and shared waterways that brought the early migration of Polynesians to Hawaiʻi.

In response to the August 2023 Wildfires, Sen. Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 223, urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would allow COFA migrants to benefit from federal emergency aid. 

The Hawaii Republican Party released the results of its March 12 presidential caucus, showing that former President Donald Trump took the most votes by a very far margin.

The Maui County Council has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to repair the Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor Ramp.