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UHERO expands its housing team with two nationally acclaimed researchers specializing in housing affordability
Earlier this summer, UHERO published its analysis of Maui’s legislation to regulate Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) properties, stating, “If the policy is enacted in full, it would increase Maui’s long-term residential housing stock by 13%, representing a dramatic increase in housing supply,” said UHERO’s economists. “Reductions in tourism or property tax revenues would also present serious challenges to Maui County… Understanding the broad impacts of this policy will be key to understanding future economic conditions on Maui.”
Rotary District 5000 hosts Maui fire disaster recovery update, Aug. 31
The Rotary District 5000, consisting of 53 Rotary clubs spread across four islands, hosts a Maui fire disaster recovery update via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Short-term rental phase-out remains in South Maui Community Plan update
Maui Planning Commission members breezed by a proposed policy statement in the draft South Maui Community Plan update Tuesday evening, agreeing by consensus that the plan would aim to increase long-term residential housing by phasing-out short-term rentals from Māʻalaea to Kanaio.
Kahoʻolawe permitted trolling dates announced for September
The Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) has announced permitted trolling dates for September 2024, including: Sept. 7-8 and 28-29.
Hawai‘i Supreme Court rules in commercial aquarium fish collection case
The Hawai‘i Supreme Court ruled in a 4-1 decision today that the pet industry’s environmental review of commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawai‘i is legally adequate.
FEMA awards additional $7.9M in Disaster Case Management funding to expand recovery support for Maui wildfire survivors
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded an additional $7.9 million in funding to the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services to expand the state’s Disaster Case Management Program. This additional funding will enable the program to expand its current reach by more than double, capable of serving approximately 3,000 households.
Keōpūolani Park to close for half-day Aug. 31 for Maui Interscholastic League Cross Country event
Access to Keōpūolani Park facilities will be temporarily restricted to competition use Saturday morning, Aug. 31, to host a Maui Interscholastic League Cross Country event in preparation for the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association State Championship event in the fall, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced.
UH researchers successfully use drones to find dolphin population health
New UH research is using drones to successfully assess the age of critically endangered, free-ranging dolphins in Greece. Researchers are comparing the drone imagery results with long-term data and data from stable, non-endangered bottlenose dolphin populations in Australia and Florida.
Hawaiʻi-issued REAL IDs can be added to Apple Wallet starting today
As of Aug. 28, 2024, REAL ID-compliant Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses and state identification cards can be added to iPhone and Apple Watch, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announced.
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows reopens, debuts new oceanfront restaurant and pool bar
The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in Kāʻanapali is open once again, following 10 months of providing refuge to Lahaina residents in need. On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the resort will mark its grand reopening with a Hawaiian Blessing at noon, followed by an inaugural dinner service in the evening.
Expect rain as tropical storms Gilma and Hector approach and weaken from the east
Tropical storms Gilma and Hector are forecast to weaken considerably and bring rain as they approach the Hawaiian Islands, according to the National Weather Service.
MEDB to host annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner, Oct. 26
The Maui Economic Development Board, Inc. announces the return of their Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction, themed “Pathways to Our Future.” This signature, in-person event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at the Wailea Beach Resort–Marriott, Maui. The evening will begin with a reception and silent auction at 4:30 p.m., followed by a dinner at 6 p.m.
Melinda Bolo, Emmanuel Baltazar join MEO Board of Directors
Maui Economic Opportunity welcomes two new board members – Melinda Mindy Bolo to the Lana‘i Community Health Center seat and Emmanuel Manny Baltazar to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 seat.
Historic and hazardous structures are focus of final fire debris cleanup stages in Lahaina
Waiola Church members are eagerly awaiting the call from the Army Corps of Engineers to notify them when their property is next for cleanup. The church is among the properties that have been put off until the end of the cleanup process because of their historic characteristics and physical hazards.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center change of zoning gets final Council approval for redevelopment
Maui County Council members approved on second-and-final reading Tuesday land use measures to pave the way for redevelopment of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center as it struggles amid a nationwide decline in brick-and-mortar shopping malls. Bills 67 and 68 advance to Mayor Richard Bissen for final action.
Traffic Advisory: Downed tree on Hāna Highway near Mile 7
As of 8:30 a.m., the Hāna Highway has been cleared of a downed tree that was previously blocking the roadway at Mile 7.
Hawaiian Electric completes power restoration for customers impacted by Tropical Storm Hone
Hawaiian Electric has completed power restoration to all remaining customers impacted by Tropical Storm Hone, with the exception of those who must repair damage to their property before service can safely be restored. Power has also been restored to all Maui and O‘ahu customers impacted by the storm.
Maui Woman sentenced to 10 years on prison for involvement in suspicious Central Maui fire
Krystale Kaneakua of Pukalani was sentenced to 10 years in jail on Tuesday by 2nd Circuit Court Judge Peter Cahill for second degree arson in connection with a five acre brush fire along the Maui Veterans Highway two years ago. The sentencing comes following a jury trial and guilty verdict on June 3.
CNHA to host 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention on Hawai‘i Island
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) will host its 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention on Hawai‘i Island at the Hilton Waikoloa Village from Sept. 17 to Sept. 19, 2024.
Remains found on Molokaʻi, identified as missing Kaunakakai man
Maui police have identified remains found at a Kaunakakai residence on Molokaʻi in March as that of Timothy Webb, 77, of Kaunakakai. Police investigated the discovery of human remains at the home on Friday, March 22, 2024. Webb was reported missing the previous month, on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, by a concerned acquaintance who had not heard from him since December 2023.
