Maui News

US Rep, Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and Maui County Council Member Tamara Paltin released a joint statement today opposing the proposed permanent closure of the Lahaina Downtown Post Office.

Maui fire crews responded to a half acre brush fire in the Waikō area of Central Maui, Tuesday night.  The fire was reported at 7:07 p.m., west of the Kuihelani Highway and north of East Waikō Road.

Meta must implement a sweeping set of safety features designed to protect children on Instagram and Facebook.

This plan reduces the 900 housing units proposed in the EISPN to 652 housing units, including 109 onsite residential workforce housing units mauka of Mākena Alanui Road.

Emely Salmo is no stranger to disaster response having been a Red Cross volunteer since the Lahaina wildfires in 2023. But this past weekend Hurricane Lala came to her hometown of Nāʻālehu on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.

Gov. Josh Green today announced that President Donald Trump has approved Hawaiʻi’s request for a presidential emergency declaration following Tropical Cyclone Lala, authorizing federal assistance for Hawaiʻi County, Maui County and the City and County of Honolulu.

At least 10 paperbark Eucalyptus trees were cut, with splintered trunks left standing several feet high. “The vandals also installed a bench, suggesting that the illegal removal of trees was perhaps intended to establish a scenic viewpoint. Ironically, the situation left by the destruction of the trees is anything but picturesque,” DLNR officials said.

“Dolly Parton gave the world hope, laughter and the courage to dream bigger,” said Green. “Though her roots were in Tennessee, she built a real and lasting connection with Hawaiʻi. She made a home on Oʻahu, celebrated our artists and culture, helped put books into the hands of our keiki and used her voice to support Maui families after the wildfires.”

The County of Maui Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Department of Human Concerns and Okoʻa Farms to launch a six-month pilot program this September that will provide weekly bags of fresh, locally grown produce to 100 kūpuna at senior congregate dining sites.

Hawaiian Electric crews, bolstered by additional personnel and equipment from Oʻahu, Maui, and Southern California Edison, have restored power to over 1,700 customers on Monday following impacts from Hurricane Lala.  About 4,330 Hawaiʻi Island customers remain without power.

The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park has reopened following recovery efforts related to Tropical Storm Lala. With this reopening, both districts of Haleakalā National Park are now open to visitors.

As part of the ongoing Ferry Program, the County of Maui Department of Transportation is encouraging residents to attend community meetings throughout Maui Nui next month to discuss ferry service between Maui, Lānaʻi and eventually Molokaʻi.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa kicked off the fall 2026 semester with a two-day orientation attended by 2,410 new students.

Made in Hawaiʻi supports disaster recovery efforts with a $40,000 donation after showcasing 800 locally-owned businesses.

As Hawaiʻi public schools welcome students back, school cafeterias are offering more choices at mealtime, including new breakfast and lunch options featuring local ingredients and flavors.

Scouting America, Aloha Council is inviting outdoor enthusiasts ages 18 and older to grab three friends and take on the 2026 Sportsman’s Challenge, a two-day fundraiser Sept. 26-27 at Camp Maluhia featuring 10 outdoor skill competitions. Four-person teams will choose either Saturday or Sunday to compete in a full day of friendly competition while supporting local Scouting programs.

University of San Francisco High School captured the inaugural tournament championship, with Maryknoll High School finishing as runner-up.

A new study by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers shows that nearly 23% of short-finned pilot whales that stranded over 13 years in the main Hawaiian Islands ingested several pounds of plastic ropes, netting, fishing gear and plastic bags that were discarded in the ocean.

Beginning today, Tuesday, Aug. 25, Mokulele Airlines will eliminate the added fees for children traveling alone between the Hawaiian Islands. Effective immediately, families will pay only the airfare (plus tax), with no $35 unaccompanied minor booking fee.

Precursory low-level eruptive activity before episode 54 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began around 6:16 a.m. HST on Aug. 25, with overflows from the north vent. This activity was preceded by the onset of weak spattering from the north vent around 7:30 p.m. HST Monday evening, Aug. 24.