Program will house FEMA-ineligible survivors of Maui wildfires for up to 12 months

The purpose of the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is specifically to help survivors of the Maui wildfires who are not eligible for FEMA assistance. RAP will work to secure housing for up to 12 months for eligible households by connecting them with Airbnb or through the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Hawai‘i Fire Relief Housing Program.

The national nonprofit Operation HOPE continues to have offices in Kīhei and Lahaina to help survivors and businesses affected by the Maui wildfires.

This year, HawaiiUSA is awarding two additional scholarships for a total of 22 scholarships at $2,000 each, making the total amount of scholarship money to be distributed $44,000. Since 1990, the credit union has awarded 560 scholarships for a total of $843,500.

Piʻilani Highway remained closed between ʻUlupalakua and Nuʻu on Friday morning after a kona low resulted in heavy rain and flooding in East Maui on Thursday.

Mayor Richard Bissen today announced the retirement of Planning Director Kathleen Ross Aoki, as she wishes to focus on her family after losing her Lahaina home in the Aug. 8 fire. Her retirement is effective Dec. 31, 2023.

About 40 resident volunteers with The Sewing Hui on Maui have moved on from the COVID days of making masks for the community, to a new era of community work that includes making stockings for keiki wildfire survivors and creating elaborate costumes for the Maui’s arts community.

County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, beginning Monday, Dec. 4, and Tuesday, Dec. 5, in Zones 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. Some residential and commercial properties in these zones have been deferred by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for health and safety reasons.

The Compacts of Free Association or “COFA” Community Resource Fair, which features wildfire relief program information and signups and assistance with legal and immigration issues, will be held today, Friday, Dec. 1, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Maui Economic Opportunity in Wailuku.

A road closure and water service outage takes place today from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Lower Kimo Drive in Kula. The affected area is between Haleakalā Highway and Ainakula Rd.

“We are balancing the need for prompt action with the need to ensure the County of Maui retains a strong financial standing, and we look forward to scrutinizing the mayor’s proposal,” said Council Chair Alice Lee.

A kona low west of the islands will bring a continued threat for heavy rain and flooding along with isolated thunderstorms today, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS reports that conditions will gradually improve over the weekend with stable trade wind weather expected for the first half of next week.

The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

This year, HawaiiUSA is awarding two additional scholarships for a total of 22 scholarships at $2,000 each, making the total amount of scholarship money to be distributed $44,000. Since 1990, the credit union has awarded 560 scholarships for a total of $843,500.

Lisa Paulson, executive director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, has been honored with top industry recognitions, including Hospitality Executive of the Year by Pacific Edge magazine.

Hawaiian Electric and developer Innergex Renewable Energy have terminated an agreement for a planned grid-scale solar and battery storage project in South Maui. According to HECO, the project was hit with lengthy delays resulting from the developer’s legal challenges and pandemic-related cost and supply-chain issues. Of five solar projects approved on Maui since 2018, only one is being built.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will hold a community meeting to discuss proposed actions for tourism in support of Maui’s recovery. The meeting will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Morgado Hall on Monday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The 46-foot Ka Imi Kai commercial fishing sailboat broke loose from its anchor or mooring in Māʻalaea Bay and grounded on Sugar Beach on Maui.

A kona low west of the islands will bring a continued threat for heavy rain and flooding along with isolated thunderstorms today. Conditions will gradually...

The recent small to moderate, medium period northwest swell will gradually decline through Saturday. The next moderate size, longer period northwest...

The office will reopen to the public on Jan. 2, 2024.

This planning project, known as the Coconut Marketplace Mobility Hub Plan, is envisioned as a public-private partnership for a transportation center that makes it easier for people who live, work, and visit the eastern side of the island to get around.

Many such explosions resulted from the interaction of magma with groundwater or surface water; others apparently were powered by pressurized gas possibly aided by steam but with no direct involvement of magma.

The motion for the temporary restraining order and injunction was filed on behalf of three surf schools. A new hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12 where Kim will rule on the request for a temporary injunction.

A flood watch remains in effect through 6 p.m. tonight.

A kona low west of the islands will bring a continued threat for heavy rain and flooding along with isolated thunderstorms today. Conditions will gradually...

The recent small to moderate, medium period northwest swell will gradually decline through Saturday. The next moderate size, longer period northwest...