Maui Discussion

Gov. David Ige issued an emergency proclamation today declaring the County of Maui, which has suffered under drought conditions since March 2019, a disaster area.

Joe Biden was sworn in today as the 46th President of the United States, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris.

A reservation system is expected to begin at East Maui’s Waiʻānapanapa State Park in the second or third week of February according to state leaders who provided an update during a weekend Zoom meeting.

US Congressmen Ed Case and Kai Kahele, both of Hawaiʻi, were among those who voted to impeach the president for “inciting violence against the United States government.”

Two of Hawaiʻi’s congressional leaders have released statements calling for the removal of President Trump through impeachment.

Frustrations Surface Over Maui Restaurant and Bar Rules, and Interpretation for EnforcementFrustrations Surface Over Maui Restaurant and Bar Rules, and Interpretation for Enforcement

This week letters include an opinion that closing down would be devastating to workers and a big thank you to the 17th Christmas Tri-Star Restaurants has provided a holiday lunch.

“Remember that COVID doesn’t discriminate, and it’s possible for someone to have COVID without feeling sick or having symptoms at all. Even if you love someone and trust them, you don’t know who else they might have been spending time with.”

This week’s letters include opinions about the slower speed limit of Pi’ilani Highway, the need for a pedestrian bridge for the new Kihei High School, mask mandate viewed as too draconian, night closure of Kala Road and beautification of Maui.

Maui residents express their views in this weekʻs Letters to the Editors. Views on mask mandate — has it gone too far? Why is track still closed? Need help for rent, but federal funds not processed fast enough. And resident concerned all the life-saving cardiothoracic surgeons are leaving Maui.

Maui Now has launched a new Letter to the Editor form on its website. The purpose is to help facilitate a public platform for diverse views and opinions about issues, events and anything else related to our islands. Submissions can be completed by filling out an online Letter to the Editor form or emailing a letter to letters@mauinow.com.

Maui County Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura is urging residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for assistance.

Mayor Victorino notes that some local businesses are not qualifying for small business grant programs because they exceed revenue thresholds currently in place. “We had to set thresholds because I wanted this money to go to our small local businesses, not to some big conglomerate someplace else… we’re committed to help our local businesses, our small mom and pops wherever possible.”

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino expressed frustration with parties that were held over the holiday weekend despite continued warnings to refrain from gatherings.

The National Park Service and Haleakalā National Park launched a new webpage “Nā Wāhine o Haleakalā: Women of Haleakalā,” honoring the stories of women with impactful contributions and connections to Haleakalā. The launch of the webpage took place amid a nationwide centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment, which has given American women the right to […]

The number of COVID-19 cases at the Maui Memorial Medical Center has risen to 36 as of noon today.  Maui Health confirmed that there are 19 health care workers and 17 patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Topics covered include: thresholds for interisland travel safety, realistic time frames for the return of tourism, timing to the state’s return to school and education plans, returning to normalcy, unemployment, job loss, COVID-19 vs flu, and balancing a return of tourism with efforts to diversity the economy. 

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) Trustee-at-Large and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii’s President and CEO, Keli’i Akina, Ph.D. sits down with Pacific Media Group COO and MauiNow director, Jack Dugan to answer questions about the current state of Hawai’i’s economy. Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is an independent public policy think tank focusing on educating the […]

A string of peaceful demonstrations and paddle out events have been held over last two weeks throughout the islands.

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s executive director, Rod Antone sits down with Pacific Media Group COO and MauiNow director, Jack Dugan to answer questions about the current state of Maui’s hotel and lodging industry during the coronavirus pandemic. The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) represents Maui County’s visitor industry on policymaking and industry-related issues […]