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A newly-discovered asteroid by a University of Hawaiʻi-operated telescope will pass close to Earth, inside the Moon’s orbit tonight. Orbit computations by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) predict it will make its closest approach to Earth shortly after 1:30 a.m. Hawaiʻi time.

In response to community concerns of speeding in Waikapū and Wailuku, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will install five speed tables on Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Route 30) in the vicinity of Maui Tropical Plantation and Kolo Place.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., has appointed several individuals to various open positions in state departments as well as to boards and commissions. The list includes Christine Sakuda as State Of Hawaiʻi Chief Information Officer and Maui’s Debbie Cabebe to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority for Pulehunui.

Educators from King Kamehameha III Elementary School successfully secured support from the Rotary D5000 Maui Wildfires Relief Fund for a project aimed at creating a warm and supportive atmosphere for students and faculty in their temporary school location.

“Lele, or Lahaina, as it has become known, has always been a place of immense historical and cultural importance, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and the birthplace and home to many aliʻi. As we look to rebuild, it is about grounding this place in the history and heritage from which it came,” said Rep. Tokuda during her testimony. “Designating Lahaina as a National Heritage Area would complement and sustain community-driven efforts being led by lineal descendants and local leaders to preserve Lele’s rich history, tradition, and culture for future generations.” 

Walls are now in place for the first home to be rebuilt in the Lahaina impact zone since the deadly August 2023 wildfires. It’s a visual reminder of the hope that exists among those wanting to return to their beloved neighborhoods, and an encouraging sign of progress as displaced residents work their way through the permitting and construction process.

“Creating new residential housing is a top priority for the council, especially since the August 2023 wildfires, and the ʻOhana Assistance Program will help meet some of the housing needs of our residents,” said Lee, who holds the council seat for the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency area. “This first year is considered a pilot program, but based on the hundreds of inquiries we’ve received, it will likely be well funded for years to come.”

A 35-year-old suspect is being held on $500,000 bail following a harrowing incident reported by a California couple who told police they were carjacked on a remote section of the Piʻilani Highway, and fled for their lives on foot to the summit of Haleakalā.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., on Thursday signed 22 pieces of legislation into law related to Hawaiʻi’s health care industry, community support systems, and health care workforce development.

Starting July 1, 2024, daily parking fees at the Wailuku Garage for Hawaiʻi residents will be free for the first two hours, and $1 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum fee of $8 per day. Paid parking rates for part-time residents and non-residents will be $1 per hour with a daily maximum of $10 per day.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā‘anapali has expanded its commitment to wellness with a new partnership with Aloha Fitness Maui.

Maui Ocean Center hosts its annual Coral Spawning Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 6. Guests will have the chance to witness the phenomenon of coral spawning, and can also learn about pioneering coral research currently underway.

Hawaiʻi gas prices moved down slightly in most areas as Independence Day travelers get ready for their holiday getaways,  according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average price for regular unleaded is $4.71, which is one cent lower than last week. The national average gas price is $3.50, which is five cents higher than last week. 

The Wailuku Hongwanji Mission is hosting a special memorial Japanese tea ceremony to honor wildfire victims.

This week, dozens of Native Hawaiian students from around the country are getting a taste of college life at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa through a free residential summer program.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Meet Hawai‘i has launched a refreshed website experience to support its efforts in attracting meetings, conventions, and business groups to the Hawaiian Islands.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Financial Institutions is hosting a mortgage assistance event to provide support for homeowners and business owners who have been impacted by the Maui wildfires.

A future 60-bed Maui veterans home for the long-term health care of island veterans and their spouses is in the planning stages, with possible locations in Central Maui.

This month’s Kīhei 4th Friday town party will take place at Azeka Shopping Center Mauka on June 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.

At their June meeting, OHA trustees approved more than $2.7 million in grant awards to 16 community nonprofits that serve Native Hawaiians.