The Hawaiʻi Department of Health released data today showing elevated levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, cobalt, and copper in wildfire ash collected in Lahaina.  The Lahaina data validates that the primary contaminant of concern is arsenic, a heavy metal that adheres to wildfire dust and ash. Department officials say this finding reinforces the need to diligently follow recommendations to reduce potential exposure.

Renewable energy projects on Maui include: Three solar-plus-storage projects and one wind project totaling approximately 324 GWh of variable generation, and 320 MWh of storage.

In the spirit of hope and community resilience, The Salvation Army’s “Magical Maui Christmas” event brought warmth and love to over 2,000 Maui wildfire survivors. The event took place at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on Dec. 9, 2023, with the goal of creating a memorable Christmas experience for survivor families to uplift their spirits and bring some much-needed holiday joy. 

Discover the revitalized charm of Upcountry’s Surfing Goat Dairy as it gears up for a grand reopening on Dec. 16, 2023, ushering in an era of enhanced visitor experiences and new efficiency for the farm.

The newly sworn in firefighters include: Curtis Abafo-Briones, Kai Adachi, Jonovan-Taje Akaka, Dane Andersen, Christian Balthazar-Chang, Jameson Fafard-Keuma, Noah Galvin, Jacob Gifford, Kyle Hayashi, David Isenmann, Jason Mangonon, Blake Nunes, Ian Stevens, Chandler Wade and Bryce Yoshida.

The winning apps developed by high school students addressed women’s safety, focused on Maui fire recovery, and a developed encryption software.

In the spirit of bringing some Christmas joy to students affected by the wildfires in Lahaina, retired nurse Linda Higgins of Los Gatos, Calif., led a project to deliver hundreds of handmade Christmas stockings, stuffed with candy and small presents.

A Makawao man suffered fatal injuries in a crash reported early Friday morning on the Haleakalā Highway.

The Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaiʻi announced the donation of surfboards to the 22 Lahainaluna High School and Maui Preparatory Academy surf team members and coaches who lost their homes and belongings in the August fire that destroyed Lahaina Town.

Two Maui community emergency hubs that have been supporting the needs of those harmed by the wildfire disaster are now partnering with Kupu: The Kāʻanapali Hub and Nāpili Hub are now able to provide paid positions via Kupu while they continue to meet the urgent needs of their community. As the initial phase of this partnership, Kupu’s EŌ Maui has 15 participants on payroll between the two hubs.  

An estimated 200 affordable rentals are under construction in Lahaina as part of the Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia project, which includes Hawaiʻi’s very first Bezos Academy preschool. 

The Mālama ‘Āina Project’s primary goals are to heal, empower, and inspire the community while restoring proper ecology in the foothills above Lahaina. The project seeks to reduce the likelihood of wildfires and give back to the community.

This week on Maui is an incredible lineup of music, with Mr. Las Vegas crooner Wayne Newton, C&K’s Henry Kapono in a 50th Anniversary of the duo and Grammy winner Kalani Pe’a with Maui Pops. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green today delivered an address marking one year in office. In his address, he highlighted issues and efforts to address affordable housing, education, tourism, red hill, gun violence, healthcare and Maui’s recovery following the Aug. 8 wildfires.

Nā Mamo Aloha ‘Āina o Honokōhau, a Honokōhau-based nonprofit organization, in partnership with the County of Maui and Hawai‘i Land Trust (HILT), has completed the purchase of 1.447 acres on Honokōhau Bay in Kā‘anapali, Maui. The parcel is permanently protected for cultural enrichment, stewardship, ‘āina-based education, and traditional agriculture.

The Salvation Army is calling for the community’s support as they prepare for a heartwarming event, “Magical Maui Christmas,” set to take place on Dec. 9, 2023, at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. The event aims to uplift and bring holiday joy to over 2,000 wildfire survivors by providing them with a memorable Christmas experience.

Imua Family Services is planning a new preschool in Wailuku for children displaced by the August wildfires on Maui.

Time is winding down for homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA disaster assistance if they had damage or losses to their property from the August wildfires on Maui. Applicants may also seek approval for a disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration, a FEMA partner in Maui’s recovery. For both federal agencies, the deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 11.

The three individuals whose names were sent to the governor for consideration are: Timothy Scott Lara (left), Local entrepreneur, and community leader; Leslee D. Matthews (middle), Social worker and Local Attorney; and Tyson K. Miyake (right), former Chief of Staff to Mayor Victorino.

The Snow Zone is made from 5,000 pounds of flaked ice, so shoes or rain boots are recommended. There is a timed entry and the area is restricted to keiki 12 years and younger.