Maui News

To ease the island’s severe housing shortage, Maui County has adopted new rules that allow qualifying residentially zoned properties on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to be eligible for up to two accessory dwellings in addition to a primary residence — a potential of three residential units on a single lot, the County Department of Planning announced.

A Wailuku apartment is among the Greystar properties named in a civil rights complaint filed Monday alleging the company illegally refused to rent to prospective tenants using federal housing vouchers.

Gov. Josh Green today signed SB 2999, Act 258 and HB 2021, Act 259 into law. The signing of these bills strengthens the administration’s efforts to build a clean energy economy and ensure that Hawai‘i’s laws keep pace with new technologies.

New laws and regulations are now in effect to improve safety for the use of electric bicycles and micro-mobility devises in Hawaiʻi.  

While the company continues to explore possibilities for the original Kimo’s site as redevelopment plans for the makai side of Front Street evolve, T S Restaurants is moving forward with a new Front Street location to ensure Kimo’s returns to the community as quickly as possible.

The Hawaiʻi REALTORS Charitable Foundation has extended its application deadline to Aug. 3, 2026, for Maui residents seeking a share of $200,000 in grants meant to help offset damage from the March Kona Low storms.

One person died, and another was transported to the hospital in critical condition after being pulled unresponsive from waters in East Maui. The incident was reported Wednesday morning at Koki Beach in Hāna.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has confirmed a case of cyclosporiasis in a visitor who recently traveled to Hawaiʻi from a state that has reported recent cases of the illness.

Last year, the FBI said Hawai’i consumers reported losing $3.85 million through fraud involving cryptocurrency kioks.

Sections of Kapukaʻulua, also known as Baldwin Beach Park, in Pā‘ia will be temporarily closed in phases starting in late July for dune restoration work, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Phases of work will ensure safety and preserve beach access. The public is asked to observe signage and barriers to avoid closed areas. 

The Haʻaheo ʻOhana Kaulike Ui Political Action Committee, also known as the H.O.K.U. PAC, has strongly condemned the growing influence of out-of-state organizations and Super PACs attempting to shape the outcome of Hawaiʻi’s local elections.

Papa Ola Lōkahi filed a motion Tuesday asking the US District Court for the District of Columbia to transfer Do No Harm v. US Department of Health and Human Services to the US District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi, where Papa Ola Lōkahi operates and fulfills its kuleana to co-administer the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program at the center of the lawsuit.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise will collect school supplies and funds for children in need from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 1-2  at the entrance to the Lahaina Cannery next to Longs Drugs.

The General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi (GCA) has announced the endorsement of State House District 14 candidate Sne Patel. The GCA is the state’s largest construction association representing approximately 500 general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and construction-related businesses. 

Following the successful rebranding of Lahaina Brew Co. – Upcountry, the brewery is expanding its guest experience with the launch of a chef-driven food truck led by Chef Nolan Gonzales.

A Waialua, Oʻahu, man pleaded guilty to illegally transferring more than $150,000 to Iran in violation of US sanctions, federal prosecutors announced.

Lava fountaining episode 51 in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began around 8:30 a.m. on July 15 and ended abruptly at 4:46 p.m., after 8.3 hours of continuous fountaining from the north vent.

US Rep. Jill Tokuda announced that her office will begin accepting applications for US military service academies beginning Aug. 1 from students in Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District. Qualified applicants must submit their complete applications no later than Oct. 18.

Kahului Airport screening volumes held steady even as a nationwide TSA funding lapse this spring triggered steep staffing shortages and sharp declines in passenger throughput at major mainland hubs, according to a new analysis from the travel research firm Upgraded Points.

Gov. Josh Green signed several measures into law on Tuesday, focused on supporting kūpuna and establishing safety protections for artificial intelligence. Key legislation includes Act 245, which creates the Hānai Memory Network to provide $3 million for dementia care, and Act 247, which establishes consumer protections against harmful AI “deepfake” technology.