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“Locally, the Maui wildfires continued to impact visitors to Maui six months after the tragedy,” said Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Director James Kunane Tokioka. “Maui’s visitor counts decreased by 23.5% compared to January 2023, although there has been progress from August 2023 when visitor arrivals were down by 57.8%. With the active recovery efforts and campaigns, we hope to see continuous improvements over the upcoming months,” he said.

The Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program, a collaboration between Kupu, Hawaiʻi’s largest youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit; the US Economic Development Administration; and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources aims to inform and connect the people at wahi pana (legendary places, and living, breathing spaces).

Today marks the first day that wildfire survivors can apply for the One ‘Ohana Fund. The fund is for survivors who lost loved ones and survivors who suffered severe injuries and were hospitalized as a result of the disaster.

Under a memorandum of agreement executed this month, Hawaiian Lending & Investments will administer Department of Hawaiian Home Lands matching down payment assistance grants of up to $5,000 to eligible DHHL beneficiaries toward the cost to build or purchase a home on Hawaiian Home Lands.  

While a decrease was recorded in month-over-month data, Maui County vacation rental supply realized gains this January compared to January 2023.

Entertainment, auctions, gourmet food and fine wine tasting will highlight “Maui Calls,” the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s signature fundraising gala, beginning with a silent auction Monday, via https://mauiarts.ejoinme.org/MauiCalls. The 26th anniversary Maui Calls event will take place 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 9.

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Friday, March 1, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency announced.

Hawaiian Electric is seeking public comment for the preliminary draft of the Integrated Grid Planning Request for Proposals, the latest phase of clean energy procurements aimed at stabilizing rates and advancing energy equity, growing the marketplace for large-scale renewables, creating a modern and resilient grid, and securing reliability as existing fossil fuel generators reach the end of their useful lives.

What they stumbled upon was an unprecedented observation that was previously unknown to the scientific community, according to the PWF. The groundbreaking photographs provide an unparalleled glimpse into the private lives of these majestic marine mammals.

The Maui Police Department announced the promotion of Pius Taiwerpiy to the rank of Lieutenant, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2024.

A bill aimed at expediting rebuilding in Lahaina received unanimous initial approval Wednesday from Maui County Council members. Bill 21 passed first reading. It’s set for second reading on March 8.

(11:47 a.m. 2.29.24) The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency reports there is no emergency after a siren in the Nāpili area of Maui was accidentally activated while technicians were working in the Kahana area. Again, there is no emergency.

This multi-partner pilot release allows wildlife managers the opportunity to monitor and evaluate ʻalalā and its potential for survival and breeding in the forests of East Maui without risk of depredation by ‘io (Hawaiian hawk). The EA provides background information concerning methods for release of ‘alalā and outlines the proposed action, potential impacts, and strategies to avoid and minimize potential adverse impacts of the project on East Maui.

Maui’s Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, today announced the opening of its Kilolani Spa, a new 50,000 square foot open air luxury spa.

Update: (11:50 a.m., Feb. 29, 2024) Power has been restored to a majority of customers affected by an outage in the Mahinahina / Kahana area. The outage was first reported at around 7:40 a.m. By 11:50 a.m., all but 50 customers had power restored. Crews remain on scene where work to complete repairs is underway.

Local residents and organizations are invited to participate in an event at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. This event aims to match individuals in need of temporary or permanent housing with state, federal and local organizations assisting individuals and families in need of housing support.

The Central Maui Landfill will be the final disposal site for an estimated 400,000 cubic yards of toxic ash and debris left in the aftermath of the Aug. 8 wildfire that leveled Lahaina Town.

In a move to bolster sustainable transportation infrastructure and promote electric vehicle adoption, Maui County celebrated the grand opening of new electric vehicle charging stations today.

Kate Blystone was confirmed as the Planning Director for the County of Maui by the Maui County Council on Wednesday. She has more than 20 years of experience as a land planner and community engagement professional in the public, private, nonprofit and education planning sectors.

Hōlani Hāna, Ke Ao Hāli‘i, and Na Mahi‘ai o Ke‘anae—collaborating under the banner Mālama Maui Hikina—are working to mitigate tourism impacts at popular areas of East Maui including Kaihalulu, Honolewa, Kaihalulu, Waioka and Nā‘ili‘ilihaele Steam.