Maui Discussion

On Friday, April 22, Maui Now released a survey asking its readers to share their opinions and attitudes toward current issues affecting Maui County. Survey questions included state and local topics.

Maui Now is conducting a survey focused on understanding the opinions and attitudes of its readers about Hawaii’s Safe Travels program ending, recent reports of “historic” drought conditions in Maui County, creating more housing units, the increase of national fast-food chains opening this summer, and over-tourism and its impact on Maui’s resources and infrastructure. 

Maui Now received 544 verified responses with 90% identifying as Maui County residents and 10% identifying as non-residents. A total of 86% of respondents identified as registered voters and 14% as non-registered voters.

The Maui County Council unanimously approved Friday, a resolution urging the federal government to grant Hawaiʻi a temporary waiver from the Jones Act for oil imports.

Maui Now is conducting a survey focused on understanding the opinions and attitudes of its readers about the projected rise of electric bills, gas prices, cap on transient accommodations, out-of-state Maui home buyers, and property taxes on second homes.

Governor David Ige announced that the state’s indoor mask mandate will end at 11:59 p.m. on March 25, 2022, when the current emergency proclamation on COVID-19 ends.

All of Maui County’s Public Health Emergency Rules are being repealed, effective March 1, 2022, according to an announcement by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino this afternoon.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, Maui Now released a survey asking its readers to share their opinions and attitudes toward current issues affecting Maui County. The survey questions included topics from booster shot requirements, the return of cruise ships to Maui, staff shortages, and commercial downhill bicycling tours on the roadways of Haleakalā.

Come Monday, Maui’s longstanding rule regarding proof of vaccination status to dine-in at restaurants or to visit other “high risk” businesses like bars and gyms, will be lifted as of Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Maui Now is conducting a survey focused on understanding the opinions and attitudes of its readers about booster shot requirements, cruise ships, staff shortages, and rising costs.

After jurisdiction at popular swimming spot Hāwea Point got a bit murky, Hawaiʻi Land Trust weighed in today, clarifying that a rule protects public use over a private homeowner’s attempts to encroach on the area. Further, the land trust said it requested that the homeowner’s private security guard no longer be situated at Cliff House, the rocky shoreline where people sunbathe, swim and jump.

Come Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, the “updated” vaccination records reflecting proof of having a booster, will no longer be required for these activities. County officials provided clarification, saying the booster will be recommended, not required; but a CDC card showing proof of vaccination is still required for these activities.

Come Monday, a booster shot will be required for eligible individuals in order to be considered fully vaccinated in Maui County.

In addition to the ship and balloon-type object hovering above, there was a “large jet flying low in big circles” and a submarine nearby, according to witness reports. 

The Grand Princess is the first with passengers to disembark from a cruise ship in 22 months, since the industry halt in March of 2020 amid pandemic concerns, according to Department of Transportation spokesperson Jai Cunningham.

Sen: Hirono: “…just because we don’t have armed militia members hanging from the rafters of the Senate chamber does not mean that our democracy is no longer under attack.”

“It’s 2022. This is the third calendar year that we’re dealing with COVID. And that might sound terrible and kind of depressing, but it actually can be viewed in an optimistic, positive way. And the reason for that is if you look across the history of mankind and respiratory pandemics, typically respiratory pandemics become endemic, meaning that we learn to live with them or coexist with these infections, about the third year. And this is now the third year,” said Dr. Mark Mugiishi, president and CEO of HMSA.

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor today, reflecting upon the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol and “continued threats” to American democracy. 

57% of Maui Now survey respondents are very concerned about inflation, 36% are somewhat concerned, 5% are not very concerned and 2% are not at all concerned.

Maui Now is conducting a survey focused on understanding the opinions and attitudes of its readers about inflation, employment, real estate, and coronavirus.