In Case You Missed It

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, a County of Maui park at the base of ‘Īao Valley State Monument, remains closed to the public due to safety hazards while storm-related repairs are underway.

The DLNR Division of State Parks will begin critical upgrades to the pedestrian bridge crossing Wailuku River at ʻĪao Valley State Monument on April 27, 2026. The work will continue through June 26, 2026.

The two-day forum is being held in Lahaina, which continues to recover following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires. The idea behind the gathering was to bring people with expertise to share their experience and take best practices away, or identify areas to improve.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced today that she will not seek re-election to a second term. In a statement, Luke said, “This weekend, after a long discussion with my family and close friends, I decided not to seek re-election to a second term as Lieutenant Governor.”

Some farmers say they won’t know how bad the damage is until they see how their storm-impacted trees fare when harvest time rolls around.

The Hyatt Regency Maui says it needs to shore up the beach after last month’s Kona storm swept away much of the sand, but community members say it will lead to more beach loss.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation was joined by emergency responders and volunteers in a triennial emergency exercise at Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui on Friday, April 17.

A dedication ceremony was held Friday for the Puʻunēnē Avenue Improvements Project in Kahului. The nearly $26 million project, which covered 7/10 of a mile, converted the two lane road into a four lane roadway near the intersection with the Kūihelani Highway, effectively easing congestion and creating a safer, more accessible route.

The Maui Police Department is requesting a $12.2 million budget increase next fiscal year, or 11.6% more than this year, to address staffing shortages and modernize public safety technology across Maui County.

The Maui High School robotics team 2443 Blue Thunder made history at the FIRST Robotics Competition Denver Regional, capturing the Regional Championship title and earning a coveted spot at the World Championships in Houston, Texas.

Local farmers told Maui County Council members Thursday that the government is falling short of providing island agriculture the help needed to sustain operations. Representatives of the Maui Humane Society also warned that the island’s only open-admission shelter is facing a “perfect storm” of rising costs and record demand.

The kāne of Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua, under the direction of Kumu Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV won the overall title at the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, in Hilo Hawaiʻi. In an interview at the end of the broadcast, Kaʻupu, who was at a loss of words, said he was in “shock,” but also “grateful and humbled.”

Kahiko night at the Merrie Monarch Festival featured hula in the ancient style with 29 groups performing Friday night in the annual competition in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The festival continues tonight with ʻauana or modern hula, followed by results from the 63rd event.

With another storm system bearing down on the Hawaiian Islands, the Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee focused its fiscal year 2027 review Wednesday on addressing emergency resilience and the future of the island’s water infrastructure.

Faith Kealohapauʻole Paredes was named Miss Aloha Hula 2026 at the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Thursday night at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group has announced the launch of its new “House to Home Program,” an initiative designed to help wildfire survivor families transition from newly rebuilt houses into comfortable, livable homes.

A verdict has been reached in the trial of a Maui doctor. The jury deliberated about 8 hours before coming to a unanimous decision at around 2:18 p.m., finding the defendant guilty of attempted manslaughter based on severe mental or emotional disturbance. This is a lesser charge than the second degree attempted murder allegations brought against him.

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.

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.

*****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.