Maui News
Fatality Reported in Haleakalā Highway Collision
Today at approximately 12:24 p.m., a vehicle collision occurred on Haleakalā Highway .6 miles north of Palena Place in Kula.
Kahana Villa Resort Fire Doused
This morning at 9:56 a.m., Maui firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Kahana Villa Resort in West Maui.
PHOTOS: Maui United Way Celebrates Community Partners with Awards
Community partners from across the County were recognized today at Maui United Way’s the 46th Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon held at the Kamehameha Golf Course Clubhouse in Waikapū. This year alone, community partners contributed $943,040 toward the 2014-2015 campaign, which funded 40 nonprofit agencies and their various social service programs countywide.
Fireworks Prohibited in National Parks
According to the National Park Service, “Fireworks Prohibited” signs are posted near the entrance to Haleakalā National Park on Maui and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island.
Kīhei, Waikapū, Molokaʻi Residents Urged to Attend Meetings
Important flood risk meetings will be held for residents of Kīhei, Waikapū, Kaunakakai and the South Shore of Molokaʻi. The County of Maui, State Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold community meetings for residents of these areas who may be affected by the new digital flood insurance rate maps.
Kaohu Street Waterline Replacement Starts July 6
The County of Maui Department of Water Supply will be replacing a waterline on Kaohu Street in Wailuku from Monday, July 6, to Friday, July 24, 2015. The work will be performed in phases, with the first week of work to focus on the section of Kaohu Street from Waiale Road to Market Street.
Final Phase of Baldwin Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation to Begin
The final section includes the Baldwin Avenue business district between Makawao Avenue and Brewer Road. Work will be done at night and is expected to last four nights, weather permitting. Work hours will be between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Smoking Now Banned at all Hawaiʻi State Parks
Under the new law the use of all tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes are banned from use at all Hawaiʻi State Parks. Penalties for violation of the new law are $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.
SHAKA Intends to Appeal GMO Ruling on Maui Initiative
Legal counsel for the SHAKA Movement said the decision, “not only ignores the will of the people, but places at risk all state and local regulations that seek to address the harmful impacts associated with GMO operations.
Maui Police to Conduct Independence Day Impaired Driving Enforcement
The enforcement will include increased sobriety checkpoints set up by the department’s DUI Task Force Unit. Police will also be conducting roving and saturation patrols throughout the weekend.
Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Meth Trafficking on Maui
Ruben Settle, 38, was sentenced on Monday, June 29 by Chief District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 210 months in prison for his role in a plan to distribute methamphetamine on the Island of Maui. Evidence presented in court showed that Settle recruited other individuals to assist him in the distribution, including approximately 700 grams of “ice” that was seized from Settle by Maui police on Dec. 17, 2014.
Makawao Town Loses Power
By Maui Now Staff Several Makawao businesses lost power today at approximately 1 p.m. Bystandars said they heard a loud crackle and saw sparks cascading down toward Baldwin Avenue. A Maui Electric Company crew and Maui Police Department officers were on the scene within minutes. It is unknown at this time when power will be restored
Imua Family Services Expands to Molokaʻi
Imua Family Services on Maui is expanding to offer services on the island of Molokaʻi. The agency will be providing Infant and Child Development Services to families and children on Molokaʻi beginning this month.
UPDATE/FOUND: 85-Year-Old Kula Man Reported Missing
Kula resident Kazuo Takemoto was last seen at approximately 1 p.m. at his home on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. He was reported missing at 6:13 p.m. last night. Maui police are seeking the public’s help in locating him.
Study: New Species of Hawaiʻi Black Coral Can Live Beyond 4,000 Years
Scientists determined that the species can live more than 4,000 years, making it the longest-lived marine organism known to date. The coral was given the name Leiopathes annosa, derived from the Latin name ‘annosa’ meaning long-lived.
Bill on Sacred Native Burial Traditions Becomes Law
Governor David Ige today signed several bills into law during a ceremony a the state Capitol including a measure that allows traditions relating to Native Hawaiian burials to continue without the threat of criminal prosecution.
BREAKING: Federal Judge Rules Maui GMO Initiative Invalid
A federal judge today ruled that the Maui GMO Initiative passed by Maui voters in November 2014 is invalid because the county does not have the authority over the matter. The 0rder states that the County of Maui GMO ordinance is preempted and exceeds the county’s authority to impose fines.
VIDEO: Bill Mandating Native Hawaiian Rights Training Signed into Law
Governor David Ige signed a bill into law this morning that makes it mandatory for certain state councils, boards and commissions to attend a course on Native Hawaiian customs and rights to be administered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Hawaiian Electric Companies Propose Continued Growth of Rooftop Solar
The company provided recommendations to the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission this week that proposed new customer options and programs to support continued growth of rooftop photovoltaic systems in Hawai‘i.
Saturday’s 5.2 Kīlauea Earthquake Had “No Apparent Effect” on Ongoing Eruptions
Scientists say these quakes are thought to be caused by southward movement of the volcano’s south flank in response to magmatic pressure within Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone. More than 740 people reported feeling the quake, and five aftershocks reported in the first hour.
