Featured
Whale sanctuary reminds boaters: ‘Go slow for whales below’
Each year between November and May, thousands of Koholā (humpback whales) return to Hawai‘i to breed, give birth and nurse their young. During this special time of year, boaters are reminded to reduce their speed and keep a safe and legal distance around whales.
Department of the Interior releases new guidance to honor, elevate Hawaiian language
The new guidance was developed collaboratively and informed by ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi practitioners, instructors and advocates.
Volcano Watch: Mauna Loa 2022, a retrospective of the early hours of the eruption
In the late hours of Nov. 27, 2022, Mauna Loa began erupting. Lava was visible on the west side of the Island of Hawaiʻi, from Kailua-Kona to Waikoloa. Social media was ablaze with pictures and commentary of lava flows descending the west flank toward communities.
MACC announces continuation of Artist 2 Artist series, with host Henry Kapono
Beloved Hawaiʻi performing artist Henry Kapono will perform with guest artists in a continuation of the Artist 2 Artist series beginning Feb. 23, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center announced.
Hawaiian Electric offers Maui County customers voluntary enrollment in time-of-use rates
The program tests time-of-use rates and is intended to reduce bills for customers and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Bill seeks to expedite rebuilding of homes and businesses in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui
Bill 21 seeks to broaden the applicability of emergency-repair provisions and clarify the review and approval procedures for emergency-repair permits. Approximately 1,100 residential properties would qualify under the bill’s expedited permitting process.
Molokaʻi and Maui companies get share of federal clean energy grants
Molokaʻi Sea Farms and Johnny V Enterprises on Maui are among the Hawaiʻi companies that will get a share of $520,302 in Rural Energy for America Program grants from the US Department of Agriculture.
Seniors may apply by Feb. 23 deadline for HMSA Kaimana Scholarships
Students graduating in 2024 from public, private, or independent high schools in Hawaiʻi can apply for monetary scholarships as part of the 19th year of the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program.
Hirono backs legislation to crack down on algorithms that fix rent prices
US Senator Mazie K. Hirono colleagues in introducing the Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, legislation that would crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets.
Developer selected for proposed ʻUkiu Energy biofuel-powered generator project on Maui
The ʻUkiu Energy 40-megawatt (MW) biofuel-powered generator facility would be built on 10 acres owned by Hawaiian Electric at Waena across from the Central Maui Landfill – Refuse and Recycling Center on Pūlehu Road.
Faith leaders to join in fellowship six months after Lahaina fire, Feb. 8
The gathering will offer a time for community members to honor lost loved ones and come together in prayer for comfort, healing and hope. Faith leaders from different Lahaina churches will offer prayers as part of the gathering.
Hawaiʻi to receive $1.1M in a settlement to address the opioid crisis
Attorney General Anne Lopez announced a $350 million national settlement with Publicis Health to resolve investigations into the global marketing and communications firm’s role in the prescription opioid crisis. Hawaiʻi is slated to receive $1,113,545 from the settlement to help address the opioid crisis.
Kaua’i mayor proclaims 2024 “Year of the Forest Birds”
Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, on Thursday, presented a mayoral proclamation to the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project and partners, to mark 2024 Makahiki O Nā Manu Nahele, Year of the Forest Birds. This echoes the statewide proclamation from Gov. Josh Green, M.D. on Jan. 12.
Maui Waena and Kalama intermediate schools’ robotics teams earn spots in state tournament
Maui Waena and Kalama intermediate school students advanced to the state championships with the highest-scoring robot performances.
Kaiser Permanente to open temporary West Maui clinic in Kāʻanapali as early as mid-March
Kaiser Permanente forecasts an opening as early as mid-March for a temporary West Maui clinic at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kāʻanapali.
Pacific Whale Foundation to discuss Mauka to Makai wildfire response in webinar, Feb. 7
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council will host the February edition of its “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series” featuring Susan Frett of Pacific Whale Foundation, on Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Mālama ʻOhana unites community and state to review Hawaiʻi’s child welfare system
Mālama ʻOhana seeks to redesign and recommend transformative changes to Hawaiʻi’s existing child welfare system by working alongside families who have lived experience in the system.
Kūpuna Caucus shares priority bills for the 2024 legislative session
The Kūpuna Caucus of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature were joined by the Department of Health and community advocates to announce the 2024 Kūpuna Caucus Bill Package. The package includes five bills dedicated to improving the health, well-being and quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s seniors.
‘Phase Three’: Kula residents take charge as federal cleanup leaves burned trees and debris behind
The Army Corps of Engineers completed its final phase of the federal wildfire response in Kula ahead of schedule last month, with their focus now shifting to West Maui. Volunteers in Kula say there’s more to be done and the remaining cleanup likely rests on the shoulders of residents.
Coast Guard seeks help in locating sailboat Malulani and boater Noel Rubio, 60
The US Coast Guard is seeking the maritime community’s assistance in locating 60-year-old mariner Noel Rubio and the sailboat Malulani.
