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Human Concerns and Parks departments present fiscal 2027 budget plans

Maui County departments presented budget proposals for fiscal year 2027 that prioritize rebuilding fire-damaged facilities in West Maui and expanding social services for the island’s aging population.

Hawaiʻi launches first high school surfing state championship

The inaugural season will culminate in the state championship, scheduled for May 1-2 at Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Maui’s north shore. A total of 174 student-athletes will qualify for the championship meet, representing the top surfers from across the islands.

Jury deliberations begin, trial nears end for Maui doctor accused of trying to kill wife during hike on Oʻahu

*****Disclaimer/Graphic Content: Discretion is advised due to graphic and violent content.*****. The trial for a Maui doctor accused of trying to kill his wife while on a hike on O’ahu last year, nears completion as closing arguments wrapped, and jury deliberations began on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.  

Maui oceanfront condo damaged by 2025 flood did not survive 2026 storm. Owners association blames county inaction

The Kīhei Kai Oceanfront Condos said it would not have suffered the catastrophic loss of a building if Maui County had addressed three issues regarding an undersized bridge, permits and flood development violations.

La‘akea Village kicks off ‘ambitious’ 4-year goal to build homes for adults with developmental disabilities

La’akea Village has wanted to build housing since it was created in 2000 but hasn’t had the capacity to carry out a project until now, the head of the organization said.

Nā Hale O Maui breaks ground on seven affordable homes in Kahului

Nā Hale O Maui blessed a new project Wednesday in Kahului that will bring seven permanently affordable four-bedroom homes to local families through a unique community land trust model.

Maui doctor accused of attempted murder for attack on wife, takes stand in defense

A Maui anesthesiologist accused of attempted murder for the alleged attack on his wife during a hike on Oʻahu last year, took the stand in his own defense on Wednesday.

Class of 2026 high school graduation ceremonies scheduled

The Hawai‘i State Department of Education has announced graduation ceremony dates, times and locations for the Class of 2026. A list of statewide commencement celebrations is included below.

Wailuku Water Co.’s damaged system has left farmers without water. Who will repair it?

Maui County says Wailuku Water Co. should fix system damage caused by storms, but the private utility said it is financially strapped and that the county county could do the work faster under the governor’s emergency proclamation.

Legacy Land Conservation Grants awarded to five projects on Maui and Molokaʻi

The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources approved recommendations from the Legacy Land Conservation Commission and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife to award up to $7 million in state grants for five conservation projects across Maui and Molokaʻi.

Hawaiʻi Community Lending revives Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund after storms

Initially created to address the needs of the Leialiʻi community in Lahaina after the August 2023 fire, the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund aims to preserve the security of Native Hawaiian households on Hawaiian Home Lands, helping them achieve generational housing stability. 

Displaced by storm damage, over 100 Kula Hospital patients cope with separation between Maui, O‘ahu facilities

Eight of the nine residents at Kula Hospital’s Hale Makamae, a facility for developmentally disabled individuals, had to be moved off island.

Neighboring islands show aloha as donations pour in to Moloka‘i to aid storm cleanup of homes, fishponds

Lahaina residents returned the favor after the Moloka’i community was among the first to respond with boatloads of emergency supplies after the fires.

Target Maui reopens March 30; Donates $25K to Maui Food Bank after historic floods

After closing due to flooding from the kona low storm, Target’s Maui store in Kahului is set to reopen Monday, March 30, as recovery efforts continue across the island.

Economist warns council of vulnerable economy ahead of budget deliberations

University of Hawaiʻi economist Carl Bonham warned Maui County Council members Wednesday that a stagnant job market and a precarious reliance on wealthy tourists leave the county vulnerable as it begins annual budget deliberations.

County departments offer residential debris removal options and tips

In the aftermath of the recent kona storms, the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Department of Public Works, Maui Emergency Management Agency and Office of Recovery are mobilizing resources to assist residents with residential property cleanup, including picking up debris for kūpuna or others physically unable to self-haul debris.

MFD suspends search for woman swept away in flooding at ʻĪao

The Maui Fire Department, in consultation with the Maui Police Department, suspended the search for the 71-year-old woman, who reportedly slipped into the Wailuku (ʻĪao) River near the Waiehu bridge on Saturday morning.

Second Kona low storm showed flood risks in Lahaina’s fire-bared landscape

Residents say more a new flood control project and better stormwater management is sorely needed.

Governor submits request for Presidential Disaster Declaration following devastating kona low storms

Gov. Josh Green has submitted a formal request to the President of the United States for a Major Disaster Declaration to support statewide recovery efforts, following two consecutive kona low storm systems that caused widespread damage across Hawaiʻi.

Draft EIS published for Hoʻonani Village development in Puʻunēnē

The Maui Planning Commission called for an environmental impact review for the proposed 1,608-unit Hoʻonani Village development in Puʻunēnē, and developers have delivered a draft study with public comments due May 7. The state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development published the three-volume document Monday, initiating a 45-day public review period for the project planned […]
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