In Case You Missed It

For entertainment this week on Maui, there’s the Maui Veterans Day Invitational Kayak Clash, the 21st Annual Falsetto Contest, a free performance by The Voice contestant Jason Arcilla, debuts of Makana’s song “Lahainalalo,” and a recital by classical pianist Mahana Teave as part of a Wildfire Benefit Concert Series.

Officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers tell Maui Now that the $53.7 million base contract covers all the utilities, terracing, installation of the modular facilities and the first 6 months of leasing the buildings.

The World Surf League 2023/2024 Big Wave season is officially open. This Big Wave season will feature events at two iconic locations: the TUDOR Jaws Big Wave Challenge at Peʻahi on Maui in the Hawaiian Islands; and the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge in Nazaré, Portugal.  The holding period to run the competition at Nazaré opens today, and Peʻahi starts on Nov. 10. Both events’ holding periods close on March 31, 2024.

In the spirit of giving and community support, The Salvation Army is partnering with Walmart on Maui for the upcoming “Maui County’s AngelTree Distribution” event, set to take place at the store’s special Winter Wonderland scene on Nov. 18 and 19, 2023.

Lahainaʻs four public schools will be closed on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, out of an abundance of caution due to the Red Flag Warning in effect for all leeward areas of Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island.

Researchers from the UH Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology Shark Research Lab captured underwater video of a 30-foot whale shark feeding a mile off Kāneʻohe Bay near Kualoa Ranch.

The pin, named after the Hawaiian phrase “Mālama Maui,” signifying “Caring for Maui,” hopes to offer solace to residents while providing guidance for visitors. Its fundamental purpose is to establish a supportive environment for residents by offering a visual cue to visitors, signifying the importance of refraining from inquiring about the experiences of Maui residents, thus respecting their privacy.

The Federal Housing Administration has extended current foreclosure protections for borrowers in Maui County to assist those impacted by the August wildfires. Under the protection, mortgage servicers will be prohibited from initiating or completing foreclosure actions through May 6, 2024.

World Plate and Paniolo Grill are now open for lunch and welcoming back the campus community and the Maui community at large to Pā‘ina Market.

Due to low surface water flow and lack of rainfall amid drought conditions, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply is advancing the Stage 1 water shortage to a Stage 2 water shortage for the Upcountry service area on Nov. 8, 2023.

Josh Jerman of Hawaiʻi Life Real Estate Brokers is once again offering the Josh and Souk Jerman Foundation Scholarship to encourage college-bound students to use their education to benefit Maui County.

After staff gave updates on Māla Wharf, Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, and Kāʻanapali commercial activities, they fielded questions and comments from more than 200 people.

Recent sightings of lasers in and around Kahului and Kapalua Airport were reported and documented in the past week. Pilots landing at the airports have experienced a green laser illuminating their aircraft while on approach to land. Neighborhoods with reported incidents include: Kahului, Kapalua, Kīhei, and Nākālele.

The Maui Police Department today identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire: Lee Rogo, 76, of Lahaina. There are now 98 people publicly identified of the 99 known fatalities.

For entertainment this week on Maui, multiple Grammy winner George Kahumoku and Jazz Maui are back in West Maui, the 10th annual Made-in-Maui Festival features more than 125 vendors and the University of Maui College hosts an Arts & Resilience event and Touch a Truck for kids. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

The Maui Police Department today announced the establishment of a dedicated Cold Case Detail with a primary focus on unsolved homicides and missing persons cases.

An assessment conducted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health identified the greatest needs of Lahaina residents affected by the wildfires and evaluated the impact on their physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: GRAPHIC CONTENT (Police body camera footage contains profanity). “There’s been multiple narratives about what took place on the day of those fires. This body worn camera footage makes it very clear and convincing that the Maui Police Department—the men and women of MPD—went above and beyond, and their actions reflect the finest tradition of this noble profession,” said Chief Pelletier.

While monetary contributions and fundraisers have been helpful, the Kōkua for Maui program offers the public a chance to connect with individuals and businesses and create an added economic boost.

The collection of wooden collectable ornaments will feature participating Maui businesses and will be available for purchase starting on Nov. 3, 2023 on the HI Biz website. Organizers say 50% of the sales from these ornaments will be channeled directly to the affected businesses, aiding their efforts to recover and rebuild.