In council rematches, candidates dive into development, tourism, homelessness, water

The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) invites the community to experience “Mele Tūtū: Songs of our Grandparents,” the next installment of HMH’s acclaimed Mele Program.

Hawaiʻi Water Service has awarded nearly $29,500 to the County of Maui’s Department of Fire and Public Safety and $8,000 to the Kauaʻi Fire Department as part of the utility’s inaugural Firefighter Grant Program. These grants will help each county offset the cost of equipment that helps first responders save lives and property and support firefighter wellness.

Hawai‘i Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company Inc., also known as HEMIC, will return $5 million to qualifying policyholders this year, the 20th consecutive annual dividend declared by the board of the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer, according to an announcement.

US Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01) and US Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam) announced that the US House recently voted 371-33 to approve their National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act, which would significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, responsible for severely impacting environments across the country.

West Maui residents may dispose of recyclable, bulky items for free at a Go Green Recycling event set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, near the Pioneer Mill smokestack on Lahainaluna Road (enter off Kuhua Street).

The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will participate in the Innovate Maui Nui Conference on Maui on Sept. 23.

Over a two-week period, local Avis employees collected 148 essential items—nearly doubling their initial goal—to directly benefit rescue animals in need across the island.

Scammers may attempt to take advantage of people seeking assistance, as well as those wanting to help, through fraudulent charities and crowdfunding campaigns, home repair and contractor scams, or by impersonating government agencies and relief organizations.

Gov. Josh Green recognized winners of the 49th annual Governor’s Awards including: State Manager of the Year, Dr. Darren Lerner, Director of Research Institute, University of Hawai‘i; State Employee of the Year, Jessica Chambers, Registered Nurse, Department of Health; and State Team of the Year, Finance Branch of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and US Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) introduced the Debt-Free College Act, legislation that will reverse the growing student debt crisis in the United States.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui hosted its first-ever Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike Family Engagement Night at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden. Rooted in the Hawaiian ʻŌlelo Noʻeau meaning, “through work, one learns,” the evening brought families together through ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Native Hawaiian cultural education, and hands-on experiences.

Maui Food Bank recently received 40,061 pounds of shelf-stable food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing a significant supply of essential food items to help individuals and families facing hunger throughout Maui Nui.