#Maui County
Pā‘ia Mantokuji given another year to find a fix for erosion threatening Buddhist temple, nearby graves
The century-old temple on Maui’s north shore is looking into sand replenishment or an offshore artificial reef to curb the waves before the building and graves are lost to the sea, but neither solution is quick or cheap.
Maui County launches redesigned website with new features, AI chatbot
Maui County has partnered with technology vendor CivicPlus to launch a redesigned version of its primary website, www.mauicounty.gov, featuring a new layout, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot and improved self-service tools.
Federal disaster aid available for Kona storm victims on Maui; deadlines approaching
County officials are urging residents and business owners affected by March’s Kona low storms to take advantage of federal disaster assistance programs before key application deadlines pass.
Workshop set for May 7 on historic district hurdles for Lahaina commercial properties
A free workshop focused on the unique challenges of rebuilding within Lahaina’s historic districts is set for 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Morgado Hall. The Commercial Property Workshop: Historic District Recovery, hosted by the Maui County Office of Recovery, is geared toward commercial property owners in Lahaina Historic […]
Mayor Bissen says former chief of staff’s lawsuit is politically motivated as he seeks reelection
The incumbent mayor is contending with a lawsuit and a slate of challengers as he defends his first term, with one political analyst calling it “probably the most interesting race this election cycle.”
Maui County proposes 2-million-gallon water storage tank in Kīhei
The Maui County Department of Water Supply is proposing a 2-million-gallon drinking water storage tank in central Kīhei to improve system reliability, and officials are now accepting public comments on the project. The draft environmental assessment reports that the new tank will not increase water source or transmission capacity. The tank site is currently pastureland […]
Maui County’s jobless rate dips slightly to 2.5%
Maui County’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 2.9% in February 2025 to 2.5% in the same month this year, according to monthly statistics provided by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Loss of land in storm complicates recovery for ‘Īao Valley residents
Maui County is considering returning some of the soil runoff from last month’s flooding back to landowners who lost large swaths of property so they can rebuild.
Maui businesses brace for higher shipping costs as state bill moves closer to reality
The proposal would create automatic annual rate increases for the two state-regulated water carriers, Young Brothers and the Lāna‘i Expeditions ferry.
Budget panel weighs department cuts amid property tax certification, stable revenue
Maui County Council Member Kauanoe Batangan has proposed an across-the-board 1.25% budget cut for non-first-responder departments that would yield somewhat more than $5 million in savings from Mayor Richard Bissen’s fiscal 2027 $1.61 billion budget proposal.
West Maui resort’s emergency erosion measures, blocked beach access stir public pushback
The Hyatt Regency Maui says it needs to shore up the beach after last month’s Kona storm swept away much of the sand, but community members say it will lead to more beach loss.
Spurred by fatal 2023 Lahaina blaze, a West Maui fire station project gets key approval
The Olowalu Fire Station, a privately funded project on donated land, would cover a growing residential community where fire is a risk and serve as a critical emergency hub between West and Central Maui.
Big Island nonprofit gifts two Big Dog Tanker Trucks to Maui Fire Department
These trucks join Maui’s fleet after the department lost four trucks in the Lahaina and Kula fires of August 2023.
Public Works director corrects report on engineering staffing levels for emergency projects
The Maui County Department of Public Works now has a single engineer working to manage two disasters — the recovery from the August 2023 wildfires and the recent Kona Low storms.
$7 a gallon: Hawai‘i gas prices continue ‘unprecedented’ climb amid war in Iran
Hawai’i gas prices reached a record high this week, and Moloka’i saw some of the highest rates, recently surpassing $7 a gallon in what some say is a first in their lifetime.
Human Concerns and Parks departments present fiscal 2027 budget plans
Maui County departments presented budget proposals for fiscal year 2027 that prioritize rebuilding fire-damaged facilities in West Maui and expanding social services for the island’s aging population.
The rain is coming again: Why a third major storm in a month is heading for Hawai‘i
A winter and spring of record-setting rainfall in Hawaiʻi likely is linked to record-breaking heat on the U.S. West Coast, the National Weather Service said.
Council Budget Committee chair calls for fiscal discipline amid rising costs of living
Maui County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura called for a “disciplined” fiscal year 2027 budget Monday, citing the strain high gas and grocery prices have placed on local residents. Sugimura, who chairs the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee, said the move is necessary as inflation continues to squeeze household pocketbooks across the islands. “Our […]
Maui Council cheers gold medal wrestlers, then wrestles with an affordable housing project refund
The Maui County Council celebrated local high school wrestling champions Thursday before grappling with a contentious request for an affordable housing project refund.
Nā Hale O Maui breaks ground on seven affordable homes in Kahului
Nā Hale O Maui blessed a new project Wednesday in Kahului that will bring seven permanently affordable four-bedroom homes to local families through a unique community land trust model.
