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The American Federation of Government Employees has endorsed US Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case for re-election to Congress representing Hawaiʻi in the 2026 midterm election. Tokuda represents Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Neighbor Islands and rural Oʻahu. She has held that seat since 2023. Voters have until Aug. 8 to cast ballots in […]

Lahaina native Sgt. Sinoe Fatongia is competing in the US Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition in Germany for a chance to advance to the overall military finals.

Maui nonprofits will learn how to secure state Green Fee funding during a Wailuku workshop on Aug. 13. The $130 million program helps local organizations protect island resources and survive severe weather.

One property is close to getting the first recovery building permit on the iconic street, while Maui County continues working on ways to make it easier for the many commercial landowners who haven’t even started the permitting process.

State officials reported slight increases in visitor arrivals and spending for June 2026 as tourists spent more money daily but took shorter vacations across Hawaiʻi.

While usually held the first Wednesday of each month, the Lahaina Community Meeting for August was moved to the following week out of respect for the three-year mark of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires.

Grant funds totaling $150,000 have been made available for Kahului in Maui County’s fiscal year 2027 budget, which took effect July 1, Council Member Kauanoe Batangan announced Friday.  Eligible applicants include organizations seeking to “support local initiatives that enhance the quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods and respond to community-identified needs” in the Kahului residency area. More information and a list […]

Magno, who navigated the Hawaiʻi Island response to volcanic eruptions from multiple volcanoes, the COVID-19 pandemic, fires, earthquakes, tsunami warnings, hurricanes and historic kona low storms, retires effective Aug. 1.

The REALTORS Association of Maui Community Foundation (RAMCF) has awarded scholarships to 39 outstanding students from Maui County through its 2026 Presidential Scholarship program.

The University of Hawaiʻi extended its fall semester application deadline for community colleges, UH Maui College, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu to Aug. 14 to give prospective students more time to submit applications.

The US House Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved a bill deploying specialized strike teams to combat invasive species. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually, protecting native ecosystems from severe ecological damage.

Several Maui organizations among 49 throughout the state selected to receive funding and present authentic experiences for the residents and visitors from July through December.

Update: (4:49 p.m., Aug. 3, 2026) Mcclellan was located and found to be in good health. The Maui Police Department thanked the public for their assistance.

Gov. Josh Green appointed Maui affordable housing manager Laura Valenzuela to the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission on Friday. The governor also selected five other community leaders for state oversight roles, including seats on the Hawaiian Homes and Campaign Spending commissions.

The individual traveled internationally before returning to Hawaiʻi prior to getting sick. The assessment of risk of cyclosporiasis to the public in Hawaiʻi remains low.

County of Maui officials, project partners and community members gathered Thursday, July 30, 2026, to mark the groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the Lahaina Recreation Center playground, a highly anticipated project that symbolizes hope, renewal and resilience for the West Maui community.

Hawaiian Electric is monitoring high winds and dry conditions in West Maui, Ōmaʻopio and Pūlehu in Kahului, and areas of Hawaiʻi Island which may lead to an increased risk of wildfires. At this time, the company is in a Public Safety Power Shutoff “watch” condition, meaning that if weather conditions intensify in the next 24 to 48 hours Hawaiian Electric may proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk.

Grants of up to $15,000 will be available for qualifying projects, potentially covering up to 100% of project costs. Applications open Aug. 5, 2026 and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The owner of a West O‘ahu ranch contacted DLE Saturday morning to report a group of people hunting on private ranch property without permission.  The owner also reported hearing what sounded like numerous gun shots in the area where the suspected illegal hunters were located. 

A 17-year-old Lahaina male turned himself in on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in connection with the investigation of an organized retail theft of thousands of dollars in luxury items from Wailea retailers earlier in the week. He was arrested on suspicion of second-degree theft and criminal conspiracy.