Maui News
Giant clams thrive in American Sāmoa under indigenous management
Giant clam populations in American Sāmoa are far more stable and abundant than previously thought thanks to the help of local villages, according to a new study led by researchers at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology ToBo Lab. The research found that marine areas managed by local villages consistently supported higher clam densities […]
Volcano Watch — ‘It’s a twister! Or is it?’ unraveling Kīlauea’s volcanic whirlwinds
Often spotted by onlookers in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, or even by YouTube livestream viewers, the long, ashy gray or brown, ropy cloud-like structures tend to appear near or downwind of active lava fountains. But what is it that we’re actually seeing? Twisters? Tornadoes? Whirlwinds? Lava-nadoes? Vol-nadoes? Tephra-nadoes?
Kīhei student helps remote island school through recycling
A Kīhei fifth grader is turning recyclable cans and bottles into learning opportunities and joy for students on a remote island 3,000 miles away.
UH Mānoa: ‘Analogue’ is Hawaiʻi’s 2025 Word of the Year
In an AI-driven era, Hawaiʻi’s 2025 Word of the Year contrasts human-centered “analogue” thinking with concerns over AI-generated “slop.”
Households reminded to use $250 in state food support benefits before they expire
Any unused Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program balance cannot be carried over or reissued in 2026 and will be expunged at the end of the year.
HOKU PAC launches to support māhū and LGBTQIA+ representation in Hawaiʻi politics
A new political action committee aimed at expanding representation and advancing civil rights in Hawaiʻi was formally launched today, coinciding with the third anniversary of the federal Respect for Marriage Act.
Photos recall early Oʻahu Christmas tradition as archivists search for mystery man
Over a century ago, three malihini (newcomers) organized a gift giveaway for thousands of Oʻahu’s underprivileged children that would, for seven years, become a beloved island tradition. It was called The Malihini Christmas Tree and three visitors staying at the Young Hotel in 1908 started it. This program ran for seven years.
Residents across Big Island mourn the loss of beloved, dedicated emergency physician
In the wake of the tragic Cristmas Eve accident, Hawaiʻi lost an esteemed emergency physician, Dr. Judy Fitzgerald, who left an indelible mark on patients and colleagues across the island.
‘Never too late to make a change’: 71-year-old earns bachelor’s degree from UH Hilo
Theresa Chang completed an incredible journey from addiction to academic success, accepting her bachelor of arts degree in communication from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo during the Dec. 20 fall commencement ceremony.
Hawaiʻi cleared to draw down federal funds for statewide broadband expansion
Hawaiʻi will begin drawing down federal infrastructure funds to ensure universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, following official approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Hawaiʻi’s Green Fee survives legal challenge, takes effect Jan. 1
Hawaiʻi’s Green Fee will go into full effect on Jan. 1, 2026, after a majority of legal claims challenging Act 96 were dismissed, the state Department of the Attorney General announced.
DCCA launches new centralized phone number to improve public access and service
The new number brings multiple DCCA divisions onto a unified call center platform, improving call routing, case tracking, and consumer support. This effort is part of the department’s broader modernization initiative to streamline how the public interacts with state services.
Wailuku man, last seen Dec. 10, reported missing by concerned family member
The Maui Police Department requests the public’s help with any information on the whereabouts of Alvin Jardine, 56, of Wailuku.
Livestream of Kīlauea eruption shows 2 men walking through volcano’s restricted area
On the one-year anniversary of Kīlauea’s rare episodic eruption, viewers watching the live feed at the summit were shocked to see two men walk in front of the camera that is in a restricted area.
State Land Board approves final EIS for Kaheawa Wind 1 continued use for 20 years
The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources has accepted a final environmental impact statement for Kaheawa Wind Power LLC’s application to keep its 20 wind-power generators operating above Māʻalaea for another two decades. In November, the operator of Maui’s oldest wind farm completed a final environmental impact statement as part of its request for a 25-year […]
KaiAloha Supply donates $9K to keiki-focused nonprofits on Maui and Oʻahu
KaiAloha Supply recently supported keiki-focused nonprofits through its third annual Holiday Keiki Toy Drive, dedicating over $9,000 in toy budgets to 10 organizations on Maui and Oʻahu, the company announced this week.
Summer ocean blooms studied with satellite imagery
A team of oceanographers led by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has published a study providing the first comprehensive look at the anatomy of massive microbial blooms that appear nearly every summer in the Pacific Ocean north of Hawai‘i. For years, the origins of these vast swirls of color, as visible from space, remained […]
2026 budget informational briefing schedule set by state Senate Ways and Means panel
The purpose of the briefings is to ensure public dollars are being spent responsibly and on priorities that meet the needs of Hawai’i’s residents prior to the start of the legislative session.
Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection reaches $6 million settlement with PayPal
The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection has reached a $6 million settlement with PayPal Inc. and PayPal Holdings Inc.
Hawaiʻi Senate Majority appoints Sheryl Turveville as Director of Communications
The Hawaiʻi Senate Majority today announced that Sheryl Turbeville has joined the Senate Majority as Communications Director.
