Maui News
Hirono hosts roundtable with US Trade Rep. and Hawaiʻi small business owners
US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaiʻi and US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai held a roundtable discussion with Hawaiʻi resource partners and local business owners.
2,141 whales observed during the second Sanctuary Ocean Count and Great Whale Count for 2024
There were a total of 2,141 whales observed throughout the main Hawaiian Islands during the day’s count with 948 whales observed from Maui, 86 from Molokaʻi and 39 from Lānaʻi. On Kaua‘i, the total number of whales observed during the count was 239, on O‘ahu, the total was 363, and on Hawai‘i Island, 466 whales were observed.
Wailea Beach Resort’s Angela Vento to chair 2024 Maui County Charity Walk
Wailea Beach Resort General Manager Angela Vento will chair the 2024 Maui County Charity Walk set for May 4, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced.
Beauty brand selects Maui nonprofit UVSC as Giving Partner
Maui-based nonprofit organization, UVSC (Us Vs. Cancer), was recently selected by the well-known beauty brand, Thrive Causemetics, as a Giving Partner.
KS Maui celebrates 2024 Hoʻolauleʻa on March 2
The Parent Teacher Student ʻOhana of Kamehameha Schools Maui invites families and friends to celebrate Hoʻolauleʻa 2024 on March 2.
Nominate local teachers for 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education, has announced that nominations are now open for the National History Teacher of the Year Award.
Senate WAM advances bills on ag, environment, workforce development, education and housing
The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Friday advanced several bills aimed at addressing key priorities for the Senate. These bills cover areas of supporting the local agriculture industry, protecting the environment against invasive species, building the workforce for the future through public education, and addressing the affordable housing shortage.
Women Helping Women’s ReVive Boutique to open Feb. 29 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center welcomes ReVive Boutique, a second-hand store benefiting Women Helping Women. For more than 10 years, the Kahului boutique has been a resource for apparel and home goods and will continue to serve the community at its new Queen Kaʻahumanu Center location starting on Feb. 29.
Draft environmental assessment ready for Kūlanihāko‘i High School overpass project
The Hawai‘i Department of Education published a draft environmental assessment Friday, reaching a project review milestone and paving the way for a planned $16 million pedestrian overpass spanning Pi‘ilani Highway.
Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for annual ʻŌʻō Award
The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 47th Annual ʻŌʻō Award.
Maui committee to receive presentation on post-wildfire economic overview from UHERO director
The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee will receive a presentation at its meeting Tuesday at 9 a.m. regarding the wildfire impacts and forecasts on Maui County’s economy from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.
Rep. Case urges congress to pass amendment renewing COFA, military rights in Western Pacific
The COFA Amendments Act of 2023 would update and extend for 20 years COFA provisions that provide economic assistance and federal programs to the FAS.
Whale calf injury off Māʻalaea, Maui is likely from a vessel strike, boaters urged to keep distance
A whale calf spotted in distress off of Māʻalaea Bay on Maui Friday, is likely suffering from blunt force injuries caused by a vessel strike, according to researchers with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
UH Wildfire Exposure Study seeks more participants during community outreach, Feb. 23-25
The grassroots, community based initiative aims to recruit at least 1,000 individuals affected by the wildfires to participate in the study. Current recruitment events take place: Feb. 23 from 3-7 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Resort, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center, and Feb. 25 from 10 am. to 2 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua.
Nighttime lane closures on Honoapiʻilani Highway from Kaniau Rd. to Keawe St. for sewer system project
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises the public of nighttime lane closures along Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Route 30) beginning Monday, Feb. 26. Lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day, through Friday, March 1, in the vicinity of Kaniau Road to Keawe Street.
Hawaiian Electric awards Maui renewable power project to ʻŪkiu Energy
Ameresco Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, has been awarded a contract from Hawaiian Electric Co. for the proposed ‘Ūkiu Energy 40-megawatt renewable energy site in Puʻu-nēnē.
Gov. Green extends Emergency Housing Proclamation relating to affordable housing
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., has signed the fifth Emergency Proclamation relating to Affordable Housing. Developers must now produce 60% of their units at 140% of the area median income or less – instead of the previous 50%-plus requirement.
Draft environmental impact statement for Wailea development published; includes workforce housing
Although zoned for 2,137 residential units, the Ledcor Maui project proposes construction of a maximum of 975 residential homes, which includes the Wailea resort community’s first workforce housing units. The state mandated public comment period of 45 days ends on April 8, 2024.
First Hawaiian Bank to open new branch at Lahaina Cannery Mall following August wildfires
The bank’s employees from the former Lahaina Branch on Papalaua Street that was lost in the fire will be staffing the new location. FHB will be submitting applications for permits to begin construction at the Lahaina Cannery location and hopes to expedite the development of the new location.
US Trade Representative visits Maui for listening session on wildfire recovery
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai visited Maui Economic Opportunity’s Wailuku offices Wednesday, Feb. 21, for a listening session about the wildfire recovery.