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State and federal responders have completed recovery and removal operations in or adjacent to Lahaina Harbor. The US Army Corps of Engineers will conduct final disposition of fire-damaged vessels and incident-generated debris removed during harbor operations.

The Maui Farmer Network offers Farmer Navigational Coaching to small and beginning regenerative farmers across Maui County. In 2024, MFN will continue coaching and supporting about 45 farmers on a regular basis. Entering its 3rd year of programming, MFN is supported by funding from the County of Maui’s newly formed Department of Agriculture, and the Atherton Family Foundation.

In the wake of the challenges posed by the wildfires, Maui Public Art Corps collaborated with students across the region to channel their emotions and reflections into a powerful visual representation of unity and strength. “The result is a vibrant collection of drawings that encapsulate the indomitable spirit of the Maui community,” organizers said.

The Sentry announced a complimentary ticket program in partnership with SERVPRO for first responders on Maui. The initiative aims to offer a day of community spirit to acknowledge the service and commitment of these workers following the Aug. 8 wildfires. Local first responders are invited to The Plantation Course at Kapalua from Jan. 4-7 for the PGA TOUR’s season-opening event.

Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center opened a new exhibit honoring the legacy of Lānaʻi’s Japanese community. Kodomo no tame ni (translated as for the sake of the children) features more than 30 artifacts and 25 photos from its vast archive, offering a first-hand glimpse of pieces from the island’s Japanese families.

The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau announced that its longtime president and CEO John Monahan will step down effective Dec. 31, 2023, after serving as the organization’s top leader since 2003. Tom Mullen, HVCB’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, will serve as interim president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2024.

In direct response to the estimated 2,430 families or 6,283 individuals who are still in need of housing after being displaced by the Maui wildfires, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement announced today that it has launched a new centralized housing website. HelpingMaui.org will help survivors find housing, while also serving as a platform for property owners and managers to offer their properties to survivors.

The County of Maui aims to make it easier for residents to request and receive public records in accordance with Hawai’i law, thanks to software technology modernization, the county Department of the Corporation Counsel announced today.

Maui Pineapple Tour announces a special collaboration with Maui Reef Adventures presenting a $150 Holiday Give Back Package. This unique package combines the Maui Pineapple Tour with Maui Reef Adventures’ Whale Watch, all while contributing to Maui Food Bank. 

County of Maui Department of Water Supply amended the Unsafe Water Advisory for Lahaina to remove L-4C, an area surrounding Safeway that moves north along Front Street to the Old Chart House in Lahaina. Water serving buildings and homes in areas L-4C on the Maui Recovers website is declared safe for unrestricted use effective today, Dec. 21, 2023.

About 50 members of the Lahaina Honolua Senior Citizens Club socialized, won prizes through Bingo and lucky drawings and honored one of their own for turning 90 years old Wednesday in a step toward regrouping and recovering after the wildfires.

On Maui, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Maui Island was 6.5% in November 2023. That’s down from October 2023 when the rate was 7.5%,and up from the 3.7% rate reported at the same time last year.

Firefighters with the state’s Airport Rescue Fire Fighters are conducting live fire training today near Kahului Airport from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Smoke is visible near the airport.

Starting in January 2024, the United States Tennis Association, Hawaiʻi Pacific division will assume the management responsibilities for the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch, including its facilities, pro shop and all tennis operations.

On Nov. 1, 2023, the last reopening phases of West Maui accommodations began, which included the remaining area from Kahana to Kā‘anapali. In November, hotels in the Lahaina/Kāʻanapali/Kapalua region were occupied by a mix of displaced Lahaina residents impacted by the fires, relief workers, and visitors.

Blaine Kahoonei has been named COO; Justyn Ah Chong has joined PVS as Media Content Director; and Jonah Apo has been named Associate Development Coordinator.

There are two public aerial fireworks displays planned in Maui County this year–in South Maui at the Grand Wailea Resort, and at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at 1 Mānele Bay Road. Both displays begin at approximately 11:59 p.m., New Yearʻs Eve, Dec. 31, 2023.

In preparation for Phase 2, in which the US Army Corps of Engineers will support the Maui County Consolidated Debris Removal Program, USACE will conduct night work for 18 nights (excluding Christmas) at the temporary debris containment site being constructed in Olowalu.

Approximately 16 tons of illegal fireworks were seized in a shipping container late last week in Honolulu as part of enforcement efforts conducted by the state’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force.

James Campbell Company LLC, a $5.3 billion, nationally diversified real estate company based in Hawaiʻi, announced the appointment of Kevin Penn as the company’s new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 8, 2024.