Maui News

Hawaii’s US Senators are voicing their support for marriage equality as the US Supreme Court hears arguments to determine the constitutionality of Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The facility, proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources includes plans for the construction of a regional park consisting of fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, as well as concessions, restrooms, and parking.

The Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company began its Harvest schedule on March 12, marking the start of its 141st season.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa today confirmed his plans to close county run recycling facilities. “It’s time for government to just get out of the way and allow the private sector to handle the recycling,” said Mayor Arakawa.

In a formal budget presentation before the Maui County Council, Mayor Alan Arakawa unveiled his version of the FY2014 Budget, seeking an increase in water rates and parks funding.

The state and Hawai’i teachers’ union have reached a tentative agreement after a week of mediation between the two parties, and after more than two years of negotiations.

A motorist suffered fatal injuries in a single car crash in the Olowalu area of the Honoapiilani Highway early this morning. Maui police have since identified the victim as 19-year-old Jared Alvarez of Lahaina.

“What an amazing show of Maui speaking out. I was totally blown away by the energy of the massive crowd. For me it was about caring about our community’s health, our right to know what’s in the food we eat…”

Marlin L. Lavoie, 33, was charged at 11:50 a.m. on Friday, March 22, with second-degree murder, and was being held in lieu of $170,000 bail.

The Lump Sum Capital Improvement Project funds are to improve the learning environment at island schools. State officials say the allocation includes funds for work at, but not necessarily limited to, Lokelani Intermediate.

State agricultural officials say the Madagascan fireweed moth is the state’s “best hope” for controlling the fireweed which authorities say has taken over more than 850,000 acres of pastureland, mostly on Maui and Hawai’I Island.

A controversial bill that would authorize water rate increases or other water-saving measures during times of drought and declared water shortages is up for discussion.

“He personally demonstrates the value of a healthy lifestyle by coaching as well as teaching our keiki during the critical middle school years when they thrive in the presence of good role models and reminders of concrete goals,” said Rep. McKelvey.

Maui police have released further details in an ongoing murder investigation on Molokai following the shooting death of a woman at the Kawela Barns Apartments overnight.

The senators were swayed in part by the state attorney general who called the bill “unconstitutional.” They have indicated they will push for a concurrent resolution to study the matter.

Maui police responded to 8 burglaries over a seven day period, between March 10-16, 2013. There were incidents reported at the following locations: (2) Haiku, (1) Kaanapali, (3) Kihei, (1) Napili, and (1) Wailea.

In Maui County, a report notes that a total of 2,777 firearms applications were processed in 2011–that’s more than three times the 870 applications processed a decade earlier.

A 24-year-old woman is dead and a 33-year-old man is in custody following a fatal shooting Wednesday night on Molokai, police said.

The Council’s Budget and Finance Committee hosts a series of public meetings for input on the FY 2014 Budget in April.

Maui’s Aaren Soriano was recognized as the 2013 Youth of the Year by members of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.