Maui News
UH research highlights traditional speakers of ʻŌlelo Niʻihau dialect
On the leeward side of Kaua’i, Ke Kula Niʻihau O Kekaha — a pre-K-12 charter school — is celebrating its 25th anniversary and a major milestone in preserving ʻŌlelo Niʻihau, the Niʻihau dialect. The school announced it has authored and published more than 400 books in the language, with a selection now on display at the Līhuʻe Public Library.
Public school complex area and charter school teachers of the year recognized
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has named 15 complex area teachers of the year and one charter school teacher of the year as part of the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year recognition. The Maui County teachers are: Kindergarten teacher Susan Chew of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School and 5th grade teacher Kristel Pigao of Waiheʻe Elementary.
South Kīhei Road reopens following coastal flood repairs; additional temporary closure set for Aug. 19
South Kīhei Road was reopened to all north and south bound traffic from North Kīhei Road to Ohukai Road today, Aug. 14, 2025, after being closed last Friday due to coastal flooding, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works (DPW).
Wildfire risk reduction work continues in Ukumehame as crews clear hazardous material, brush, abandoned vehicles
The County of Maui’s wildfire risk reduction work continues at Mile Marker 13.5 in Ukumehame, a public safety initiative led by the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to protect lives, property, and the only highway connecting Central and West Maui.
Spoon & Key Market Wailea announces exclusive private dinner auction item with Shep Gordon and Chef Christopher Kulis at Maui Calls Gala
Spoon & Key Market Wailea announced a collaboration with the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) to offer an auction item at the 27th Maui Calls gala, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025: an exclusive private dinner for six guests at the Wailea beachfront home of legendary talent manager and culinary pioneer Shep Gordon, featuring a menu crafted by acclaimed Maui chef, Christopher Kulis, co-owner of Spoon & Key Market in Wailea.
Hirono and Tokuda introduce bill to protect Social Security for seniors
Hawaiʻi US Sen. Mazie Hirono and US Rep. Jill Tokuda have reintroduced legislation they say would strengthen Social Security and ensure its long-term solvency. The bill, named the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, was reintroduced on the 90th anniversary of the federal program.
Schatz meets with labor union to discuss federal priorities, protecting workers’ rights
US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) met with labor union members on Wednesday at a town hall hosted by the AFL-CIO. Schatz discussed recent federal actions concerning union workers’ rights and took questions about the local impacts of federal policies, including tariffs and funding freezes.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center partners with HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts for Keiki Club
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center and HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts are hosting a monthly Keiki Club, a free, fun and interactive event for keiki to explore hands-on crafts and unleash their imagination. Keiki Club has long been a favorite for families, offering creative activities, expert guidance, and high-quality materials. Since 1951, HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts has been […]
Partial closure of Kapuka‘ulua / Baldwin Beach for tree stump removal, Aug. 21-22
A section of Baldwin Beach, also known as Kapuka‘ulua, will be temporarily closed for tree stump removal on Thursday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).
DBEDT welcomes Seth Colby as Chief State Economist
Colby most recently served as the tax research and planning officer for the Hawai‘i Department of Taxation, where he oversaw the research for the state revenue system, fiscal impacts of proposed legislation and macroeconomic forecasting.
Lane closure in Kula for slope and shoulder repair work
Beginning Monday, Aug. 18 through Friday, Aug. 22, the southbound lane of Haleakalā Highway (Route 377) between Kulalani Drive and ʻĀinakula Road in Kula will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on weekdays.
Maui Strong Fund: Two years of impact and hope after the wildfires
Thanks to the generosity of more than 240,000 donors from 78 countries, the Maui Strong Fund has raised over $209 million (including interest earned).
Honuaʻula continues to stir controversy over South Maui’s future development
Maui County Council’s 5-4 vote to finalize amendments to the Honuaʻula master-planned community project has reignited a debate over the project’s long-term impacts on South Maui.
Several inmates at Maui Community Correctional Center earn GED diplomas
The Maui Community Correctional Center hosted a graduation ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, for five inmates who earned their General Education Development or High School Equivalency diploma while in custody at the facility.
$1M gift expands scholarships for Maui nursing students
The Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Charitable Trust has awarded an additional $1 million to the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College to expand scholarships for nursing students – helping more Maui residents pursue careers in healthcare at a time when the island faces a critical nursing shortage.
Par Hawaiʻi golf tournament raises $50K for two nonprofits: Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels and Kupu
More than 200 golfers participated in the golf tournament, serving as sponsors to support the charity tournament. Proceeds from the tournament were divided to support two nonprofit beneficiaries, Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels and Kupu.
Community invited to Abilities Resource Fair Aug. 23 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
The County of Maui Office on Aging invites the community to attend the Abilities Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului.
Update: Maui Lani brush fire extinguished
The Maui Lani brush fire was declared extinguished at 11:43 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Maui fire crews were called to the scene shortly before 9 p.m. in an area near the Maui Lani LDS Church.
Last-ditch efforts to kill Honuaʻula project amendments fail amid bickering; controversial development passes final vote
On a day full of intense tension and high drama, the Maui County Council voted 5-4 to approve amendments on second-and-final reading for the hotly debated Honuaʻula project. But the final vote of the Council meeting came amid a noisy floor fight between Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez.
5 residents displaced by Haʻikū structure fire; Blaze results in $270,000 in damages
Five residents were displaced by a fire at a Haʻikū home on Tuesday afternoon and were being assisted by the American Red Cross. Fire officials estimated damages from the blaze at $270,000 to the structure and its contents.
