In Case You Missed It

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.

Maui’s Jackson Bunch (HAW) emerged victorious at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, in solid six-to-eight foot conditions over heavily-stacked fields over the weekend.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK), and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $18 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $1.9 billion, inclusive of $0.9 billion of Hawaiian Airlines net debt.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands awarded 25 pastoral lots Saturday as part of the department’s Kuleana Program. Established in 1999, the Kuleana Program was created through beneficiary consultation and is the department’s direct response to fulfilling the community’s needs and desire to be stewards of the land.

The purpose of the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is specifically to help survivors of the Maui wildfires who are not eligible for FEMA assistance. RAP will work to secure housing for up to 12 months for eligible households by connecting them with Airbnb or through the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Hawai‘i Fire Relief Housing Program.

About 40 resident volunteers with The Sewing Hui on Maui have moved on from the COVID days of making masks for the community, to a new era of community work that includes making stockings for keiki wildfire survivors and creating elaborate costumes for the Maui’s arts community.

Nearly 10 inches of rain – the highest rainfall total in the state – was recorded in United States Geological Survey’s rain gauge near Keʻanae in a 24-hour period ending at 1 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2023.

The US Environmental Protection Agency today reports it has completed its work under Phase 1 of the federal response to the wildfires in Lahaina and the Upcountry Maui communities.

A 56-year-old Kahului man suffered critical life-threatening injuries when he was ejected from a moped he was operating during a collision on Wednesday night in Waiehu.

Hawaiian Electric and developer Innergex Renewable Energy have terminated an agreement for a planned grid-scale solar and battery storage project in South Maui. According to HECO, the project was hit with lengthy delays resulting from the developer’s legal challenges and pandemic-related cost and supply-chain issues. Of five solar projects approved on Maui since 2018, only one is being built.