Maui News

Department personnel are working on a 12-inch main line in Ulupalakua on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is traveling to Asia this week to visit with travel industry leaders and dignitaries in Tokyo, Okinawa, and Beijing.

When firefighters arrived on scene, one of the four bedrooms in the 1800 square-foot wooden home, was fully involved. The Red Cross was activated to assist the two people who were displaced by the fire.

Maui police reopened the Lower Honoapiilani Highway at 2:42 p.m. The road was closed earlier this afternoon because of a house fire between Olani and 3823 Lower Honoapiilani Road (Hale Ono Loa Condos).

The incident was reported at 1:22 a.m. on Olinda Road, less than a mile east of Po’okela Road. Maui police have since identified the woman as Tawny M. Yarborough, 31, of Haiku.

Crews from the Coast Guard rescued a pilot who was forced to ditch his Cessna plane after running out of fuel off Hawaii Island.

Renovation work is slated for completion prior to the start of the Maui Makani Classic. The event features the championships for the American Windsurfing Tour, and is scheduled to run from October 27th through November 1st.

Memorial services for Allen “Braddah Poki” Pokipala have been set for October 20th and 21st on Maui. The longtime musician, entertainer, and on-air radio personality, passed away last week after a bout with pancreatic cancer.

The Permitting for Professionals Workshop is the first step in improving the county’s permitting system, say officials.

The mayor began running a series of public service announcements yesterday saying that although Maui has had a wet summer, the rainfall will take about six months to reach aquifers.

The first humpback whale sighting in Maui County waters this season was reported yesterday morning off the eastern coast of Lana’i. A pair of humpbacks was sighted at 8:35 a.m. about 2 miles off the coast by the raft, Great White.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced a leadership transition for some of his closest staff. Chief of Staff Amy Asselbaye, and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrew Aoki, have both resigned. Bruce Coppa, currently the State’s Comptroller, has since been named the Chief of Staff.

The Charter Commission plans to begin decision-making at its upcoming meeting on Monday, on what proposed charter amendments should be placed before the public.

The session will share information on available solar technologies, what systems are best for homes and businesses, and how to navigate through the numerous tax credits available.

A man wanted by the Government of American Samoa for the alleged rape of a 13 year old student, was arrested by the FBI last night in Honolulu.

Local business and community leaders agreed to be “arrested” for having a “big heart” as part of the annual MDA Lock-Up fundraiser held Wednesday, October 5, at the Kahului Ale House restaurant on Maui.

Nāmuʻo’s contract expires on July 31, 2012, but he has decided on an early departure, targeted for early 2012. In preparation for the change, OHA Trustees this morning approved a process to initiate a search for a new CEO, which is anticipated to unfold over the course of the next three to five months.

A Honolulu man, convicted of exposing himself via webcam to a 14 year-old girl in Australia, has been sentenced to nine months in prison.

The free training provides marine tour operators and community volunteers with up-to-date knowledge and interpretive skills to properly educate visitors about Hawaii’s unique marine environment.

A portion of Baldwin Avenue is closed this afternoon following a traffic accident that downed cable lines in the area. At 2:20 p.m., on Wednesday, October 5, Maui Police closed Baldwin Avenue between Kaluanui Road and Makawao Avenue.