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Video: Kona man rescues pup out of deep fissure in Big Island forest

Misty, a 10-month-old Catahoula dog, was trapped in the fissure for eight hours before her rescue.

Richard E. Mitchell appointed Director of new Maui Department of Housing

Mayor Richard Bissen today announced the appointment of Richard E. Mitchell as Director of the County of Maui’s newly created Department of Housing, which launches July 1, 2024. The new Housing Department was created when Maui County residents voted to pass a ballot measure in November 2022 that called for bifurcating the Department of Housing and Human Concerns.

Survey: 67% of community prefers original Front Street location as site for rebuild of Lahaina’s King Kamehameha III Elementary

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education today released a report summarizing input and opinions from a series of community feedback opportunities on the rebuild plan for King Kamehameha III Elementary School. A total of 291 community members including faculty/staff, current school family members, alumni, and interested community members completed feedback surveys, delivered via three formats – at a staff/faculty meeting, at an open community meeting, or online. 

Hirono announces $18.9M to fund desalination facility in West Oʻahu

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced more than $18.9 million in funding for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply’s “Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination Project.” The funding for this project will go toward designing and building a desalination facility that will remove dissolved mineral salts in seawater to obtain fresh drinking water, creating a new sustainable water source on Oʻahu.

Emmy Award nomination goes to documentary film on Trilogy Excursions

An Emmy Award nomination is honoring “Trilogy: It’s in the Heart,” a short documentary film commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Coon family’s Maui-based sailing tours.

Maui Humane Society calls on Maui residents to foster kittens

Ever heard of ‘kitten season’? It’s not just a myth. As summer heat blankets the island, animal shelters often become a bustling hub of adorable chaos, with new litters bursting onto the scene more frequently between April and October.

Progress with restoration of Lahaina water, wastewater services and other important wildfire recovery updates

Officials shared several important updates for Lahaina residents including: lifting the Unsafe Water Advisory for a portion of Lahaina, amending sewer service status for certain parcels, fully reopening the first disaster zone and assisting with the installation of three mobile outdoor warning sirens.

Delays possible on Honoapiʻilani Hwy. for equipment transport, early June 14

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises highway users of traffic slowdowns and possible delays along Honoapi‘ilani Highway (Route 30) and adjacent roadways early Friday morning as heavy equipment will be transported from the Pulehunui Industrial Park to the state’s Ka La‘i Ola temporary group housing site in Wahikuli.

Global firm to rebuild Kauaʻi’s Coco Palms resort with planned opening in 2026

A global hospitality company on Wednesday announced plans to build its first Hawai‘i location – on the controversial site of the former Coco Palms resort on the East Side of Kaua‘i, which has stood derelict since its destruction via hurricane in 1992.

Unsafe Water Advisory lifted for area L-6B in Lahaina

The Unsafe Water Advisory for Lahaina was amended to remove area L-6B, including properties primarily along Honoapiʻilani Highway and Ainakea Road, from Wahikuli Road to Kaniau Road. Water serving buildings and homes in area L-6B is declared safe for unrestricted use effective June 12, 2024.

Mayor Richard Bissen signs $1.263B Maui budget into law

Alongside Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, Mayor Richard Bissen on Wednesday afternoon signed into law an approximately $1.263 billion Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The document boosts housing for residents, especially those who were displaced after the 2023 August wildfires, supports wildfire recovery and resiliency, bolsters social service programs and delivers core services.

Hawaiʻi gas prices remain steady

Gas prices statewide continue being steady as national prices continue to decrease according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average price for regular unleaded is $4.76, which is the same as week. The national average gas price is $3.46, two cents lower than last week. 

New report: A view into wildfire survivors’ housing, employment, immediate needs

Nine months after the Lahaina wildfire disaster an estimated 75% remained in temporary housing, according to a report published by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Some of the permanent housing is away from Maui, but the report did not have precise information about those who’ve moved away.

EPA completes drinking water sampling in Lahaina

The US Environmental Protection Agency recently completed drinking water sampling in the wildfire-impacted areas of Lahaina, which is a critical step in helping the County of Maui restore drinking water services to the community. 

Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kaniela Stewart win Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home In The Hawaiian Islands Longboard Regional Qualifying Series

Kelis Kaleopaʻa (HAW) and Kaniela Stewart (HAW) won titles in the Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home In The Hawaiian Islands, over a heavily-contested field on Wednesday. Ala Moana Bowls provided three-to-four conditions for Kaleopaʻa and Stewart, alongside their longboard contingent, to showcase style and poise under pressure, according to the World Surf League. In the end, it was South Shore sweep for the two competitors as Waikīkī’s reigning WSL Longboard Champion, Kai Sallas (HAW) and American Samoa’s Sive Jarrard (ASM) earned runner-up finishes. PC: Tony Heff Photography / WSL

10 high school graduates on Maui earn scholarships from the Sons and Daughters of Nisei Veterans/AJA

Ten scholarships of $1,000 were presented to graduates of high schools on Maui by the Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans / Maui AJA Veterans Scholarship Program.

Scholarships awarded in honor of Lahaina fire victim, Clyde Wakida

The Clyde Wakida Scholarship Fund was established through donations from friends and family after the August fire.  This year the Fund awarded five recipients, each receiving $2,000. Recipients were: Carla Mae Agrade, Judy Dela Cruz, Blessy Calapit, Cecelia Steiner and John Tumpap.

Summer sessions offered at Camp Discovery, starting July 8

The three weeks of Camp Discovery start on Monday, July 8, 2024, with families having the option to register for individual weeks or all three weeks together. Each camp will take place at Will Smith Imua Discovery Garden in Wailuku and will cater to preschool-age children, between the ages of 3 and 5. Camp registration fees are weekly, with assistance available for families facing economic challenges and/or affected by last year’s fires.

Hawaiʻi visitor spins their way to $1.5M Wheel of Fortune slots jackpot at California Hotel & Casino

The guest, who wishes to remain anonymous, was visiting the property on Wednesday, June 12 to celebrate his son’s 21st birthday. Just before 4 a.m., the guest activated the bonus wheel with three 7s across the payline. The lucky player was in disbelief to see the wheel land on the progressive jackpot after wagering $5 to score a $1,569,632.91 payout.

Kilohana temporary housing site takes shape for displaced Lahaina residents

With the roar of heavy machinery nearby, US Army Corps of Engineers officials showed how rapid progress is underway in transforming the once gently sloping grassland above Lahaina into a graded expanse needed to install 169 temporary modular homes for wildfire survivors.
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