Maui News
New Hawaiʻi law expands legal recognition for LGBTQIA+ families
Hawaiʻi has enacted Act 298 (SB1231 HD1), a sweeping update to the state’s parentage laws aimed at strengthening legal protections for LGBTQIA+ parents and their children. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
‘Ohina film lab awards $10,000 to local writer
Honolulu-based nonprofit ‘Ohina has announced the 2025 Greenlight Award-winning filmmaker and project from its annual ‘Ohina Labs, a filmmakers lab providing current and former residents of Hawai‘i an opportunity to submit short screenplays to be workshopped with leading entertainment industry professionals.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s portrait exhibition goes on the road to Oʻahu
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s signature triennial portrait exhibition has made the move from Kahului to Oʻahu for a six-month run at the state’s official art museum.
Kona low prompts Flood Watch through Monday afternoon for Hawaiian Islands
For Big Island and Maui County, the greatest flood risk remains along southeast facing mountain slopes as southerly flow more efficiently lifts rich moisture up these slopes.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers call Trump’s military action in Venezuela ‘reckless’
US Rep. Jill Tokuda was among the Hawaiʻi lawmakers who criticized the Trump administration’s recent military actions in Venezuela, questioning the financial and human costs of the conflict.
Jazz & Blues Nights to launch at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has announced it will host Jazz & Blues Nights every Thursday in January 2026.
House Finance Committee announces informational briefings for state department budgets
The Hawaiʻi Legislature’s House Committee on Finance is scheduled to begin its first series of informational briefings for 2026 starting Monday to discuss state department budget proposals. During the briefings, various state department representatives will provide updates and present requests regarding their upcoming budgets to the committee. The meetings are chaired by Hawaii Island Rep. […]
Volcano Watch — Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou: a round-up of fireworks from Kīlauea’s fountains
Since Dec. 23, 2024, the north and south vents within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, inside Kaluapele (the summit caldera), have produced 39 lava-fountaining episodes.
Akakū to host hands-on AI workshop for creatives Jan. 24
Akakū has announced a hands-on workshop exploring how three powerful AI tools are being used in modern creative work: Suno for music, Midjourney for visuals and ElevenLabs for voiceovers.
Kona coast on Big Island becoming central spot for innovative coral reef restoration
While the The Nature Conservancy helps coral reef growth with quick, short-term responses, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program focuses on long-term reef health.
BDC Director David Daly named MEO Employee of the Year
Business Development Center Director David Daly was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Year at the nonprofit’s holiday gathering Dec. 19.
Recruitment for state conservation officers starts in January
Vacancies for these officer positions are located across the state.
Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority achieves financing goal for Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative
The US Department of Energy has recognized the Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority for exceeding its clean energy financing goal under the Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative.
Maui police receive 118 fireworks-related calls for service during New Year’s holiday; two arrests made
Between 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, and 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, the Maui Police Department received 118 calls for service related to fireworks violations throughout the County of Maui. During this time, one citation was issued for an aerial fireworks violation, eight reports were generated for documentation purposes, and two arrests were made.
House Committee members visit farm, reef restoration project and Huliheʻe Palace
State lawmakers engage with communities and assess priority projects during several recent site visits that provided a glimpse into Hawaiʻi Island’s priorities.
Proposed federal LEAP Act would raise loan cap for graduate students
After the GOP spending bill slashed student loan limits for healthcare professionals, US Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawai‘i and colleagues introduced the legislation to level the playing field.
Bill improves on the NATIVE Act, which was signed into law in 2016
The original law enhances and integrates Native tourism, empowers Native communities, and expands unique cultural tourism opportunities in the United States. The bill passed by the US Senate in December, makes key updates to the existing law that will help improve the program and make it easier for Native communities to access federal resources.
Regulators issue 260-page decision, approve 3-year Hawaiian Electric Wildfire Safety Strategy
The Public Utilities Commission has approved Hawaiian Electric’s expanded Wildfire Safety Strategy, which calls for deploying new technology, fortifying infrastructure, minimizing fire hazards and expanding community partnerships to significantly reduce the risk of a wildfire started by utility equipment.
As expected, Bill 9 challenged in court; lawsuits seek to block short-term rental phaseout
A group of West Maui property owners has filed the first legal challenge against Maui County’s controversial Bill 9, days after Mayor Richard Bissen signed the legislation into law. Filed Dec. 19 in 2nd Circuit Court, the lawsuit seeks to block the county from phasing out thousands of short-term rental units in apartment-zoned districts. The […]
Viewpoints Gallery to offer free January art classes and lectures
Makawao’s Viewpoints Gallery will host a series of free art classes and lectures throughout January as part of its “Luminosity” show, which is based on the work of artist and educator Dick Nelson.
