In Case You Missed It

More than 100 youth and administrators from three local nonprofits gathered at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center on Dec. 18 as the guests of honor of Ledcor Maui. The festive event was the culmination of a month-long gift drive by Ledcor Maui called Makana no nā Keiki (Gifts for Children), which raised $100,000 for Maui youth. 

State and federal responders have completed recovery and removal operations in or adjacent to Lahaina Harbor. The US Army Corps of Engineers will conduct final disposition of fire-damaged vessels and incident-generated debris removed during harbor operations.

In the wake of the challenges posed by the wildfires, Maui Public Art Corps collaborated with students across the region to channel their emotions and reflections into a powerful visual representation of unity and strength. “The result is a vibrant collection of drawings that encapsulate the indomitable spirit of the Maui community,” organizers said.

The Sentry announced a complimentary ticket program in partnership with SERVPRO for first responders on Maui. The initiative aims to offer a day of community spirit to acknowledge the service and commitment of these workers following the Aug. 8 wildfires. Local first responders are invited to The Plantation Course at Kapalua from Jan. 4-7 for the PGA TOUR’s season-opening event.

Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center opened a new exhibit honoring the legacy of Lānaʻi’s Japanese community. Kodomo no tame ni (translated as for the sake of the children) features more than 30 artifacts and 25 photos from its vast archive, offering a first-hand glimpse of pieces from the island’s Japanese families.

The County of Maui aims to make it easier for residents to request and receive public records in accordance with Hawai’i law, thanks to software technology modernization, the county Department of the Corporation Counsel announced today.

There are two public aerial fireworks displays planned in Maui County this year–in South Maui at the Grand Wailea Resort, and at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at 1 Mānele Bay Road. Both displays begin at approximately 11:59 p.m., New Yearʻs Eve, Dec. 31, 2023.

In preparation for Phase 2, in which the US Army Corps of Engineers will support the Maui County Consolidated Debris Removal Program, USACE will conduct night work for 18 nights (excluding Christmas) at the temporary debris containment site being constructed in Olowalu.

Approximately 16 tons of illegal fireworks were seized in a shipping container late last week in Honolulu as part of enforcement efforts conducted by the state’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force.

Nearly two years after conservationists believed all seven kiwikiu birds translocated to the Nakula Natural Area Reserve on Maui had died, a single honeycreeper from the group was located and confirmed to be alive.

With ongoing recovery efforts and an estimated 6,000 people still in search of longer-term living arrangements, greater emphasis is being placed on encouraging property owners to offer their available units as long-term housing for survivors and their families.

This week on Maui, some Lahaina top entertainers and chefs hold a Wailea benefit for Maui wildfire survivors, a free Keiki Christmas Carnival takes place in Kaʻanapali, time for another Kīhei 4th Friday, and Kanekoa performs a holiday concert “Make Any Kine Christmas.” Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

An estimated four acres of brush burned in an afternoon fire along the Maui Veterans Highway west of the Maui Raceway Park between Kahului and Kīhei on Tuesday.

Grand Wailea hosts an intimate sunset performance and evening of music for all ages on Friday, Dec. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. The festivities will begin with music by Hawaiian reggae band Inna Vision, followed by a special performance from NBC-TV’s “The Voice” Season 24 contestant Jason Arcilla of Maui, as well as fellow contestant Kaylee Shimizu of Oʻahu.

The state Department of Transportation will be conducting road work this week that will result in lane closures at various locations. Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. 

The session, planned for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, will be held at The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kāʻanapali Honokahua and Honokeana Room, 2365 Kāʻanapali Parkway on Maui. Registration for the event, which will also be broadcast via Zoom, must be completed by Dec. 20.

Maui Bicycling League partnered with the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League, Sovereignty Bike Company from Kauaʻi, and Young Brothers to fulfill the wishes of over 80 kids who requested bikes for Christmas.

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Kahului Target Store, Child and Family Services, and various first responders brought holiday cheer to children who were impacted by the recent Lahaina wildfires at its first-ever “Target’s Heroes and Helpers” event held Saturday on Maui.

Santa Claus—in the guise of longtime Maui businessman Richard Dan—gave away hundreds of ʻukulele on Saturday to children at Lahaina schools who lost their homes in the August wildfires.

There will be an alternating, single lane closure on Keawe Street/Lahaina Bypass (Route 3000), from Sunday, Dec. 17, through Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, as contractors replace drain lines across the highway that were damaged in the Lahaina wildfires.