Top Maui Headlines: June 1, 2018

New details have emerged in an alleged shooting and murder investigation in the remote Kahikinui/Kanaio area of East Maui.  Police say unidentified human remains were discovered at around 2 p.m. on Friday, May 25 in Kahikinui.  Also on Friday, 42-year-old Justin Namauu of Kula who was held as a suspect in the case, was charged with a list of offenses, including second degree murder. He also faces charges of kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm, loaded firearm on a highway and more. The charges stem from an alleged shooting incident that reportedly occurred on May 21st at a home in Kanaio.

A high bacteria count has been recorded at Cove Park in South Maui. The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch recorded an elevated level of enterococci, and an advisory indicates that potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites may be present in the water. The department advises that swimming at beaches with pollution in the water may make you ill, most commonly in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.  The advisory will remain in effect until water sample results no longer exceed threshold levels.

The Kīlauea volcano on Hawai‘i island continues to capture headlines.  On the night of Sunday, May 27th, drone response teams were tracking a rapid outbreak of lava within the Leilani Estates subdivision that reportedly took out 10 lots in 10 minutes.  The team overheard radio transmissions that a man was trapped at a home on Luana Street there, and used a drone to lead him to safety.  While he was making his way through the jungle, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems team was able to track him visually from the light he was using on a cell phone.  Then on Tuesday, May 29th at the summit of volcano, an explosion sent ash up to 15,000 feet above sea level. Scientists say ash has been continuously erupting from the vent within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. They also saw some incandescent blocks that were thrown out of the vent and landed in the crater and edge of the rim.  Then onWednesday, May 30th, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake was reported in the summit region of the volcano, with no tsunami threat.  Stay with MauiNow for the latest on what’s happening.

Fork & Salad is now open for business in Kahului!  The popular farm-to-table eatery launched in Kīhei almost two years ago, and will now be open as of Friday June 1st  in the Pu‘unēnē Shopping Center near Target from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.  Fork & Salad’s newest locale spans 1,400 square feet, with seating for more than 20 guests and a menu that includes signature salads, sandwiches and more than 50 ingredients from around 25 local farms and suppliers. The business also announced plans to franchise the brand and expand to the mainland this year.