Featured
The Anatomy of a Land Development: How a Housing Proposal in Waiehu Came About
It is almost universally accepted that Maui is in dire need of more affordable housing. The Waiehu-based Hale Mahalou Ke Kahua initiative promises an ambitious solution to a pressing need.
Nov. 4, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 112 New Cases in Hawai‘i, 13 Deaths
There were 112 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Thursday. The latest data represents a total of 1,604 “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, dropping to 8.6 per 100,000 today.
Former Maui Officer Saffeels Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Public Corruption
Former Maui Police officer, Brandon Charles Saffeels, 36, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for public corruption in the form of honest services wire fraud.
Newly Selected Maui Police Chief Asks for Dedicated Recruiter, Cold Case Team, and K-9 Program
Newly selected Maui Police Chief, John Pelletier is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in on Dec. 15, 2021, and is expected to begin his new job as head of the department on the same day, according to information shared at a special meeting today of the Maui Police Commission.
Maui Public Health Rules to be Revised in Accordance with Ige’s Executive Order
Restaurants, bars and gyms with requirements for patrons to provide proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test within 48 hours, may operate up to full capacity. This consent is contingent upon social distancing and mask requirements remaining in place.
Nov. 3, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 176 New Cases in Hawai‘i, 3 Deaths
There were 176 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 13 on Maui. There were also three new COVID-19 deaths reported in Hawai‘i.
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Children Ages 5-11
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is authorizing certified vaccination providers to administer Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5-11 immediately. This authorization is consistent with recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday.
Starting Nov. 12: Eased Restrictions Outdoors at High Risk Businesses; Capacity Indoors Dependent Upon County Policy
Regarding capacity for indoor high risk activities such as restaurants, bars, and social establishments, indoor capacity is set at 50%, unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours, in which case, there will be no capacity limits. This does include gyms, as well as bars, restaurants, and social establishments.
Maui County Farm Bureau Announces 2021 Awards
This year’s winners are “Member of the Year,” Heidi Watanabe; “Farm Family of the Year,” the Hegele Family; and Mike Lyons Award, Hawaiian Electric Company.
Hawaiʻi Welcomes International Travel Under New Federal Requirements, Starting Nov. 8
The State of Hawaiʻi will welcome international travelers under the new federal requirements starting next Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.
Plaintiffs Sue Maui County and Mayor for “Houseless Sweeps” at ‘Āmala Place
A lawsuit has been filed against the mayor and County of Maui arguing that the seizure of houseless peoples’ shelters and belongings at ‘Āmala Place near Kanahā Beach Park without first providing a hearing “violated their constitutional rights.”
Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center Now Open at Whalers Village
The Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center has more than 30 exhibits about Hawaiʻi’s undersea life, whaling era, cultural values, and conservation work with contributions from several partners, including the nonprofit Will Smith Foundation that sponsored the Immersive Experience, one of the highlights of the Discovery Center. The six-minute video is screened on three walls with only the sounds from ocean animals and waves rushing to shore.
Legislation Proposes Limits on Transient Accommodations on Maui
Bills on vacation rentals in apartment districts and new hotels on Maui will be heard on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.
Maui County Transient Accommodations Tax Now in Effect
The Maui County Council unanimously passed Bill 101 last month– that creates a 3% transient accommodations tax in Maui County.
Hilton Grand Vacations’ Maui Bay Villas Unveils its First 31 Units in Soft Opening
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. announced the soft opening of its brand-new oceanfront property, Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations in Kīhei. Located on Maui’s southwest coast, the all-suite luxury resort marks HGV’s first location on the island and 10th property in Hawaiʻi.
Rancor, Rallies, Petitions and Anger: Divisiveness in the Era of COVID-19
In this era of COVID-19 and its attendant deprivations, never before has Maui seemed more like a house divided. What has led us here? Can we mend? Do we need to redefine aloha?
Mechanical Failure May Have Contributed to Deadly Kula Crash on Halloween Night
A single car crash in Kula claimed the life of a 76-year-old Kula woman on Halloween night. Police say a preliminary investigation reveals that the 1941 Ford Woody station wagon sustained a mechanical failure, which may have contributed to the crash.
Hundreds Attend Halloween Drive-Thru Adventure at Maui’s Keōpūolani Park
Hundreds of Maui families enjoyed a safe return to Halloween festivities on Sunday night at Maui Countyʻs Halloween Drive-Thru Adventure at Keōpūolani Regional Park in Kahului.
Oct. 31, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 152 New Cases in Hawai‘i, 10 Deaths
There were 152 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 22 on Maui. There were also 10 new COVID-19 deaths reported today.
Oct. 30, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 156 New Cases in Hawai‘i, 10 Deaths
There were 156 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Saturday, including 12 on Maui.
