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Hirono, Meng introduce resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage Month
This resolution celebrates the many contributions Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have made to the nation and emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity.
Surf was up at Hoʻokipa Beach for Hawaiʻi’s first state high school surfing championship
With Mauiʻi’s Kim Ball leading a long effort to make surfing an official statewide high school sport — it was fitting that a sophomore from Maui won the first state high school surfing title in Hawaiʻi history.
MEO offers pre-employment services for recently released inmates
Maui Economic Opportunity’s Being Empowered and Strong Together offers a pre-employment training program for recently incarcerated individuals that includes financial support for credentialing and certifications in trade jobs.
UH Mānoa Rocket League team wins national esports championship in 1st season
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Rocket League team captured a national championship in its first year of competition, completing an undefeated 10-0 spring 2026 season and sweeping the grand finals 4-0.
Application deadline extended to May 15 for FY27 OED grants
The County Office of Economic Development is extending the application deadline to 5 p.m. May 15, 2026, for its Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Program that supports projects, programs and events that create a positive, sustainable economic impact across Maui County.
SBA opens Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Kīhei, Kailua-Kona and Waialua
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Kīhei, Kailua-Kona and Waialua to assist businesses, private nonprofit organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 10 – 24.
Hawaiʻi public schools expand local menu offerings with poi
As part of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s continued commitment to farm-to-school initiatives and student wellness, a local staple is being added to the regular rotation of school meals — fresh, locally sourced poi.
Raised crosswalks to be striped at night on Piʻilani Highway
Nightly single-lane closures are scheduled at the roundabout on Piʻilani Highway, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, from Sunday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 5. The last closure will reopen at 5 a.m., Tuesday, May 5.
Maui police warn the public of scam circulating via text message
The Maui Police Department is alerting the public to a scam circulating via text message that falsely claims recipients have a delinquent traffic violation account and appears to originate from the District Court of Hawaiʻi.
Mayor Bissen says former chief of staff’s lawsuit is politically motivated as he seeks reelection
The incumbent mayor is contending with a lawsuit and a slate of challengers as he defends his first term, with one political analyst calling it “probably the most interesting race this election cycle.”
Maui planning panel clears way for two Lahaina rebuilds, and demolition of aging structures at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission
The Maui Planning Commission approved permits on Tuesday for two families to rebuild homes destroyed in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire and authorized the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission to replace aging structures with a new multipurpose hall.
LRF Benefit Lūʻau sold out; donations still open for courthouse restoration
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is grateful to announce that all seats for the upcoming 2026 LRF Benefit Lūʻau have officially sold out, demonstrating the community’s strong support for the preservation and restoration of Lahaina’s historic sites.
County Department of Parks and Recreation facility closures announced
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced facility closures in West Maui and in Central Maui.
Mother’s Day at Westin Maui Resort & Spa
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is offering a special Mother’s Day brunch experience in an alfresco setting with live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Coast Guard suspends search for fishing vessel crewman offshore Hawaiʻi
The US Coast Guard suspended its search at 4:30 p.m. Thursday for a fishing vessel crewman in the water over 1,200 miles offshore Hawaiʻi. Missing is a 59-year-old man who reportedly fell overboard, Sunday.
US House passes Homeland Security funding bill, ending shutdown except for ICE and CBP
The US House passed legislation earlier passed by the US Senate to fund all of the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2026 except immigration enforcement in two agencies, bringing an end to a shutdown affecting thousands of federal workers. The President has signed the bill into law.
Hawaiʻi REALTORS Charitable Foundation to distribute $200,000 in storm relief
The Hawai‘i REALTORS Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of Hawai‘i REALTORS, will distribute $200,000 in grants to Hawai‘i residents impacted by the Kona Low storms in March.
Mental Health Month: DOH supporting mental wellness from keiki to kūpuna
On May 7, mental health providers, community organizations and advocates statewide will participate in sign-waving events to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
Hawaiʻi’s Senate and House money committees approve state budget bill
The Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives today approved House Bill No. 1800 CD1, the state’s supplemental budget bill for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. The measure was finalized in a joint conference committee after both chambers initially passed different versions. The bill will now be up for final reading in both chambers before heading to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Flags ordered to half-staff for National Firefighters Memorial Weekend
The flag order for Sunday, May 3, 2026, is in observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
