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There were 972 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 877 on Oʻahu and 38 on Maui. There were two additional COVID-19 deaths today including one each on Maui and Kauaʻi. The latest data represents a total of 4,237 “active” cases statewide over two weeks. Maui County’s seven day average of cases peaked at 57.6 per 100,000 on Aug. 25, and has been on a steady decline since the beginning of September. Today’s seven day average on Maui is 12.6 cases per 100,000.

The green grass of Lahaina’s Campbell Park turned into a snow zone on Saturday night to the delight of hundreds of kids. Sponsored by Lahaina Restoration Foundation, the snow zone was made with 5,000 pounds of flaked ice.  

The event featured island dignitaries, holiday music, Christmas carolers, holiday decorations and a free treat bag. In the first hour of the event, approximately 155 cars and more than 500 people came through the Christmas Drive-Thru.

The Amazon-style distribution system for Maui farmers and ranchers seeks to provide fresh produce, meats, eggs and dairy mostly Grown by the Native Community.

There were 707 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Saturday, including 622 on Oʻahu. Statewide, there were 41 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Friday, including one on Maui.

Maui Health employees on Maui and Lānaʻi helped spread holiday cheer this year to more than 40 Maui County families in need through Maui Family Support Services’ Adopt-A-Family program.

Long before they decided to open their popular Satrang food truck in Haʻikū Marketplace, Harpreet and her husband Jason Murthi would play a little food game. “I love to cook and I would ask, ‘hey, would you pay for this,’” she said referring to recipes she would experiment with. Years later, the answer from both locals and visitors is a resounding “yes.”

After three full days of searching, the Maui Fire Department suspended its search for a missing snorkeler who was last seen on Tuesday afternoon in waters off of Mākena in South Maui.

The National Weather Service replaced the previously issued Flood Advisory with a Flood Warning for the island of Maui, now in effect until 5:45 p.m.

“Omicron appears to be more easily transmitted, and it appears right now that it is less virulent. But don’t be fooled into thinking it won’t affect our hospitals and our families,” said Dr. Char.

The Department of Water Supply reports that while some areas have tested clear for the presence of E coli in waterlines, there may be nearby, connected waterlines with possible contamination. Until flushing of waterlines is completed, it is advised to continue boiling water.

The state Department of Health is reporting a spike in COVID-19 cases on Oʻahu. A press briefing will be held later this morning to discuss details.

Seabury Hall celebrated its annual “Seabury Hall-iday” event over the past weekend, raising $4,800 for Maui nonprofits and charities.

The County of Maui issued a Stop Work Order to Nāpili Beach House, LLC, developer of a large single-family residence under construction in Nāpili. The home has been the subject of an ongoing dispute over its permits and size, as well as community concerns involving the height of the structure.

Fire, Ocean Safety, and USCG personnel continued searching for the snorkeler first reported missing on Tuesday afternoon. As of 3 p.m. today, there are no new developments.

The Department of Water Supply is advising Upper Kula residents and businesses from Crater Road to Kanaio to boil water before consumption. Trace amounts of E coli bacteria have been detected within the last 24 hours, and out of an abundance of caution, a boil water advisory is in effect. There was no presence of E coli in earlier water sampling.

Today’s COVID-19 case count includes about 130 cases not previously reported because a testing provider experienced an interruption with the electronic laboratory reporting system. The backlogged cases are from specimens analyzed between Nov. 28 and Dec. 13, 2021.

Hāna-based nonprofit community organization Ke Ao Hāliʻi (Save Hāna Coast), in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi, County of Maui, and Hawai‘i Land Trust, announce the purchase and protection of more than 30 acres at Makaʻalae along Maui’s Hāna coast.

Hawaiian Airlines today welcomed the first guests from Australia to touchdown in Hawaiʻi since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic after relaunching its nonstop service between Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

“In light of the incredible demands that the pandemic has imposed upon our caregivers, it was of utmost importance for us to recognize our Guardian Angels in a way that truly honored their unbelievable sacrifices and service to their patients and our community,” said Melinda Sweany, Maui Health Chief Development Officer.