In Case You Missed It

Bishop Pahia has been a “lifeline” for more than a thousand inmates released from jail and prison during his 15 years with Maui Economic Opportunity’s Being Empowered and Safe Together (BEST) program, which helps these men and women rejoin the community. The former corrections officer at Maui Community Correctional Center is retiring from MEO.

On Wednesday night, members of the Upcountry community gathered to discuss a possible public-private partnership aimed at incrementally building one to four water wells in Kula, Maui.

With more than 3,000 wildfire displaced residents on Maui still living in hotels, Gov. Josh Green says there are enough units available now through rental and direct lease programs that he expects to have the remaining residents transitioned out to longer-term solutions by July 1, 2024.

After receiving overwhelming community support and interest from potential buyers, Home Maid Bakery will remain open indefinitely and not close at the end of this month as previously announced.

The dedication and blessing of the temporary campus for Kamehameha III Elementary School, makai of Kapalua Airport, was a milestone for the community of Lahaina on Monday as residents took another step in recovering from the August wildfires.

“This year in response to recovery efforts, and the creation of three new departments and one new division, we’re facing a $429.2 million increase to the FY 2025 budget,” said Mayor Bissen. “This is 33.9% increase from last year’s council approved budget of $1.268 billion. This is due in large part to the new revenue streams addressing our emergency recovery needs.”

In response to the devastating Maui wildfires in 2023, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture students are learning to digitally restore individual buildings in Lahaina using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual 3D modeling and artificial intelligence (AI).  Some of the buildings students have been designing in mixed reality include Wo Hing Society Hall, Masters Reading Room, Baldwin House and Old Lahaina Courthouse.

Maui fire crews battled a structure fire in the light industrial area of Kīhei Saturday night near the wastewater plant, fire officials said.

Maui County Council members moved quickly Friday morning to give the first of two approvals for the county to launch eminent domain condemnation proceedings in 2nd Circuit Court. The court action would help the county get legal access to a nearly 20-acre former quarry site for the final disposal of toxic ash and debris from the Lahaina wildfire.

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday morning to an intergovernmental agreement for the state to purchase the 6.2-acre Haggai Institute for affordable long-term rental housing.

Commissioners credited Chief Ventura for successfully managing equipment upgrades, recruitment and retention of employees, oversight of capital improvement projects, spearheading the department’s wellness program, collaborating with nonprofits for enhanced emergency response, and effective problem solving.

A controversial bill to establish a nine-member Lele Community District Board for decision-making in rebuilding Lahaina has passed the state Senate, but it will not advance in the House, according to West Maui Rep. Elle Cochran.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has launched “Mākaukau Maui,” a campaign that aims to revitalize Maui’s economy in the aftermath of last year’s devastating wildfires. Apart from the fire-affected areas of Lahaina Town, the campaign signals that Maui is ready to welcome visitors back to the island.

Members of the Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee received a presentation Wednesday on conceptual plans for the 1,600-unit Hoʻonani Village multifamily rental and commercial complex in Puʻunene.

The Lahainaluna High School once provided fruit, vegetables and livestock produce to its students and community. Its vast agricultural grounds received a manicure from local students, organizations and volunteers on Wednesday, bringing the school one step closer to its goal of replanting Lahaina.

Maui police arrested four individuals for charges related to internet-facilitated sexual offenses against children during Operation Keiki Shield 22, which took place between Thursday March 14, and Sunday, March 17, 2024.

After hearing impassioned pleas Tuesday from Lahaina wildfire survivors for quick action in a proposed eminent domain condemnation, Maui County Council members struggled to pin down the property owner on what it would take, or cost, for the county to acquire the nearly 20-acre quarry for final disposal of toxic ash and debris.

Maui’s own Kamalei Kawaʻa wowed judges last night on NBC’s “The Voice” once again during an iconic duet with Oʻahu “sweetheart” Gabriel Goes, taking Kawaʻa to the next round of the national singing competition.

For the first time ever, the internationally acclaimed ensemble will bring a show to the shores of Waikīkī on a permanent basis, delivering the experience at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel debuting in late 2024. The show will introduce Cirque du Soleil’s artistry to Hawai‘i through the guidance and vision of a distinguished group of Native Hawaiian creatives. 

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez confirms the Phase One report on the independent investigation into the Maui wildfires will be released on April 17, 2024.