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The Hawai‘i Department of Health has detected additional COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant bringing the statewide total of Omicron cases to 50. Forty-nine of the 50 cases are on O‘ahu. The source and location of the remaining case is still being investigated, but health officials say it is reasonable to believe Omicron may be present on the neighbor islands.

The number of travelers this holiday season may approach pre-pandemic counts. There are a total of 1,200 public parking stalls available at Kahului Airport on Maui.

Residents of Naʻalae, Waipoli, Polipoli and Middle roads, Kula Highway at Kēōkea, Thompson Road and ʻUlupalakua advised to continue boiling water as a precaution against bacteria.

Teams organized by the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency were scheduled to inspect at least seven sites on Maui on Monday, including damage to the Pi’ilani Highway and the Kula State Forest Reserve.

There were 840 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 742 on Oʻahu and 42 on Maui. Today’s seven day average on Maui ticked up to 16.5 cases per 100,000.

The Maui Financial Opportunity Center, launched as a public-private partnership between Maui County, Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets, has reached its first-year goal of working with more than 1,000 local families to improve financial stability in order to qualify for affordable housing.

Hawai‘i will receive $224,069,212 in federal funding to improve the state’s roads, bridges, and highways and implement strategies to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Maui police are investigating the death of a Kīhei woman who was reported as unresponsive on a dive boat Sunday afternoon.

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.