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Community input invited for Nā Ala Hele Program Plan
The Nā Ala Hele Program Plan is being updated for the first time since 1991 and community members are invited to provide their input on the future of trails and access for the state. When most people enter public lands in Hawaiʻi, they do so on a trail or access road managed by Nā Ala Hele Trail & Access Program, part of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The program provides important recreational and cultural opportunities and protects historic trails.
Agricultural subdivision notice bill advances 5-2
A bill to require landowners to notify agricultural lessees before filing subdivision permits advanced out of the Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee by a vote of 5-2 on Wednesday. Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Member Kauanoe Batangan dissented.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as Director of National Intelligence
US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard has resigned from her post according to an update posted on her X account this morning.
2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Outlook calls for above-normal season with 5-13 tropical cyclones
Forecasters are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for the central Pacific basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 70% chance of an above-normal season, with at total of 5-13 tropical cyclones across the central Pacific in the forecast.
Lights, Camera, Kuleana! Hawaiʻi documentary announced as opener for 2026 Be Reel Film Festival
The 2026 Be Reel Child & Youth Film Festival kicks off with a spectacular last-minute addition to launch the four-day festival: the critically acclaimed Hawaiʻi-made documentary, “KULEANA.”
Maui Council committee advances Kaʻehu Bay purchase over Native Hawaiian family’s objections
The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee voted 6-3 Tuesday to recommend full Council approval of the county’s proposed purchase of a contested Kaʻehu Bay shoreline parcel in Waiehu, setting aside calls from a Native Hawaiian family for deferral pending further consultation.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association welcomes visitors back to Haleakalā Visitor Center
The Haleakalā Visitor Center building at Haleakalā National Park, which also houses the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store, welcomes visitors once again following a temporary closure by the park service for planned improvements and interior renovations.
Gov. Green signs bills to strengthen and protect essential public services
Gov. Josh Green signed four measures into law today to strengthen public services, support working families and improve government operations across Hawaiʻi. Together, he said, these bills reflect the state’s commitment to responsive governance and prioritizing the well-being of local communities.
Storm repair work temporarily paused on section of South Kīhei Road; Daytime closures resume May 28
Storm repair work is temporarily paused on South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street pending the delivery of materials, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works Highways Division.
Axis deer impact survey is open through June 30
The abundance of axis deer on Maui Nui continues to cause environmental, safety and economic challenges for its residents. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is asking residents of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i to participate in a short survey describing how axis deer are impacting their lives.
Councilmember Batangan’s next townhall in Maui Lani community
Council Member Kauanoe Batangan announced plans today to hold a Maui Lani townhall at 6 p.m. on June 12 at Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School to discuss progress and follow-up efforts to help area residents by his office and county agencies.
HTA launches search for new president and chief executive officer
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched its search for the leader who will guide the state’s tourism industry into a new era. The organization is now seeking applications for the position of president and chief executive officer of HTA. The application deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026.
Draft Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan available online
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is seeking public comment, following the release of its Draft Statewide Long-Range Land Transportation Plan for Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
‘Migrations’ returns to Seascape at Maui Ocean Center
“Migrations,” a curated dining experience featuring live music, immersive storytelling and multicultural dances, returns May 29 to Seascape at Maui Ocean Center.
Schatz joins in introducing legislation to help with Hawaiʻi’s doctor shortage
The need for general surgeons is especially high in rural and other under-served communities. In Hawai‘i, there is a 14% shortage in surgeons for the state overall. And on Hawai‘i Island, they have a 40% shortage, forcing many to travel off island to receive the care that they need.
Community meeting focused on Lahaina coastal and resilience, May 27
A Lahaina Community Sharing Session focused on coastal ecosystem recovery following the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires is set for Wednesday May 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center.
Maui Council panel OKs $240K in additional legal fees for wildfire litigation
The Maui County Council’s Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize an additional $240,000 in legal fees for Los Angeles-based special counsel Meyers Nave, bringing the firm’s total authorized compensation to $740,000 for work tied to litigation arising from the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
Bishop Museum’s J. Watumull Planetarium shares May 2026 Astronomical Phenomena
Educators from the Museum’s J. Watumull Planetarium note that people on Oʻahu will experience a Lahaina Noon on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and all major Hawaiian Islands will see a Blue Moon on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Haleakalā National Park Announces the Reopening of the Summit Visitor Center
On Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8 am, Haleakalā National Park will reopen the Haleakalā Visitor Center (at 10,000 foot elevation) with temporary exhibits and store merchandise. The closure was necessary to allow for repairs and improvements to the building.
Karate, culinary, ninja, and robotics camps added to Seabury Hall’s Summer Program
Four new camp offerings for students entering grades 3-9 have been added to Seabury Hall’s Summer Camp program.
