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Independent investors have acquired non-controlling interests in American Savings Bank in separate transactions from Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., the bank announced today. Among other things, HEI said the sale will give it flexibility in making its Maui wildfire settlement contributions.

The Rotary District 5000 Foundation has contributed $82,000 to support Na Kiaʻi O Maui’s relief efforts following the Maui fires, according to an organization announcement. The funds were used to purchase essential equipment, including a forklift and a heavy-duty truck, to meet the operational needs of the center.

Madam Pele continued her impressive fire display this morning, whipping up 65- to 100-foot-high fountains of lava on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea volcano.

Caregivers who provide medical cannabis to qualified patients will be protected from “undue enforcement” under an executive order signed by Gov. Josh Green.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is reminding everyone to make safety a top priority during New Year’s celebrations. Drunk driving deaths have increased 33% since 2019, and New Year’s is one of the most dangerous holidays for impaired driving crashes.

Drivers be advised that stopping, standing or parking on State highways to view fireworks on New Year’s Eve is illegal and potentially dangerous.

Gov. Josh Green has extended a state emergency proclamation, now in its 18th incarnation, to help fight prolific herds of voracious axis deer that damage farm crops, overgraze pasture lands and threaten fragile watersheds.

Maui County will host two public aerial firework displays this year—one at the Grand Wailea Resort and another at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi—according to an announcement from the Maui Fire Department. Both displays begin at approximately 11:59 p.m. on New Yearʻs Eve, Dec. 31, 2024.

As Maui Economic Opportunity prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, the Community Action Partnership nonprofit agency reflects on the busy 2023-24 fiscal year during which 55,000 lives were touched by its more than 30 diverse programs.

Polynesian Voyaging Society prepares to mark 5 decades of legendary iconic traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe reviving the Hawaiian culture, advocating for the environment and renewing a connection to the Earth and ocean.

A gifting initiative led by Lahaina teen, Madison “Madi” Goldsmith, and mainland nonprofit, the Lady Savant Foundation is recognizing positivity in the sustained spirit of residents following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.

A blessing was held last week for the new “Green Streets” project in Mākena, a transformative milestone in sustainable, low-impact development on Maui, according to managers. The public right-of-way project diagonally across from Mākena Landing at the intersection of Honoiki Street and Keone‘ō‘io Road, is a collaboration between Mākena Golf and Beach Club and the County of Maui.

The eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began on Monday, Dec. 23, continues today.  Over the past day, vents in the southwest portion of the caldera have continued producing a fan of lava flows covering the southwest portion of the crater floor, with sustained lava fountaining, according to a daily update issued by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Mayor Richard Bissen congratulated illustrator Willie Ito and author Stacey Hayashi at the Maui launch of their book “The Story of Lucy,” the dog who was the loyal mascot for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team’s 3rd Battalion medics during World War II.

In 2024, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) helped secure more than $6 billion in federal funding for Hawai‘i as he led efforts to deliver resources to support Maui’s recovery from last year’s fires and advance a range of other priorities for the state.

Lilianna Elleby, 13, of Kīhei, Maui is the recipient of the $1000 Claude Brousseau Golf and Academic Award for 2024.

With three matches to play in its MIL season, Kamehameha Maui can clinch the MIL championship in their next match, against Baldwin (3-2-0) next Saturday.

Wally Lau, co-founder of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, said of Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda: “No matter where he’s at, he is a motivator and a do-er who can excite people.”

The US flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag will be flown at half-staff for a period of 30 days to honor the life and legacy of President James “Jimmy” Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th President of the United States, who died Sunday at the age of 100.

Kekaulike Avenue is closed from  Kula Highway to Waipoli Road, due to a large tree on a power line that’s blocking the entire roadway.