In Case You Missed It

An ocean search is underway for a missing swimmer off of the “Cliffhouse” area of Kapalua in West Maui. Crews were called to the scene at 3:38 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, in response to a report of a 42-year-old California man, who was washed out in rough conditions after jumping from the rocks into the ocean.

Holiday cheer is on its way to Kapalua. All are invited to experience the magic of the festive season as The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua hosts its Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

Based on reporting from the airlines, there are no major increases in the number of flights at Hawai‘i airports compared to last Thanksgiving; however, flights are expected to be fuller, meaning the airports will be busier, especially during peak times between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The busiest travel day is expected to be Wednesday, Nov. 22, followed by Sunday, Nov. 26.

This interim DCMP is funded by the American Red Cross for 90 days and will provide 20 dedicated case managers who will be able to help support up to 700 individuals. Once finalized, the FEMA-supported DCMP will expand to provide support to all survivors for up to two years.

The Hoʻūlu Lahaina Unity Gathering aims to bring the community together in a show of support for those affected by the fires. The group is also calling on the waʻa (canoe) community across Hawaiʻi to join this effort.

Over a thousand people came out on Sunday, Nov. 19 to support Maui at the Neal Blaisdell Center on Oʻahu. Maui vendors participating in the Kōkua for Maui: Shop and Show Aloha event showcased various products from around Maui County, giving many businesses a new opportunity to sell and highlight their work. 

This Giving Tuesday, UH Foundation stands with Maui and is devoting 100% of fundraising efforts to helping the UH ‘ohana bolster Maui’s recovery following the Aug. 8 wildfires.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is notifying motorists of upcoming closures for the week of Nov. 20, on Honoapiʻilani Highway as part of the West Maui Temporary School Facilities project.  

A blessing ceremony was held Friday for the new Wailuku parking garage, as the contractor handed off the new facility to the County of Maui. The four-story, 393-stall parking structure is scheduled to open in early December.  Initially, parking will be free, with the expectation that fees will apply in the future, pending approval by the Maui County Council.

“I want to see that grow out of this situation we’re in today. Let us find the people who bind us together. Let us find the strength in our lāʻau (plants), in our community. Let us find the koʻi (adze) that define the future and shape our world as we’re going to see it; the kālaimoku (high official), the kālai waʻa (canoe carver)—all of those people. They’re in our community. I can stare into this audience and see all the individuals, and that’s what gives me comfort,” said Kaipo Kekona.

Eleven new officers joined the ranks of the Maui Police Department as the graduates of the 94rd Recruit Class. A ceremony was held Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 at the Grand Wailea – A Waldorf Astoria Resort. 

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.