In Case You Missed It

A contract has been secured to excavate the contaminated soil around a generator at the summit of Haleakalā where an estimated 700 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex late last month. A Pentagon official flew in to Maui on Wednesday, apologizing for the incident, and expressing embarrassment by the fact that it occurred. Full story by Wendy Osher at mauinow.com.

For years, it was commonly thought that humpback whales did not have a presence in the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. That changed in 2006, when scientists recorded a whale song remotely, but not much was known about abundance at the time A new paper reports an abundance of […]

Nearly 500 frontline healthcare workers at Maui Health System are set to begin a strike today amid a dispute in pay and failed contract negotiations.

For a list of upcoming events, concerts, shows and entertainment for Feb. 23 – March 1, find our comprehensive listing HERE.

The US Coast Guard federalized the vessel on Tuesday, which means the yacht cannot be moved until all fuel, batteries, and any other pollutants on board are removed. That process may involve a helicopter and is expected to take at least through Wednesday, according to a DLNR news release.

The owners of the luxury yacht Nakoa have hired a private contractor to salvage the vessel which grounded nearshore at Honolua Bay early on Sunday, state officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources report.

Hawai’i’s first Sonic restaurant opened today in Kahului to crowds of people, a performance by Sonic owner and award-winning Maui musician Glenn Awong of Maoli, a debut of the chain’s Hawai’i-only teriyaki burger — and new local celebrity Frank Barbosa. Barbosa, who’s from Maui, gained popularity in 2020 when he was first in line at Jollibee’s opening in Kahului. Since then, he’s been first in line at subsequent fast-food openings Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s and now Sonic. “I’m 4-0,” Barbosa said.

An informational Open House on the Hawaiian cultural center in Wailuku, called “Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art,” will be held on Monday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Maui Academy of Performing Art’s Promenade Food Court located at 2050 Main Street in Wailuku. 

A vessel has run aground at Honolua Bay on Maui, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources has confirmed.

Since ‘Aha Pūnana Leo started 40 years ago in 1983, its founders and board of directors have demonstrated a vision of “E Ola Ka ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i” (the Hawaiian language shall live on) to lay a foundation for school systems and communities to carry out their everyday life in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. 

The leader of Maui’s new manapua shop — Happy Opu — takes the snack very seriously. After all, the savory or sweet treat is one of the main comfort foods to come from Hawai’i’s ethnic and cultural melting pot.

In recognition of Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language Month), community organizations hosted Ola Ka ʻĪ Maui Nui at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center on Maui, Saturday. 

Mental health clinicians represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente on a three-year contract. This is expected to bring to an end a nearly six-month strike.

Nearly 500 frontline healthcare workers at Kaiser’s Maui Health System have voted to strike in dispute over pay. Maui Health says it continues to negotiate in good faith and hopes to reach an agreement soon.

Although some counties saw a drop in home prices at the start of the new year, Maui County was the only one in the state to exceed a $1 million median for single-family homes.

The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course in Kahului has been chosen to host local qualifying for the US Open. On Wednesday, April 26, hopefuls from around the state and the country will converge in Kahului in an attempt to earn a spot to compete with the world’s best golfers at this year’s US Open.

Hawaiʻi’s very first SONIC Drive-In opens on Maui, Monday Feb. 20, 2023. The opening will feature the debut of the new SONIC Teriyaki Burger, developed exclusively for the Maui drive-in in partnership with the Aloha Shoyu Company.

“The fact that they would ask for funding to cover the plan and design for the grade-separated crossing instead of funding the entire project will set us back another five years,” said Sen. McKelvey.  “This is unconscionable, considering this school has been in the works for the past ten years. It is a travesty that this money was taken from our children and used to fund a DOT project when they have their own budget,” he said.

Adventure cyclist Conor O’Brian will undertake a nearly 200-mile expedition around the entire island of Maui in support of Imua Family Services.

While some got a laugh out of a new Pāʻia road sign that mocks hippies, longtime area residents said it’s derogatory and divisive during a time when the historic town needs help.