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County real property tax sale set for Tuesday, May 19, 2026

The County of Maui Department of Finance will be holding a real property tax sale on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and will continue the sale on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, if necessary. The sale will auction off properties that have been delinquent for three or more years and have received their final notice of tax sale.

Maui Council shakeup: Chair Lee won’t seek re-election to Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū seat

Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee said Wednesday evening that she will not seek re-election this year. Instead, the veteran council member is throwing her support behind Marvin Moniz, a longtime state Department of Transportation airports manager, to succeed her in the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency seat.

Maui United Way awards community-led disaster relief and long-term recovery funds to nonprofits 

Maui United Way awarded $1,175,479 to four nonprofit organizations: Family Life Center; Kaibigan ng Lahaina;  Jewish Community Services of Hawaiʻi; and Roots Reborn. Maui United Way also provided a total of $122,587 in support to Maui and Molokaʻi through targeted relief efforts following the March 2026 Kona Low floods, including $103,500 awarded to 10 nonprofit organizations.

Hawaiʻi Water Service offers free conservation kit to Maui customers, rebates also available to Kāʻanapali customers

As parts of Maui County continue experiencing drought conditions and with warmer temperatures expected to increase water use this spring and summer, Hawaiʻi Water Service (Hawaiʻi Water) encourages its Maui customers to take advantage of conservation resources to help them save water—and money.

State legislature passes bills to strengthen health care across Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has finalized passage of a broad package of health-related measures, with bills from the House Committee on Health and the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services approved on final reading in both chambers today. The legislation spans public health protections, expanded care for kūpuna, mental health access, cancer screening, and long-term care planning.

Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign runs from May 11-31, 2026

Beginning Monday, May 11, 2026, the Maui Police Department Traffic Division will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign. Motorists will see heightened traffic enforcement and patrols, which will continue through Sunday, May 31, 2026, and include the use of unmarked patrol vehicles to enforce seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.

‘EA (SOVEREIGN)’ brings Lahaina land struggle to global stage at imagineNATIVE

“EA (SOVEREIGN),” the feature-length documentary exploring the enduring relationship between people, land, and memory, will have its international premiere at the prestigious 2026 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival in Toronto, Canada.

Famous humpback whale ‘Big Mama’ returns to Salish Sea after winter migration in Hawaiʻi

The Pacific Whale Watch Association announced today that iconic humpback whale BCY0324 “Big Mama” has safely returned to local waters after her winter migration in Hawaiʻi. The beloved whale swam roughly 3,000 miles from Hawaiʻi to Boundary Pass where she was seen between BC’s Moresby Island and Washington’s Stuart Island by PWWA member company Maya’s Legacy on Monday, May 4.

Hawaiʻi State Legislature passes Artificial Intelligence Disclosure And Safety Act

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature gave final approval Wednesday to Senate Bill 3001, CD1, the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act, landmark legislation establishing some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support.

Research from 2022 Mauna Loa eruption helps predict, understand future eruptions

While researching Mauna Loa’s eruption patterns and lava flows through more satellite data, Ian Flynn is learning what information is needed to understand other volcanoes.

MEO Early Childhood Services Director Debbi Amaral retiring after 30-year career

Thousands of Maui County residents from low income families can thank Maui Economic Opportunity Director of Early Childhood Services Debbi Amaral ‒ who will be retiring later this month ‒ for getting a “head start” with subsidized preschool.

Maui Food Bank launches search for next CEO

Maui Food Bank today announced the launch of a search for its next Chief Executive Officer. Steve Ulene, who will serve as Maui Food Bank’s incoming Board Chair beginning July 1, 2026, will lead the effort as chair of the organization’s CEO Search Committee. Ulene previously served on the board as Vice Chair and is a longtime community volunteer.

Maui County launches redesigned website with new features, AI chatbot

Maui County has partnered with technology vendor CivicPlus to launch a redesigned version of its primary website, www.mauicounty.gov, featuring a new layout, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot and improved self-service tools.

Kelly King launches bid to reclaim South Maui Council seat from Tom Cook

Former Maui County Council Member Kelly King has officially announced her candidacy for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council, setting up a rematch against incumbent Tom Cook less than a year after losing to him by 97 votes.

Makawao Forest Reserve’s first management plan balances needed conservation, popular recreation

The original reason for the creation of the Maui reserve in 1908 was to protect freshwater resources, and that is still a need although how to accomplish it now is different.

DHHL extends deadline for agricultural project lease opportunity on Maui to May 22

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is offering a project lease opportunity for agricultural land in Honokōwai or Pūlehunui, with an extended response deadline of May 22.

Update: Investigation into rock thrown at monk seal and breaches of seal resting areas

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating social media postings on Instagram that appear to show an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal while it was swimming in the water off the Lahaina shoreline.

Royal Lahaina Resort rolls out summer fun on Kāʻanapali Beach

The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is launching a slate of new summer offerings at its Kāʻanapali Beach property, with programming spanning dining, wellness, entertainment and cultural experiences.

Delayed opening times Saturday for three Central Maui facilities due to event

Keōpūolani Park, Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool and War Memorial Tennis Courts in Central Maui will have delayed opening times on Saturday, May 9, 2026, to accommodate for public safety during the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced.

Federal disaster aid available for Kona storm victims on Maui; deadlines approaching

County officials are urging residents and business owners affected by March’s Kona low storms to take advantage of federal disaster assistance programs before key application deadlines pass.
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