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Time is winding down for homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA disaster assistance if they had damage or losses to their property from the August wildfires on Maui. Applicants may also seek approval for a disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration, a FEMA partner in Maui’s recovery. For both federal agencies, the deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 11.

Both visitor arrivals and visitor spending declined for the third straight month compared to 2022, as Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry continued to feel the impact of the August Lahaina wildfires, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The Hawaiʻi Dental Service Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling $110,000 to 18 aspiring dental professionals, eight who want to be dentists and 10 who want to become dental hygienists.

In the aftermath of Maui’s Lahaina wildfire, the University of Hawai‘i will use $519,000 in USDA grants to fund research projects that aim to reinforce Hawai‘i’s agriculture against disasters and address the health risks of toxic chromium.

The three individuals whose names were sent to the governor for consideration are: Timothy Scott Lara (left), Local entrepreneur, and community leader; Leslee D. Matthews (middle), Social worker and Local Attorney; and Tyson K. Miyake (right), former Chief of Staff to Mayor Victorino.

The Snow Zone is made from 5,000 pounds of flaked ice, so shoes or rain boots are recommended. There is a timed entry and the area is restricted to keiki 12 years and younger.

Maui’s Jackson Bunch (HAW) emerged victorious at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, in solid six-to-eight foot conditions over heavily-stacked fields over the weekend.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa invites guests and the public to its third annual Halona Kai Holiday Village Dec. 24-25, offering holiday music, a buffet dinner, Christmas activities, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Explosive eruptions are not bad everywhere.  Hawaiian society southeast of Kīlauea’s summit actually benefited from some of them. These benefits result from the deposits of fine volcanic ash that transformed a barren sea of pāhoehoe into an area capable of sustaining agriculture.

Khloella’s Garden at Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center will host a pet-friendly holiday event on Dec. 16, offering photos with Santa, and supporting the Maui Humane Society.

Maui police have located a 7-year-old Wailuku boy who failed to return home on Saturday afternoon. Police say the boy was located by police officers at around 11:20 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at Whaler’s Village in Kāʻanapali. According to police reports, the 7-year-old was found in the company of an 8-year-old and 11-year-old, both who were also reported as runaways.

The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center will host an evening with Willie Ito on Dec. 8, honoring his journey from internment during World War II to a distinguished career in animation.

Starting Monday, Dec. 4, Island Grocery Depot in Lahaina will extend its hours to open earlier at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK), and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $18 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $1.9 billion, inclusive of $0.9 billion of Hawaiian Airlines net debt.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands awarded 25 pastoral lots Saturday as part of the department’s Kuleana Program. Established in 1999, the Kuleana Program was created through beneficiary consultation and is the department’s direct response to fulfilling the community’s needs and desire to be stewards of the land.

The State Central Committee, the governing body for the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, voted in Adrian Tam as their new interim Party Chair at a special meeting that was held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

Young Brothers ushers in a new era with the appointment of five female directors, enhancing its leadership team with experts in strategic initiatives, finance, human resources, marine operations and terminal operations.

The Maui Academy of Performing Arts presents its latest production, “The Lion in Winter,” with performances Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 and Dec. 14 to 17. This classic play, set during the reign of King Henry II, features Broadway veterans Paul Jackel and Peggy Harmon, along with Jefferson Davis, Shane Borge, Rocco Dahl, Mehra Park and Joseph Duncan.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea invites guests to its holiday season festivities, featuring the grand reopening of Ferraro’s Restaurant, the Love for Lāhainā Grand Tasting event, and a host of holiday experiences and celebrations.

An outreach event to reach noncitizen families with dependent children, who could be eligible for Maui Relief TANF Program benefits, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, in Lahaina.