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BDC Director David Daly named MEO Employee of the Year
Business Development Center Director David Daly was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Year at the nonprofit’s holiday gathering Dec. 19.
With FEMA housing deadline for Lahaina fire survivors 39 days away, state officials hope for an extension
In 39 days, those types of gatherings will not be possible for the 1,475 individuals still in FEMA-funded housing on Maui if the deadline is not extended. In November, the state requested a 12-month extension to the current deadline.
Recruitment for state conservation officers starts in January
Vacancies for these officer positions are located across the state.
Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority achieves financing goal for Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative
The US Department of Energy has recognized the Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority for exceeding its clean energy financing goal under the Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative.
Maui police receive 118 fireworks-related calls for service during New Year’s holiday; two arrests made
Between 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, and 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, the Maui Police Department received 118 calls for service related to fireworks violations throughout the County of Maui. During this time, one citation was issued for an aerial fireworks violation, eight reports were generated for documentation purposes, and two arrests were made.
House Committee members visit farm, reef restoration project and Huliheʻe Palace
State lawmakers engage with communities and assess priority projects during several recent site visits that provided a glimpse into Hawaiʻi Island’s priorities.
Proposed federal LEAP Act would raise loan cap for graduate students
After the GOP spending bill slashed student loan limits for healthcare professionals, US Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawai‘i and colleagues introduced the legislation to level the playing field.
Bill improves on the NATIVE Act, which was signed into law in 2016
The original law enhances and integrates Native tourism, empowers Native communities, and expands unique cultural tourism opportunities in the United States. The bill passed by the US Senate in December, makes key updates to the existing law that will help improve the program and make it easier for Native communities to access federal resources.
Regulators issue 260-page decision, approve 3-year Hawaiian Electric Wildfire Safety Strategy
The Public Utilities Commission has approved Hawaiian Electric’s expanded Wildfire Safety Strategy, which calls for deploying new technology, fortifying infrastructure, minimizing fire hazards and expanding community partnerships to significantly reduce the risk of a wildfire started by utility equipment.
As expected, Bill 9 challenged in court; lawsuits seek to block short-term rental phaseout
A group of West Maui property owners has filed the first legal challenge against Maui County’s controversial Bill 9, days after Mayor Richard Bissen signed the legislation into law. Filed Dec. 19 in 2nd Circuit Court, the lawsuit seeks to block the county from phasing out thousands of short-term rental units in apartment-zoned districts. The […]
Viewpoints Gallery to offer free January art classes and lectures
Makawao’s Viewpoints Gallery will host a series of free art classes and lectures throughout January as part of its “Luminosity” show, which is based on the work of artist and educator Dick Nelson.
National Weather Service: Advisory for coastal flooding with high tides
National Weather Service forecasters issued a coastal flood statement Friday morning as peak monthly high tides and higher-than-predicted water levels threaten low-lying areas in the Hawaiian Islands. The forecasters’ advisory remains in effect through late Saturday night. According to the service, isolated minor coastal flooding is most likely to occur around the daily peak high […]
Gain STEM summer work experience through Akamai Internship Program
The program has placements for students from community colleges and four-year universities from a wide range of STEM majors. The application deadline is Jan. 23, 2026.
First babies of 2026 ring in the New Year
Baby Pākī Kalaninuiulumoku Kamuela Kā’eo became the island’s first baby of 2026 at Maui Memorial Medical Center, born at 9:17 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Baby Kā’eo weighs 11.2 pounds, and is 22 inches long.
Maui Rep. Miyake selected for national lawmakers training program
State Rep. Tyson K. Miyake (D-10), who represents parts of Waiehu, Paukūkalo, Wailuku, Wailuku Heights, Waikapū and Hayashi Village, was recently selected to participate in the Western Legislative Academy, a competitive leadership program for early-career lawmakers.
Maui Fire Department responds to 22 fire-related calls over New Year’s
The Maui fire department responded to 22 fire-related calls over the New Year’s holiday, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2025 to 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.
Repair work starts on section of Haʻikū Road
Starting today, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, a section of Haʻikū Road between Hamana Place and Līhau Place will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday while work is underway to repair the eroding slope embankment and replace damaged guardrails, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works.
Monthly siren and Emergency Alert System test, Jan. 2, 2026
The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Safe driving app launched as traffic deaths reach 18-year high
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is launching a statewide initiative to curb an alarming rise in traffic deaths through a new mobile application that rewards motorists for responsible driving.
AARP Hawaiʻi announces webinar series for cognitive and physical health
AARP Hawaiʻi is launching a monthly webinar series designed to promote cognitive and physical wellness, led by Maui wellness coach Carl Powell.
