Maui food security effort doubles production: 40,000+ pounds delivered to Lahaina fire-impacted families

The Maui Chocolate Tour at Ku‘ia Estates announced the launch of its new Farm and Feast Experience, combining an immersive cacao farm tour with a delightful dining experience at Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina. This unique journey offers guests an opportunity to explore the rich agricultural heritage of Maui while indulging in delicious, locally-crafted chocolate and Italian-inspired cuisine.

Comparing different eruptions can be a bit like comparing apples to oranges. But no matter how you compare, the ongoing eruption made an impression in terms of its longevity, with two active vents and impacts to areas downwind, including the changing topography of the summit.

Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) announced that approximately $250 million in capital improvement project (CIP) funding has been secured in the Senate draft of the state budget bill, HB 1800 HD1 SD1. The funds will support critical infrastructure, recovery, and community investment projects across South and West Maui.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation notifies highway users that the traffic signal at Kamehameha Avenue and Puʻunēnē Avenue (Route 3500) will either function in flash mode or be dark from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.

The Family Fund Day for 9-year-old Rafael “Rafa” Fernandes takes place Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hope Chapel in Kīhei.

Thanks to continued support from Maui United Way, the Kaialahui Foundation is midway through an ambitious year-long expansion of its Meaʻai Pono project – a grassroots initiative to strengthen Maui’s food security by doubling local food production, planting native trees, and delivering tens of thousands of pounds of culturally appropriate, locally grown foods to wildfire-impacted families.

South Kīhei Road will be closed between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 20. The closure will remain in place around the clock, weather permitting, through June 20, 2026, for repairs following recent Kona storms, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works.

Hawaiian Council is offering up to $5,000 in financial assistance to help individuals and families replace vehicles lost due to the recent floods and storms. This program is designed to restore mobility and support impacted households in returning to work, school, and daily life. Award amounts will be based on demonstrated need and the verified funding gap, up to a maximum of $5,000.

The Keiki Kupuna Hoʻike will bring together youth performers and Broadway actress Kate Reinders for an evening of music and intergenerational connection April 26 at the Seabury Hall Theatre in Makawao.

The US Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution Tuesday designating April 2026 as National Native Plant Month, highlighting the role indigenous flora plays in environmental conservation and Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage.

A new study released in Conservation Biology Wednesday and co-authored by scientists at Ocean Conservancy, Arizona State University and Shaw Institute is the first to rank marine mammals based on their vulnerability to plastic larger than roughly the size of a pencil eraser.

Maui Family Support Services, Inc., along with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies hosts the Early Childhood Resource Fair on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center. This free, family-friendly event connects parents and caregivers with valuable early childhood resources, local preschools, and childcare options.