Maui News

The West Maui organizations are demanding long-term housing solutions for people displaced by the Lahaina fire.

While in Japan, Gov. Green will thank Japan’s government for its $2 million contribution to Hawai‘i in the aftermath of the August 2023 Maui wildfire disaster, promote made-in-Hawai‘i products, and invite the return of Japanese visitors to Hawai‘i’s shores.

While flames are no longer visible at the site of the Mililani Mauka fire on Oʻahu, the 1,600-acre burn area left behind is a reminder of the delicate landscape and its connection to the precious watershed below.

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply announced that mandatory water conservation is necessary for hotels, resorts and other businesses, along with visitors and residents, of South Maui. South Maui comprises Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena.

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is one of 10 arts organizations nationwide to receive the 2023-2024 Stand For The Arts Awards, recognizing its support of artists and communities.

“Although we are fortunate to have several relief fleet… we’re still in our drought season. We still are averaging about 60 wildfires a month, and so this truck will be going to work pretty quickly here… It will not lay unused,” said Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura.

The US Army Corps of Engineers received a $1.9 million Federal Emergency Management Agency mission assignment Oct. 28 to provide conceptual design for temporary housing sites.

County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 13 and Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Zones 8C and 9C.

Maui County has closed the job applications for administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, and will begin the selection process from 15 candidates.

ThriveHI will use the grant to facilitate statewide collaboration, strategic alignment and network building amongst individuals, nonprofits and businesses committed to developing Hawaiʻi’s tech and entrepreneurship sectors.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee visited a site being considered for a potential multi-acre film studio in Kailua-Kona and heard updates on the local film industry for its last stop on a three-day visit on Hawaiʻi Island. Considering yesterday’s agreement reached by SAG-AFTRA and film studios, the visit’s timing proved to be especially relevant.

A groundbreaking and blessing ceremony was held Thursday morning for Hale O Piʻikea, a new 223-unit affordable rental housing development in Kīhei.

Hawaiʻi Sea Spirits LLC (producer of OCEAN Organic Vodka) is to receive a $10 million Business and Industry Loan Guarantee to assist the small organic cane sugar farm, providing the opportunity to expand its business in the distillery, retail and commercial kitchen café business on 80 acres on the Island of Maui. 

Governor Josh Green, M.D. today announced Troy Hashimoto as the Senate successor to Gil Keith-Agaran, who resigned from the post effective Oct. 31. Hashimoto said he would continue to work on key areas of affordable housing, education and health care in his new capacity.

The American Red Cross of Hawaiʻi continues work in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires to provide service to those impacted by the disaster. Organization leaders say they have been able to do so thanks to donations from generous partners and community members like the Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable, who recently contributed $40,000 to relief efforts. 

Children and staff of Princess Nahiʻenaʻena Elementary School and Kamehameha III Elementary were treated to a Lahaina Toy Surprise and Delight event on Wednesday. The event aimed to bring joy to families impacted by the Lahaina wildfires and create a Winter Wonderland filled with surprises and delights for students and staff.

A community meeting to discuss ongoing wildfire debris removal and recovery efforts will be held tonight, Thursday, Nov. 9 in Makawao.  The meeting runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mayor Eddie Tam Complex Community Center, located at 931 Makawao Avenue. 

State Farm donated nearly $500,000 to support multiple Convoy of Hope disaster preparedness and response efforts, including $100,000 designated for the Maui wildfire, and $50,000 for Convoy’s Hurricane Idalia response.

Cool Cat Café at the Wharf Cinema Center Shops in West Maui was destroyed by the August wildfire in Lahaina. Rising from the aftermath, the restaurant is poised to open for lunch and dinner at the Kukui Mall in Kīhei in early 2024.

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance has been extended another 30 days, meaning homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Maui wildfires have until Saturday, Dec. 9, to apply.  This is also the deadline for Maui’s homeowners, renters and businesses to apply to the US Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan for physical property damage.