Significant Little Fire Ant infestations discovered on Maui in Ha‘ikū and Kapalua

Piʻilaniwahine Kaʻeo of Hālau Hula Kauluokalā won the Ms. Hula Maui title and Loʻikena Yamamoto of Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hīnano won the Mr. Hula Maui title at the 20th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula Competition, held on Saturday, Sept. 12 in the Castle Theater at Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

A visitor was airlifted to safety after suffering an ankle injury during a fall on a hike at the area known as “Olivine Pools” in West Maui, Sunday. The 43-year-old woman was unable to walk out on her own.

Maui firefighters responded to the Expeditions Lānaʻi Ferry adrift on Saturday night, due to debris entangling the propeller. When firefighters arrived at the vessel, the crew had freed the entanglement on their own.

Two people were displaced and one person was injured following a residential fire on Friday night in Haʻikū. The incident was reported at 10:36 p.m. in the 1300 block of Kaupakalua Road.

Field crew members discovered the Ha‘ikū infestation on May 8, 2026, following a community report of stinging ants. MISC estimates the infestation covers roughly 20 acres, spanning multiple private properties in the Uaoa area. On June 25, 2026, MISC received a report of stinging ants in the Kapalua area. The confirmed infested area currently spans nearly 40 acres, though survey projections estimate the total footprint could ultimately reach up to 125 acres.

Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union (Hawaiʻi State FCU) is expanding its Emergency Member Relief Program to provide immediate financial assistance to members impacted by Hurricane Lowell. The program, which was recently made available to members impacted by Hurricane Lala, offers several financial relief options to help members manage unexpected expenses and other financial challenges following the storms.

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) is taking additional time to review proposed University of Hawaiʻi amendments to the UH Maunakea Master Plan before providing comments.

Effective Sept. 1, Brian Nagami stepped into the newly established role of Chief Operating Officer, expanding his leadership responsibilities across the organization. In this role, Nagami will oversee operations, facilities, technology and information systems, and organizational infrastructure, helping to strengthen the systems and resources that support Imua’s growing staff, programs, and community impact.

Hawaiian Council announced today that the website and vendor application portal are now live for ʻUlu o Lele, the interim marketplace and community gathering space being developed at the former Outlets of Maui site in Lahaina. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s award-winning Culinary Arts Program presents its Fall 2026 series of five “Just for Fun,” hands-on cooking classes beginning Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation is urging the President to approve Gov. Josh Green’s requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Lowell and Lala.

(Update: 9.14.26) Kahue-Boynes was located and found to be in good health. The Maui Police Department thanks the public for their assistance.