Maui News
Hawaiʻi Senate announces plans to address corruption and reopen State Capitol
The Senate Government Operations Committee introduced a short form bill (SB 2930 SD1) that aims to establish two new divisions within the Department of the Attorney General to address fraud, white collar crime, political corruption and sex and human trafficking. The measure would appropriate $834,000 for the operations of the Special Investigation and Prosecution unit and $754,000 to operate the Sex and Human Trafficking unit.
Department of Public Safety opens statewide Sheriff recruitment
Recruitment is open on the Department of Human Resources and Development website and closes Monday, Feb. 28. PSD is seeking applicants willing to serve on every island.
Maui police retirees, others oppose proposed 29% pay hike for new chief
Retirees with more than 25 years in Maui Police Department rallied today at Maui County Salary Commission to speak out against a proposed 29% pay hike for the department’s new chief. off the hook,” said Butch Tam Ho, retired assistant chief with 30 years of service. “You are the check and balance. I beg you to stop this.”
Need a scholarship? Kaiser Permanente offering $100,000 to Hawaiʻi seniors pursuing healthcare career
Kaiser Permanente’s Health Equity Scholarship Program is offering scholarships to 2022 graduating Hawaiʻi high school seniors who are pursuing a career in the healthcare field. The deadline to apply is March 1.
Maui Police Department’s 2022 CSI Camp seeks applicants
The Maui Police Department is seeking applicants for the upcoming 2022 CSI Camp – a Crime Scene Investigation experience created for high school juniors and seniors.
Lt. Gov. Josh Green announces formal run for Hawaiʻi governor
Lieutenant Governor Josh Green formally announced his campaign for governor. Elected Lt. Governor in 2018, Green previously served in the State House and State Senate from 2004 to 2018.
Feb. 11, 2022 COVID-19 update: 8 deaths, 707 new infections in Hawaiʻi
Todayʻs count includes 62 cases on Maui, 148 on Hawaiʻi Island, 55 on Kauaʻi, 14 on Molokaʻi, two on Lānaʻi, and 12 out of state. There are 414 new COVID-19 cases on Oʻahu.
Kaʻahumanu Ave. temporary closure due to water repairs
The Water Department will temporarily close Kaʻahumanu Avenue due to water line repairs between Puʻunēnē Avenue to Hāna Highway. The closure is for all three Pāʻia bound lanes of Kaʻahumanu Avenue.
County points to erosion, flooding threats in plan to reinforce Wailuku River
In attempts to avoid property loss or subdivision flooding, the County of Maui is planning to reinforce a portion of the Wailuku River bank near Wailuku Millyard. The county said it is consulting with stream advocacy group Hui o Nā Wai ʻEhā and will conduct work that won’t interrupt mauka-to-makai stream flow or the movement of aquatic species. It acknowledged that some stream projects have altered the delicate environment.
Entangled sea turtle rehabilitated and released 84 days after rescue off Maui
A juvenile green sea turtle was returned to the ocean on Wednesday after it was rescued late last year and nursed back to health over the past three months.
Search of South Maui waters canceled, crews determine no one is in distress
Officials with the Maui Fire Department tell Maui Now that the incident ended up being a “good intent” call, and upon further investigation, nobody was in distress.
Community invited to town hall on affordable apartments in Lahaina, Feb. 22
Discussion will include comprehensive information regarding the application, lottery and lease process, and construction updates for Kaiāulu o Kupuohi and Kaiāulu o Kūku‘ia apartment projects developed by Ikaika ʻOhana.
Lahaina theft investigation and subsequent Honoapiʻilani crash ends with truck in ocean
An investigation into a possible vehicle theft in Lahaina, ended with two suspects involved in a rollover motor vehicle accident that forced the temporary closure of the Honoapiʻilani Highway for at least two hours, Wednesday.
‘For the Love of the Birds’ Valentine’s Day fundraiser to replace stolen equipment
“We are asking for assistance in replacing the gear and equipment that was stolen, replacing the locks that were broken, replacing the damaged doors, and enhancing the security at our office site,” said Dr. Hanna Mounce, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project coordinator.
Boil Water Advisory lifted for all areas of Upcountry, Maui
The Department of Water Supply reports a boil water advisory has been lifted for all areas of Upcountry, Maui, after consecutive days of negative water sample results for trace amounts of E. coli bacteria.
New ‘Finders Free’ program launches Feb. 20 in honor of World Whale Day
The Finders Free program encourages ecotour passengers to exchange high-resolution whale fluke photos for a complimentary future excursion.
Keiki can learn about the ocean at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, starting Feb. 19
Kids can learn about marine animals, including humpback whales, Hawaiian green sea turtles and sharks, during the Maui Ocean Center’s Ocean Aloha series that will be at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center during Keiki Club, starting Feb. 19.
Mayor seeks public-private partnership to boost workforce housing in Waikapū
Waikapū Country Town is the County’s largest planned residential housing development in decades. Original plans called for 1,146 market-priced units and 287 residential workforce housing units, with the potential for 146 ʻohana units. If approved, Mayor Victorino’s proposal will increase the total number of residential workforce housing units to 500.
2022 Molokaʻi Hoe canoe race postponed due to pandemic; World Championship in Oʻahu replaces it
The O’ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association is postponing this year’s Moloka’i Hoe race due to the pandemic; in its place the club will host an Oʻahu-based World Championship Race.
Feb. 10, 2022 COVID-19 update: 6 deaths, 1,195 new infections in Hawaiʻi
In Maui County, the seven day average for new daily cases dropped to 102. The countyʻs test positivity rate is now 8.8%, and the statewide positivity rate is now 8.4%.