Maui News
Miske Enterprise member, Bermudez sentenced to 30 years in federal prison
Bermudez is the last defendant to be sentenced for his role in the Miske Enterprise. As part of his 2022 plea agreement, Bermudez admitted that he and other members of the Enterprise participated in a murder-for-hire conspiracy with co-defendant Michael J. Miske and other Enterprise members, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
AI’s new wave: How artificial intelligence is reshaping business and life as we know it
The next time you call customer service, the human voice you hear might not actually be human. It might be a machine; a computer programmed to cheerfully manage countless routine customer complaints and service calls, 24/7 without fatigue, overtime or grumbling. “Conversational AI is a game changer,” said marketing expert and business strategist Jennifer Apy, […]
ClimbHi workforce training program certifies hundreds of students statewide
More than 800 high school students across 15 campuses statewide earned workforce development credentials during the 2024–25 academic year through the ClimbHI Service Excellence Certificate.
Hawaiʻi, 23 states sue over $6.8B withheld in education funding
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the federal government’s decision to freeze billions in education funding, including an estimated $33 million earmarked for Hawaiʻi programs.
Lahaina Energy Partnership releases new report; announces Phase 2 kickoff workshop
Local partners of the Lahaina Energy Partnership have released the “Community-Identified Energy Pathways Report.” The LEP invites all community members to join the Phase 2 Kickoff Co-Design Workshop on July 24, 2025, to continue shaping a resilient, community-guided energy plan for Lahaina.
Toxoplasmosis spread by cats poses growing threat to endangered nēnē, public health
Nēnē, Hawaiʻi’s state bird, face a growing threat not just from predators—but from disease. Feral and free-roaming cats are transmitting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that is increasingly killing these endangered geese, according to conservationists at Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture.
Beach cleanup at ‘Thousand Peaks’ planned Sunday
The Pilikahakai Foundation is organizing a community beach cleanup on Sunday, July 20, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Ukumehame Beach Park (aka ‘Thousand Peaks’), located between Mile Markers 12 and 13 on Honoapiʻilani Highway.
Hawaiʻi DLIR projects 6.1% job growth by 2032, led by health care and food services
The state’s total employment is projected to grow by 6.1% over the next decade, adding 41,190 jobs between 2022 and 2032, according to new labor market projections from the Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office.
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia arrive in Moʻorea to a week of cultural engagements
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia continued the French Polynesia leg of the Moananuiākea Voyage and 50th birthday celebrations of Hōkūleʻa this past week, sailing from the island of Tahiti to Moʻorea to deepen cultural ties and spark dialogue around ocean protection.
Habitat for Humanity Maui to hold Disaster Recovery Fundraiser at Old Lahaina Lūʻau
Habitat for Humanity Maui announced its second annual Disaster Recovery Fundraiser to be held at the historic Old Lahaina Lūʻau on Oct. 4, 2025. This event aims to raise essential funds to support the continued rebuilding of Lahaina, which was devastated by the catastrophic wildfires of 2023. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly towards recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Kuhinia Maui paddle out gatherings on Aug. 8, 2025 marks two years after the wildfires
Special gatherings marking two years after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires will offer residents opportunities to gather and support one another, honoring the memories of loved ones lost, and the resiliency of a community recovering from Hawai’i’s most devastating wildfire disaster. The events will pay tribute to the 102 victims and two unaccounted for individuals in the Maui wildfires.
Survey aims to identify regulatory obstacles to land stewardship in Hawaiʻi
ʻĀina Momona, a Native Hawaiian organization focused on Indigenous stewardship and environmental justice, is calling on Hawaiian-serving organizations statewide to participate in a survey on regulatory barriers and support needs for land-based work.
Waikō fire burns less than 3 acres on Friday; cause undetermined
Less than three acres burned in a brush fire along Waikō Road and Kūihelani Highway on Friday afternoon. Firefighters arrived to find an area of brush and kiawe trees burning on vacant land.
Mānoa: Unprecedented acidification ahead for corals in Hawai‘i waters
A new study, led by oceanographers at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, has revealed that unprecedented levels of ocean acidification are expected around the main Hawaiian Islands within the next three decades.
Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe announces its inaugural Hōʻike, Aug. 2
Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe announces its inaugural Hōʻike, Keolamakaainanakalahuiokalaninokamehamehaekolu (The Life of the People) Hōʻike 2025, set for Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the historic ʻĪao Theater in Wailuku. This milestone event marks the first official presentation by the hālau since its founding in 2020 by Kumu Hula Naomi “Sissy” Lake‑Farm.
Mayor Richard Bissen out of state until Friday, July 25, 2025
Mayor Bissen will visit New York City from July 15-18 to speak at the UN on sustainability and attend UN Foundation meetings with Hawai‘i Green Growth. From July 20-25, he will travel to Los Angeles to support wildfire recovery efforts with After the Fire USA.
Jim Hunsucker named resident manager of Castle Nāpili Surf Beach Resort
Castle Resorts & Hotels has named Jim Hunsucker as resident manager of Castle Nāpili Surf Beach Resort. In this role, Hunsucker will oversee all aspects of hotel management for the Castle rental program and association management for Nāpili Puamala and Nāpili Surf.
‘Big Hearts’ book will represent Hawai‘i at 2025 National Book Festival
The Hawai‘i Center for the Book has selected “Big Hearts on a Little Island: The Maui Community’s Heroic Response to the 2023 Wildfires” as the “Great Reads from Great Places” adult title to represent the state of Hawai‘i at the 2025 Library of Congress National Book Festival.
Public comments sought for two East Maui bridge replacement projects
A 30-day public review has started for proposed work by the Maui County Department of Public Works to replace two structurally deficient East Maui bridges along Hāna Highway. The new 49-foot Waikakoi and 60-foot South Wailua bridges will be similar to current structures and continue to accommodate single lanes of traffic with widths of 18 […]
Annual school supply drive returns to Pukalani Terrace Center with Saturday event
Pukalani Terrace Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Maui will host a back-to-school supply drive on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.





