Featured

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. today released a video documenting his visit to Lahaina, where he went to see firsthand the devastation from the wildfire that destroyed much of the historic town six months ago. Kennedy surveyed the site of last summer’s wildfire with two long-time residents—Eddy Garcia and Janet Spriter—who weighed in on the federal government’s response.

Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. has named Maggie Batangan as chief administrative officer, a newly created position for the nonprofit agency that helps low-income and disenfranchised individuals and families.

The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would fund suicide prevention initiatives, ensure health care providers receive training to prevent intentional harm and create a centralized hub to provide safety information to at-risk youth and their support networks.

State officials are urging Maui wildfire survivors to be vigilant when choosing a contractor for rebuilding and repair projects.

A bill has been submitted to the Maui County Council that would pave the way for loan of up to $14 million from Maui County for the 212-unit Aikanaha low-income rental housing project in Waikapū.

On Maui coming up within a week, there are free concerts by Island Style songwriter John Cruz, The Voice finalist Jason Arcilla, and the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony with Amy Hānaiali’i. Also, the touring Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble performs. Check out Maui Now’s top 20 list here.

County of Maui Department of Public Works crews began signing and striping work at the intersection of Keawe and Kupuohi streets in Lahaina on Tuesday morning, as part of a project to prepare the intersection for temporary traffic signals.

Tabor Stamper, President Emeritus of KHS America, acknowledges that while the donated instruments can’t erase the impact of the fires, they provide students with an opportunity to focus on making music and finding solace in their passion.

Dozens of members of the Maui for Palestine group turned out Saturday along East Kaʻahumanu Avenue in Kahului to rally for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. And, today, US Sen. Brian Schatz announced the US Senate’s passage of the National Security Act, which includes humanitarian aid for Gaza and US support for the Ukraine.

January rainfall totals from the northeast half of Hawai‘i Island were mostly below average, while totals from the southwest half were mostly near to above average, according to the National Weather Service monthly rain summary.

Paul Kasprzycki, an artist, craftsman and woodcarver credited with creating the welcome to Lahaina signs, was positively identified publicly Tuesday as the 101st fatality of the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire.

It could be if legislation co-introduced by several Big Island state lawmakers is passed. House Bill 2736 would designate the uniquely Hawaiian hand sign as the official gesture of the state.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) yesterday announced the release of grant solicitations totaling $6.87 million intended for non-profits that serve the Native Hawaiian community. Training for the application process takes place in person in Wailuku tonight starting at 5:30 p.m.

Maui Business Brainstormers will sponsor a business workshop for students called Nā Haumāna ʻoihana nō (Entrepreneurial Students, indeed!) at Kamehameha Schools Maui on Feb. 14 as part of National Entrepreneurship Week.

Songwriter and performer David Fraser had Maui Economic Opportunity on his mind when he wrote “Be The One” and performed the song at the MEO Volunteer Luncheon in 2023.

Longroad Energy will hold a virtual community meeting at 5 p.m. March 14 to provide updated information on its Pulehu Solar project, a 20MWac/80 MWH solar and battery storage system, set for construction in Lower Kula.

The County of Maui reminds residents that the last day to respond to its survey on a permanent disposal site for wildfire debris from Lahaina is this Thursday, Feb. 15.  

The Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 2024 Star Awards, with 21 Hawaiʻi hotels, spas and restaurants winning high ratings, and Maui County had a dozen of them.

The song, “Yonder Lahaina Mountains,” was released on Dec. 31 and features the voices of musical artists Kaleo Phillips, Marvin Tevaga and Kapena DeLima, along with the Kamehameha Schools Maui Ensemble choir and hula dancers. Affectionately known as “The Boarder’s Song,” it was originally composed by Alice K. K. Banham. Phillips, who was among those who lost his home in the August wildfires, said the inspiration for recording the song with KS Maui came to him in a dream.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is conducting an inventory audit of attachments on utility poles throughout Maui, and Oʻahu and Hawai‘i island as well, according to an announcement. Work will begin in parts of West and Central Maui and continue later in South Maui and around the island through November.