Maui News
Molokaʻi robotics coach inducted into STEM Hall of Fame
Edwin Mendija, longtime coach and mentor of Molokaʻi Robotics, has been inducted into the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation STEM Hall of Fame as a 2026 Inspiration All-Star.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park facility improvements project begins July 6
A facility improvements project at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in Hāna, Maui, will enter the construction phase on Saturday, July 6. The project includes a new comfort station adjacent to the park’s eastern parking area and resurfacing of Honokalani Road. Construction of the comfort station is expected to be completed in the fall, with road improvements scheduled for completion in early 2027.
US Attorney’s Office and FBI crack down on aircraft laser incidents, Maui man awaits sentencing
A Maui man pleaded guilty in federal court on April 15, 2026, to being an accessory after the fact to a laser-pointer assault on a federal pilot. Jesse Kong, 30, faces up to 6 months of imprisonment for that crime, according to the US Department of Justice.
Celebrate Dad’s Day at Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi
Dads can relax, kick back and enjoy a tropical escape at Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, where guests can enjoy special events and activities on the secluded island.
Four lawmakers unopposed for re-election; Mayor’s office and a few Maui Council seats hotly contested
Two Maui County Council members are headed back to office without a fight, along with Central Maui Sen. Troy Hashimoto and Kahului Rep. Justin Woodson who’re also uncontested for re-election.
Maui Community Tourism Collaborative applications due June 8
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is now accepting applications to its 2026 Community Tourism Collaboratives, a set of cohort-based programs that support small businesses and nonprofits in hosting visitors while protecting cultural and natural resources and strengthening community benefits.
The Westin Maui names Michael Piasecki as director of group sales
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali announced the appointment of Michael Piasecki as director of group sales. Bringing more than a decade of hospitality sales experience in the Hawai‘i market, Piasecki joins the resort’s leadership team at a pivotal time following the completion of the property’s comprehensive $160 million transformation.
Gov. Green responds to lawsuit challenging Hawaiian Homes program
Gov. Josh Green today issued a statement defending the state against a federal lawsuit challenging the eligibility requirements within the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
HDOT starting preliminary environmental studies for Lahaina Bypass Phase 1C
The state Department of Transportation has started preliminary environmental studies for a northern portion of the Lahaina Bypass. The proposed Lahaina Bypass Phase 1C spans approximately 3 miles from Keawe Street to Kakaʻalaneo Drive.
State reminds residents to apply for disaster-related unemployment assistance as deadline approaches
Eligible individuals will receive a minimum of $346 and up to $868 for the weeks beginning March 15, 2026, through the week ending Oct. 10, 2026. The deadline to file a DUA claim is June 15, 2026, which is 60 days from the federal disaster declaration.
Telecom executive Mike Sievert joins Alaska Air Group board of directors
Sievert led a period of significant value creation at T-Mobile, with the company’s market value increasing from about $60 billion to about $260 billion during his time. Before joining T-Mobile in 2012, Sievert held leadership roles at Microsoft, AT&T, E*TRADE, IBM and Procter & Gamble.
Amanda strengthens into first tropical storm of 2026 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season
At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the center of Tropical Storm Amanda was located about 1,475 miles WSW of the southern tip of Baja California. Amanda is moving toward the NW near 8 mph and this motion is expected to continue through Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Makawao Avenue pavement reconstruction is planned between Old Haleakalā Hwy and Makani Road
Maui Kupono Builders in conjunction with the County Department of Water Supply will perform work on the County’s water system as part of the Makawao Avenue pavement reconstruction project.
United Food and Commercial Workers endorse Bobby Pahia for Council
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW 480) announced its endorsement of Bobby Pahia for Maui County Council. “UFCW’s support reflects Pahia’s commitment to working families, food security, and the essential workers who help keep Maui fed every day,” according to the announcement.
Caution advised during Kahakuloa Half Marathon
Runners will be using the shoulders of Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) and Kahekili Highway (Route 340) for the Kahakuloa Half Marathon on Saturday, June 6. The event will be from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and start at D.T. Fleming Beach Park on Lower Honoapiʻilani Highway in Kapalua. It will then connect with the county-owned portion of Kahekili Highway and proceed to Kahakuloa Village.
Initiative launched on Maui expands statewide to address critical teacher shortage
First launched in summer 2023 at UH Maui College, the Hoapili Teacher Pathways program has successfully transitioned more than 60 students into teacher licensure and education fields, proving the critical need for a flexible, community-focused approach to teacher education.
Oʻahu man charged with threatening Michigan governor
US Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Ronald Saville, 48, of Honolulu, was charged by criminal complaint on June 1, 2026, with sending interstate communications containing threats.
No tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi after preliminary magnitude 4.6 earthquake off Kona Coast
There is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi after a preliminary magnitude 4.6 earthquake reported at 5:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 off the Kona Coast of Hawaiʻi Island west of the Kahaluu-Keauhou region.
John Mulaney ‘Mister Whatever’ adds Maui to stand-up comedy tour, Dec. 18, 2026
Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney announced he is adding new dates to his new stand-up comedy tour, John Mulaney: Mister Whatever. Mulaney brings his new tour to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater, Friday, Dec. 18, 2026.
Interact Club of Lahainaluna High School partners with United Way to support graduation activities
The Interact Club of Lahainaluna High School partnered with United Way to help fund and support graduation activities for the Class of 2026.
