Featured

Mayor Richard Bissen told state lawmakers Monday that his administration has shifted its focus from immediate wildfire recovery to housing delivery and large-scale infrastructure investments, forecasting the construction of approximately 3,000 affordable and workforce homes by 2030.

“My wish is to see Lahaina alive and thriving again, a painted dream I hope will come true,” said Ronald Macedo, an island artist who has lived and painted in Lahaina for the past 35 years.

A magnitude-4.2 earthquake reported at 11:37 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, occurred 1 mile northwest of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 21 miles below sea level. Scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say the earthquake was part of the ongoing deep swarm beneath Pāhala that began about 7 years ago and is not directly related to volcanic activity.

Mana O Maui is now accepting applications for their free Surf-N-Turf Afterschool Program, a seasonal adventure experience designed to empower teens and tweens through outdoor exploration and cultural learning. Open to kids ages 11-17, this  unique program combines surf therapy, hiking, and Hawaiian cultural  practices to foster confidence, teamwork and resilience.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education announced that a new, statewide priority placement process for Kaiapuni Education (Hawaiian language immersion programs) will open on Feb. 2, 2026, marking an important step toward greater consistency, clarity and equity for families seeking Kaiapuni options for their children. The application window will close March 13, 2026.

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

Montage Kapalua Bay is kicking off the year with an exciting lineup of on-property experiences. From oceanfront Valentine’s Day dining at Cane & Canoe to Self-Love Vinaya Yoga and a celebratory dragon dance to celebrate the Year of The Horse, resort executives say there’s something for everyone.

This week, the beloved Hawaiian Music Series returns to Lahaina for 2026 at a new location on the lawn of Waiola Church, 535 Waineʻe Street. The first free, family-friendly concert takes place this Thursday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring acclaimed Maui musician Joshua Kahula. Free parking is available on site.

More than a century after her death, the story of a saint who served those with Hansen’s disease and died on Moloka’i is being told anew—through science. Chaminade University’s Forensic Sciences Unit is helping evaluate her remains, uniting Marianist mission and modern forensic expertise to bring history to life in service to the community.

Gov. Josh Green pledged to extend rent support for Maui wildfire survivors through February 2027 and proposed halting future state tax cuts to preserve social services during his State of the State address, Monday in the House Chambers at the State Capitol.

Applications are being accepted for Maui Police Department’s CSI Camp 2026 – A Crime Scene Investigation Experience created for high school juniors and seniors.

On Maui, the unemployment rate was 2.4% in December, down from the 2.5% rate the previous month and the 3.5% rate reported at the same time last year.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers are part of a team that was recently awarded a three-year, $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to address the environmental and public health impacts of outdated wastewater infrastructure in island communities.

The University of Hawaiʻi Community College system is a national leader in economic mobility and student support according to the 2025 State Opportunity Index (SOI). The newly released findings reveal that UH’s two-year institutions are currently leading in affordability, providing students with one of the most accessible paths to a degree in the US. 

Three members of the Aloha Amplified, Inc. board were selected as featured speakers at the upcoming, Feb. 3, 2026 meeting of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset. Speakers will share highlights and plans for the upcoming Lights for Lahaina 2026 event, which is expanding into a two-day gathering. Board of Directors presenters include Wilmont “Kamaunu” Kahaiali‘i, Linn Nishikawa and Lori Nishikawa.

Home design renderings and floor plans for the Hoʻokumu Hou Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website, and the application deadline has been extended through August 2026, the County of Maui Office of Recovery has announced.

NOAA is asking Maui’s on-water community to be on the look out for a recently-entangled 40-foot female humpback whale off Lahaina, Maui. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s monitoring team encountered the whale, referred to as Palette, on Thursday, Jan. 22. She was found to be in poor to moderate condition, showing moderate to strong emaciation and widespread carpets of red-colored cyamid amphipods (whale lice) across her otherwise light-colored body. If she is spotted, please call 888-256-9840 to report her location and share photos or videos if possible, but do not approach closer than 100 yards.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources has unanimously approved a new, 25-year lease for Kaheawa Wind Power I, allowing the continued operation of the existing wind energy facility in West Maui.

Bal grew up as the granddaughter of a longtime Maui High coach and the daughter of a standout Maui High player, and now she and the 12-0 Sabers are on the verge of their second-straight MIL title.

31,000 frontline registered nurses and health care professionals will begin an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Kaiser Permanente facilities across California and Hawaiʻi today. The  strike will affect more than two dozen hospitals and hundreds of clinics, including the Moanalua Medical Center on Oʻahu.