Maui News
Two Pilots Rescued from Downed Aircraft Off Lāna‘i; Witness From Another Plane Describes Seeing the Distressed Craft Hitting the Water
Two pilots of a downed airplane off Lānaʻi were rescued by the Coast Guard on Saturday evening. “We saw the plane hit the water. We were about 1,200 feet at the time while following them,” a witness tells Maui Now.
Hawai‘i Awaits National Guidelines on use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
The US Food and Drug Administration today granted Emergency Use Authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccination.
Island Energy/Texaco in Hawai‘i Donates $40,000 to American Red Cross
Island Energy Services, LLC donated $40,000 to the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region as part of its ongoing support of the organization’s humanitarian mission “to prevent and respond to life-threatening situations and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.”
Volcano Watch — When Will Mauna Loa Erupt Next?
“When will Mauna Loa erupt next?” This was the title of a Volcano Awareness Month video presentation released by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in January 2021. This was also the topic of discussion among HVO scientists last week following the detection of slight changes in ground deformation and seismicity at the summit of Mauna Loa.
Update: Revisions to SBA Paycheck Protection Program
To give the smallest businesses a chance to secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, the Biden administration has announced that from Feb. 24, 2021 to March 10, 2021, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees may apply for a PPP loan.
106 Additional COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i: Higher Case Count Partially Due to Lab Reporting Issue on Maui
There were 106 COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Saturday, including 23 on O‘ahu, three on Hawai‘i Island, and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out-of-state. There were also 75 cases attributed to Maui, including 31 which are from the past and predate Feb. 18.
FEMA Grants Hawai‘i $87M for COVID-19 Vaccines
The Federal Emergency Management Agency granted the state of Hawaiʻi $87.4 million to open multiple, state-led community vaccination sites.
Hawai‘i’s Oldest Community College Exceeds $100,000 Goal for 100 Year Anniversary
Honolulu Community College celebrated its 100 year anniversary as Hawai‘i’s oldest community college by exceeding its fundraising goal of $100,000 by Dec. 31 – raising $168,000 in a few months.
Water Shutdown to Affect Portions of Homes in Mākena Area, March 2
A portion of homes in the Mākena area will have their water shut off from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Maui’s Puamana Remains Closed Indefinitely for Erosion Hazards, Protection of Hawaiian Burials
Puamana Beach Park on Maui will remain closed indefinitely due to erosion safety concerns and to protect exposed Hawaiian burials, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced.
Pair of Aquarium Fishers Fined Record $272,000 for Illegal Harvest in Kona
The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted unanimously on Friday to fine two Hawai‘i island aquarium fishers $272,000 in civil fines for multiple violations of Hawai‘i Administrative Rules related to an illegal aquarium fishing incident in Kona in 2020.
Nurses and Health Care Workers at Maui Health System Reach Tentative Agreement for New Contract
The registered nurses and other health care workers of Maui Health System have reached a tentative contract agreement with MHS management early Friday morning after a marathon meeting.
Pohoiki Boat Ramp Restoration After 2018 Kīlauea Eruption to Cost Millions
Restoration of a widely-used boat ramp at Pohoiki Bay, in the Puna District of Hawai‘i island, blocked by new sand during the 2018 Puna lava eruption is estimated to take between nine months and six or more years, and cost between $2.5 and $28 million.
DOE Explores Viability of Reopening Elementary Schools for In-Person Learning in Fourth Quarter
The state Department of Education is looking into the possibility of reopening elementary schools for in-person instruction for the final quarter of this school year.
Gov. Ige Attends Virtual NGA Meeting; President Biden and Transportation Secretary Discuss Economic Recovery
Gov. David Ige participated in the National Governors’ Association’s virtual Winter Meeting this week, to discuss efforts to end the COVID-19 public health crisis and debate ways to ensure a strong and equitable economic recovery.
Coupons for Fresh Produce Now Available for Low-Income Seniors
Applications now are being accepted for the 2021 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides low-income seniors with fresh produce from Maui farmers’ markets.
Public Feedback Sought Regarding Maui County’s 5,000-Unit Affordable Housing Plan
The local nonprofit Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) is seeking feedback from residents regarding Maui County’s affordable housing plan that will guide the building of 5,000 affordable housing units over the next five years.
Feb. 26, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 44 New Cases (25 O‘ahu, 15 Maui, 1 Hawai‘i, 1 Kaua‘i, 2 Out-of-State); 2 Deaths
There were 44 new COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Friday, including 25 on O‘ahu, 15 on Maui, one on Hawai‘i Island, one on Kaua‘i, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Mayor Victorino Supports Limited In-Person School Commencement Ceremonies
Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino issued a statement supporting the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s decision to allow public schools to hold in-person 2021 commencement exercises if they are outdoors and follow health guidelines with limited attendance and mandatory mask wearing.
Goodfellow Bros. Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary
Goodfellow Bros. Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary with $50,000 Grant to Local Charities
