Maui Mayor Richard Bissen acknowledged: “Housing was an issue on Maui and in West Maui before Aug. 8, and it became, obviously, a bigger issue after that.” “Our duty as government is to present the other options that people have. Let’s talk of creating a land trust,” said the mayor. That was one of the topics that was also explored at the Native Hawaiian Convention.

Central Pacific Bank announced a new initiative called Meals 4 Maui, which partners with Chef Hui to provide locally sourced nutritious meals to residents impacted by the Maui wildfires, while supporting local small businesses and farmers.

Ke Ao Hāliʻi, a Hāna-based nonprofit community organization, in partnership with the County of Maui, State of Hawaiʻi, and Hawai‘i Land Trust, has completed the purchase of 8.6 acres of Hāmoa lands for permanent cultural preservation and stewardship. The County of Maui contributed $800,000 and the State of Hawaiʻi Legacy Land Conservation Program contributed $247,500 toward the purchase.

The wildfires and their destructive aftermath created a prominent backdrop in the discussions about Lahaina. Three Lahaina residents reflected on nostalgic moments as they shared their earliest memories of Lahaina. This is Part 1 in a 3 part series.

Organizers of the Kōkua for Maui program announced the upcoming shopping and craft fair events, inviting the public to extend their aloha to Maui businesses impacted by the devastating August wildfires. 

The Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation has selected EAH Housing to develop the Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Complex. The project is expected to break ground in 2027, with the first phase anticipated to be completed by 2029. The project includes a transit hub, civic center component, and 303 affordable housing units.

The Fifth Annual Hannah Brown Memorial Impaired Driving Awareness Checkpoint and holiday sign-waving event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

For entertainment this week on Maui, there are performances by the Great American Jazz Piano Competition finalist Jeff Hellmer & Friends, three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner Kevin Brown and Maui Prep actors in Beauty and the Beast, as well as a Winter Craft Fair and the 50th Maui County Senior Fair.

The Maui Police Department today identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire: Sharlene Rabang, 78, of Lahaina.

Last Thursday, State House Representative Troy N. Hashimoto was appointed by Governor Josh Green, M.D. to fill the Senate District 5 vacancy created by outgoing State Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran who resigned on Oct. 31, 2023. This appointment resulted in a seat vacancy for House District 10.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has issued a formal notice to proceed for Maui Wellness Group, LLC, dba Maui Grown Therapies after it passed its final on-site inspection for its fourth retail facility. Maui Grown Therapies’ new retail site is located at 1215 South Kīhei Road D-2 in Kīhei, and the company expects to begin sales on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Liam Moleta of Oʻahu earned this year’s title for his performance of “Aloha Nō Kahului.” Also competing were Tevita Lisiate Apina-Pacheco from Waiʻanae, O‘ahu, Antonio Robles of Wailuku, Maui, and Via Tiumalu Jr from Kīhei, Maui.

Mānoa Chocolate’s name originated from the Hawaiian word mānoa which means solid, vast and depth. Butterbaugh found this name fitting: it summed up his goal to (1) make chocolate with deep, complex flavor profiles, and (2) create a vast impact on Hawaiʻi’s agricultural and manufacturing industries.

Families with dependent children in their household, directly and indirectly impacted by the wildfires and earning less than 350% of the poverty level (which for a family of four is $120,750 annually) are eligible for the benefits.

“Although we are fortunate to have several relief fleet… we’re still in our drought season. We still are averaging about 60 wildfires a month, and so this truck will be going to work pretty quickly here… It will not lay unused,” said Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura.

Maui County has closed the job applications for administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, and will begin the selection process from 15 candidates.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee visited a site being considered for a potential multi-acre film studio in Kailua-Kona and heard updates on the local film industry for its last stop on a three-day visit on Hawaiʻi Island. Considering yesterday’s agreement reached by SAG-AFTRA and film studios, the visit’s timing proved to be especially relevant.

A groundbreaking and blessing ceremony was held Thursday morning for Hale O Piʻikea, a new 223-unit affordable rental housing development in Kīhei.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. today announced Troy Hashimoto as the Senate successor to Gil Keith-Agaran, who resigned from the post effective Oct. 31. Hashimoto said he would continue to work on key areas of affordable housing, education and health care in his new capacity.

Children and staff of Princess Nahiʻenaʻena Elementary School and Kamehameha III Elementary were treated to a Lahaina Toy Surprise and Delight event on Wednesday. The event aimed to bring joy to families impacted by the Lahaina wildfires and create a Winter Wonderland filled with surprises and delights for students and staff.