Maui News

Maui County will take ownership of the 167-unit Kīlohana modular housing project, now serving Lahaina wildfire survivors, in a move that could pave the way for the temporary homes to become permanent housing, County Council members learned Wednesday.

The County of Hawaiʻi continues to repair roads, restore water service, and respond to community needs following Hurricane Lala as it prepares for impacts from Tropical Storm Moke.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says heavy rain is forecast to impact the Big Island of Hawaiʻi late tonight, spreading westward across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands Sunday into Monday. Although the strongest winds associated with Moke are expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, strong gusty winds are likely, particularly in areas within and downslope of higher terrain.

Crews with the state Department of Transportation are preparing facilities and working to remove vegetation from streams and saturated hillsides on all islands in preparation for heavy rain forecast with the approach of Tropical Storm Moke.

Heavy rainfall associated with Moke will begin to impact the Big Island of Hawaiʻi late Saturday, with rain spreading westward across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands Sunday into Monday. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say that although the strongest winds associated with Moke are expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, strong gusty winds are likely, particularly in areas within and downslope of higher terrain.

As the state prepares for anticipated heavy rains and potential flooding from another approaching tropical storm, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency is urging residents in the Wahiawā area to take necessary precautions, especially those living near or downstream of the Wahiawā Dam.

A male hiker was airlifted from Twin Falls in Hoʻolawa Valley after falling and suffering an ankle injury. The incident occurred at 12:23 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 at one of the ponds above the falls.

County of Maui departments are responding to damage from last weekend’s storm while preparing for possible impacts from an incoming weather system that recently strengthened into Tropical Storm Moke. Meanwhile, emergency management officials are echoing calls for community members to stay prepared during this above-normal hurricane season.

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) is preparing to request a federal disaster declaration following damage assessments related to Tropical Cyclone Lala. To ensure thorough evaluations, HIEMA will deploy damage-assessment teams next week. In partnership with the Hawaiʻi National Guard, HIEMA will also conduct aerial assessments to gauge the storm’s impact across affected areas.

One person was displaced following a structure fire at a Wailuku home Thursday night. The fire was reported at 10:21 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2026, in the 1000 block area of Alakai Street.

Except for customers in remote and severely damaged areas, Hawaiian Electric expects nearly all impacted customers to be restored on Hawai‘i Island by today, the company reports. As of 8:30 a.m., more restorations were made on Hawaiʻi Island with about 83% of impacted customers back online. Currently, about 11,290 are without power.

Strong trades will develop this weekend as Tropical Storm Moke delivers heavy rainfall to windward and southeast slopes of the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 4 inches are expected on eastern Maui. A Flood Watch goes into effect for the Big Island from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.

Update: (3:09 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21, 2026) Maeda-Kalani was located and found to be in good health. The Maui Police Department thanked the public for their assistance.

Chanel Josiah, chief operating officer of Hawai‘i Community Lending, was honored by Pacific Business News as part of the “40 Under 40” Class of 2026. Josiah and 39 other honorees were celebrated at a gala event on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Alohilani Waikīkī Beach Resort.

Tropical Depression Two-C is forecast to become a tropical storm later today. The system is still expected to track south of Hawaiʻi late Saturday into Monday. Even with the southward track increased winds and rain are expected, with the highest rainfall totals expected across windward and southeast Big Island. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 4 inches are expected on eastern Maui.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education continues recovery and planning efforts for Nāʻālehu Elementary School and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School following significant impacts from Hurricane Lala.

The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park remains closed through the weekend for storm recovery, including road clearing and facility restoration. Meanwhile, the Kīpahulu District is open to the public. Kīpahulu Campground reopens today, Friday, Aug. 21.

Lalaʻs impacts brought average statewide rainfall of 11.4 inches. Hawaiʻi County received 66% of the total rainfall volume—equivalent to 1.2 million pools (833 million gallons).

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i has partnered with Diamond Bakery, one of Hawai‘i’s most trusted cracker and cookie brands, to share the stories of the people and families CCH serves and to raise awareness and support for its programs and services.

Gov. Josh Green joined state, weather service officials and nonprofit leaders today to provide an update on the potential tropical cyclone approaching Hawaiʻi and ongoing recovery efforts following Lala.