Maui News

The project involved investigation of harbor improvements to address navigational safety and surge-related problems in Ma’alaea Harbor.

Under the PUC decision, a 1.5% increase, or $4.7 million in annual revenues was finalized, effective May 4, 2012. Company officials say the amount has already been reflected in electric bills since August 2010, when the PUC approved an interim increase.

A couple of unique fundraisers were held, including Senator Mike Gabbard’s “Capitol Idol” and Senator Clayton Hee’s “Dunk-a-Senator” events.

House lawmakers took final action on bills this session, with a focus on human services, education and agriculture. One of the major bills discussed and approved was the supplemental state budget, which addresses the state’s most basic needs, particularly in human services, education, and agriculture.

The Hawaii State Senate adjourned from session yesterday, passing bills that focused on job creation, education, shoring up the safety net and improving the state’s IT infrastructure.

The State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation will host two public informational meetings on the island of Maui to discuss upcoming emergency slope repairs on the Hana Highway.

Coast guard and fire department crews on Maui ended an ocean search and rescue after a boy, reported missing overnight, made his way to shore safely. The search was initiated at 3:41 a.m. when a report was made of a fishing boat that sunk about a mile off of Pauwela point in Haiku.

Nine-year-old Ruth Grace Benavides is the only person from Hawaii currently entered in the contest. “It has become apparent to her team that loading her and her wheelchair separately is hard on their bodies, especially as she continues to grow,” said Duncan.

Authorities from Crime Stoppers say the subject in the attached surveillance photo was observed taking an envelope containing cash from a counter inside the bank.

By accepting the ceremonial title, Kealoha becomes the first official poet laureate for the state. He will also occasionally perform as Hawai’i Poet Laureate at official state events and represent Hawai’i at similar ceremonial events held nationally and internationally.

A “Hiring our Heroes” job and career fair is planned on Maui to assist active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members, and military and veteran spouses in need of work.

Police say the man was not wearing a helmet, and speed was a factor in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Maui firefighters recovered the body of a fisherman from waters off of Wailua in East Maui on Wednesday. Authorities have since identified the individual as a 39-year-old man from Deer Park, Washington.

Nineteen Maui students were selected from two summer internship programs at Haleakalā National Park. The programs were created last year to encourage high school and college students to learn about the National Park Service and explore potential careers.

High school juniors and seniors on Maui are invited to apply for the 2012 edition of the Hawaiian Studies, Summer Bridge Programs at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. The preferred application deadline is May 18, 2012.

The event is the first showcase for students of the new Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. The Kani Ka Pila session takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, in the McCoy Studio Theater.

The County of Maui completed the $996,000 purchase of 64 acres of undeveloped coastal wetlands at Ka‘ehu Bay in Paukukalo. Ka‘ehu is the last open space between Waiehu and Waihee and is used for cultural groups and practitioners. There is also an effort underway to eventually restore taro patches and fishponds in the area.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa joins his other mayoral counterparts across the state today in launching a Disaster Public Awareness pilot campaign. The results of the pilot will be used to create a statewide campaign with custom communication strategies for each county.

“We are humbled by the great success we’ve seen in our first year of operation,” said Travaasa Destinations co-founder, Joy Berry. “This promotion offers us the chance to say, ‘thank you’ to our guests and friends who have helped to make our vision a reality,” said Berry.

A 21-year-old woman from Carmel, California, had to be airlifted to safety after she jumped into a Maui pond and struck her leg on a submerged rock.