Hotel rezoning amendments would shrink housing inventory envisioned by vacation rental phase-out, critics say

Mayor Richard Bissen announced that property owners negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Lala may apply for a one-time extension of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 real property tax payment deadline through Sept. 20, 2026.

Three amendments proposed by Maui County Council members would add 16 properties—some overlapping between proposals—to a list of apartment-zoned properties used as vacation rentals and slated for rezoning into newly created hotel-zoned districts. The move would further shrink the pool of units that the much-debated Bill 9 would convert to long-term housing, opponents of the resolutions argued.

Emergency WiFi is now available in Hāna town for East Maui residents. The Starlink WiFi equipment was provided by Maui United Way, in coordination with Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. and Hāle Hulu Mamo. The Starlink WiFi equipment is located at Hāle Hulu Mamo and connectivity can be accessed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. via street parking.

As Hawaiʻi continues to recover from the impacts of Lala, a new tropical system is forming southeast of the state. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast, and the depression could become a tropical storm later today.

The recall was issued because of possible contamination with glass; recalled products were distributed nationally, including at Times/Don Quijote, KTA Super Stores, Walmart, Target and other retailers in Hawaiʻi.

Hilton announced the appointment of Jon Gersonde as managing director of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

Two Fiscal Year 2027 grant-funding opportunities — a new Financial Literacy Program focused on strengthening County grantees, small businesses and community members, as well as a second round of Student and Youth Travel funding for Hāna, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi – are available, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) announced.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery and Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are encouraging residents and businesses to report storm damage to private property from Tropical Storm Lala to help officials document the extent of damage and support recovery efforts.

In Upcountry, a massive number of downed trees along Olinda and Piʻiholo roads have caused waterline breaks in multiple locations and blocked access to water treatment facilities. Access to the facilities has since been restored, but crews continue to work through the extensive debris and damage.

The County of Maui Department of Planning is informing property owners and residents within the Special Management Area (SMA) throughout Maui County of limited activities that are permissible due to the state emergency proclamation for Tropical Storm Lala.

County of Maui offices, facilities and services will be closed or modified on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, for the Statehood Day holiday.

The beloved Maui County Fair Parade, presented by Maui Land & Pineapple Company Inc. and supported by the County of Maui, will kick off the 99th Maui Fair on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.