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“While we may experience a slowdown in the US visitors coming into 2023, we hope that more international visitors will be coming in the new year and our tourism recovery continues in 2023. We expect full tourism recovery in 2025,” said DBEDT Director Chris J. Sadayasu.

The West Maui Improvement Foundation will host an Olowalu Fire Station Fundraising Gala on Friday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency in Kāʻanapali.

Maui District Airports Manager Marvin Moniz said state officials met Wednesday to discuss new legislation that would crack down on businesses operating without a permit or license in state airport public lots.

Donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000. Currently Nā Keiki O Emalia has raised $71,515 toward the match. 

Complete applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, through 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Late applications will not be considered. Due to tight processing timelines, applications cannot be accepted via postal mail.

Mayor-elect Bissen announced the appointments of directors to three more departments within his administration: Shayne Agawa as Director of Department of Environmental Management; Kathleen Aoki as Director of Department of Planning; and Marc Takamori as Director of Transportation.

The Maui Police Department announced it will be conducting firework enforcement operations in addition to sobriety checkpoints over the New Year’s weekend.

Despite recent rainfall, department officials say source water supply is at insufficient levels to maintain the Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility. The facility shut down Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022 and will remain closed until source water supply reaches adequate levels to resume operations.  

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health reported 1,095 new COVID-19 cases for the week of Dec. 22-28, 2022. There were three COVID-19 deaths this week. 

The first Core Four Business Planning series of 2023, offered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center, begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, at MEO.

Approximately 275,647 acres of federal, state and private lands are proposed as critical habitat for ʻiʻiwi , a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Two Maui County schools–Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate, and Kilohana Elementary on Molokaʻi are finalists in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition.

Known as “Santa Paws,” Emma is the daughter of the Debbie Johnson, founder of K9s United. She saved her allowance throughout the year to fund the gifts to six of MPD’s canine crime fighters.

A list of new laws take effect in the new year on Jan. 1, 2023.

The County of Maui, Department of Environmental Management announced a list of options for Christmas tree drop-off and recycling. The County has opened two temporary Christmas tree drop-off sites in Kīhei and Makawao; in addition to the ongoing green waste drop off services throughout Maui County. 

For a list of upcoming events, concerts, shows and entertainment for Dec. 22-28, find our comprehensive listing HERE.

In a phone interview with Maui Now’s Wendy Osher, Mandel shares his love for the islands, how the relaxed atmosphere helps with his mental health, and his latest undertaking, doing podcasts with his daughter.

The Sheraton Maui Resort, which will celebrate 60 years in January, was built around legendary Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock) on 23 oceanfront acres at Kāʻanapali Beach.

The Kahului Airport site sampling detected several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance compounds at or above environmental action levels for regular contact with the soil over many years.

The extension of this emergency proclamation allows our state to continue providing staffing resources needed to ensure seamless availability of emergency transportation.