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Evelyn Del Valle, 24, has come full circle with MEO Head Start, the preschool program offered to income eligible families, individuals in temporary shelter, foster children and others – without charge to them. She was a shy youth, who spoke mostly Spanish, when she attended the MEO Head Start program two decades ago. In May, she earned her associate degree in early childhood education.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. on Wednesday signed bills into law aimed at supporting local agriculture. The measures also seek to enhance local food production through the acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System. The legislation attempts to remove barriers to farming and enhance present and future public health and safety by increasing penalties for pesticide violations.

Police have since confirmed that hunters discovered human remains wrapped in plastic, according to Maui Police Department spokesperson Alana Pico. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Governor Josh Green, M.D., will travel to New York City from July 9-14 to attend the United Nations High-Level Political Forum and the National Governors Association 2023 Annual Meeting.

A 20-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a July Fourth fireworks incident on Hawaiʻi Island, police said.

From July 6 to July 31, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National “Empty the Shelters” will occur at more than 335 shelters in 44 states with pets available for adoption for just $50 or less, including Maui Humane Society.

Passed by the Legislature earlier this year, HB1382, now Act 54, allows nonprofits to donate wild game meat to “under-resourced” communities, including the homeless.

The missed trash pickup hotline number is 808-270-4444, and the audio recording is updated daily so county residential collection services customers can get current information.

Maui Fire Department crews responded to 20 emergency calls for fires over the Fourth of July holiday. The majority of these fires were small brush fires and rubbish bin fires which could be quickly extinguished, according to department reports; however, there were two brush fires that required response from multiple units.

Surfer-singer Landon McNamara performs his reggae hits, an O’bon dance takes place in Pāʻia, a visiting jazz group plays Django Reinhart music at a youth music benefit, and actors portray Hawaiʻi historic figures. These are among the top events happening on Maui this week. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

A brush fire located mauka of the Pi’ilani Highway burned an estimated 50 acres on Tuesday. Firefighters will remain on scene today to address hot spots.

HB960 (Act 175) places prekindergarten facilities within the authority of the DOE School Facilities Authority and transfers $200 million in general funds to the School Facilities Special fund for FY 2023-24. The funds will expand access to Pre-K to eligible children.

The shared experiences shed light on the obstacles faced by Native Hawaiians in securing suitable housing and offered valuable perspectives on how to better address these pressing issues for current and future generations of Native Hawaiians.

The Maui Council committee on Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation will reconvene July 6 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Resolution 23-146, requesting that the Conservation Planning Committee review and provide recommendations on the possible acquisition or management of certain lands for conservation purposes.

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of the State of Hawai‘i and the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit challenging state and local rules prohibiting the use of expletives on personalized license plates, finding that the relevant state and local rules are constitutional. 

This will be the state’s 23rd retail dispensing location. As of June 29, 2023, a statewide total of 33,032 medical cannabis patients, and 2,797 caregivers were registered statewide. 

The Water and Infrastructure Committee agreed on a proposal Monday to rename Puamana Beach Park in Lahaina to Puamana Cultural Preserve at Waianuʻukole.

The Maui County Council and its committees will have several meetings this week, but two committee meetings that had been scheduled for Wednesday had to be canceled due to a service outage of the digital platform that hosts the council’s meeting documents.

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation presents a unique experience of one-of-a-kind sleepovers for families at historic sites in Lahaina Town. The first sleepover of the series, Night at the Museum, takes place on Aug. 19, 2023.

In recognition of its 29th anniversary, Hula Grill Kāʻanapali will make a donation to a local hālau hula, and relaunch its popular bar menu.