Top Maui Headlines: July 13, 2018

Maui police have launched a murder investigation, after a man was an found dead at Kā‘ahumanu Church on Sat. July 7.  According to Wailuku officers, 54-year-old Kevin Ernst was discovered laying face down and unresponsive.  He was pronounced dead at the scene; police are looking into an exact cause, but are pursuing a second-degree murder investigation.

A new law aims to preserve and create affordable housing on Maui.  Gov. David Ige signed the bill into law here on Maui July 9. The legislation aims to create more affordable housing on the Valley Isle, while keeping existing apartments affordable.  Ige says the new law is a great example of how the state and counties are working together to preserve and increase housing opportunities.  West side apartments may benefit sooner than later; see details in the story here.

Hawai‘i has issued its first industrial hemp grower licenses.  Under the state Department of Agriculture’s pilot program, licenses were issued to one grower on Kauaʻi and two on Hawaiʻi Island.  Governor David Ige said the program will help to demonstrate the real potential of the industrial hemp industry.  A total of 10 applications have been received since April — each license is valid for two years, and the time from planting to harvest is estimated to be anywhere from three to six months.  Around 38 states allow or are proposing to allow industrial hemp cultivation.

Maui has once again been named “Top Island in Hawai‘I” in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.  Island rankings are based on readers’ ratings of natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and friendliness, and value.  Kaua‘i was 2nd on the list, followed by Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu and Lāna‘i.  Readers have given Maui the top honor for several years now…and the Valley Isle was also ranked No. 14 on the publication’s list for “Best Island in the World,” which was topped by Java, Indonesia.