Maui News
Free Whale Talks in Lahaina 3 Days Each Week
Visitors and residents can get the latest scientific updates and trivia on Maui’s 45-ton visitors during free Whale Talks at the video theater in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, located at 648 Wharf Street.
Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Prompts Inter-Agency Response
A new disease that has already killed hundreds of thousands of native ‘ōhi‘a trees in Hawai‘i this past year has prompted the organization of an interagency response to battle the threat.
New Motion Challenges Native Hawaiian Constitutional Convention
The civil contempt motion was filed by a grassroots group that claims the move to hold the convention or ʻAha, evades a court injunction already in place.
Maui Electric Donates $144,000 to 70 Non-Profits in 2015
“Whether it’s providing a safety net for at-risk youth or helping to build Hope Lodge Hawai‘i, a home-away-from-home for neighbor island cancer patients who are receiving treatments on O‘ahu – supporting our communities is a deep part of our heritage,” said Sharon Suzuki, Maui Electric president.
Sierra Club: State’s Ultra-Bright Streetlights Threaten Hawaiʻi’s Birds
Director Marti Townsend said that while the organization applauds the state’s commitment to energy-efficient lighting, she said the particular fixtures selected will “increase visual light pollution, impact seabirds, and flood the North Shore with zombie lights.”
Maui Crime, Dec. 13–19: Burglaries, Break-Ins, Thefts
Maui police responded to 17 burglaries, eight vehicle thefts, and 24 vehicle break-ins in Maui County over a seven day period, between Dec. 13 to 19, 2015.
Supplemental Budget Includes $30M to Keep Kids Cool in School
The supplemental budget includes $30 million in capital improvement funds for heat abatement at island schools to keep kids cool.
New Law Requires Ignition Interlock Users to Drive With Hawaiʻi ID Card
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is reminding all ignition interlock permit holders that a new law requires them to have the permit and a valid State of Hawaiʻi identification card in their immediate possession while operating a vehicle equipped with the ignition interlock device.
Paddleboarder Rescued in Choppy Water at Ukumehame
Fire officials say the paddleboarder, a young male visitor from New Zealand, was brought to shore by Jet Ski 3 and re-united with his mom.
Honolulu Man Convicted in Meth Distribution Case
A federal jury found Gilbert Lee Medina, 52, of Honolulu, guilty on Friday, Dec. 18, of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as unlawfully possessing a firearm.
100 Confirm Participation in Native Hawaiian Constitutional Convention
Invitees who have not yet committed to attending the ‘Aha have until Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaiʻi time to confirm their participation.
Traffic Advisory: Piʻilani Hwy at Ohukai – Accident Being Cleared
Motorists are advised of a motor vehicle crash on the Piʻilani Highway at Ohukai Road. Maui Now has received reports of traffic backing up in the town-bound direction.
Traffic Alert: Kahekili Hwy Mile 41 – Boulders in Roadway
Traffic Alert: 1:20 p.m. 12/21/15, Report of boulders as large as 4-feet wide on the Kahekili Highway near Mile 41. This is on the Lahaina side of Kahakuloa. Motorists can expect delays in the area. Please drive with caution.
Sedan “Driven Erratically” in Honoapiʻilani Crash
Maui fire officials say a small passenger sedan, reportedly “being driven erratically” in the southbound lane, crossed into on-coming traffic and collided with a commercial truck in the north-bound lane.
Wailea Brush Fire Burns Trash Near Highway
A brush fire on Sunday evening burned a small area of grass and trash mauka of the Piʻilani Highway near Keonekai Road before being brought under control.
Mākena Resort Donates Keiki Gifts to Maui Child & Family Service
On Monday Dec. 21, 2015, employees from Mākena Beach & Golf Resort presented more than 160 keiki gifts to the Maui Chapter of Child & Family Service.
Applications Being Accepted for Maui Boards and Commissions
Applications are now being accepted for Maui County boards, councils, commissions and committees due to term expirations and vacancies. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2015.
25-year-old Man Critically Injured in Lahaina Moped Crash
Police say the crash occurred as a moped, traveling north on the highway before Dickenson Street, struck the raised curb on the east shoulder of the roadway.
UPDATE: Body of Missing Free Diver Recovered near Molokai
Personnel from the Coast Guard and Molokai Fire Department are searching for a missing free diver offshore Papohaku Beach, Molokai, Sunday. Missing is 25-year-old Steven Likua.
Victims Freed From Elevators During Maui Power Outage
Fire units responded to four cases of victims trapped in elevators when the outage occurred between 3:29 and 3:45 p.m.
