Maui News
Virtual visits to remote seabird sanctuaries offered in Year of Our Coastal Kuleana
New virtual field trips are being offered this year to remote seabird sanctuaries: Lehua Island, 19 miles west of Kauaʻi, and Hōlanikū (also known as Kure Atoll), 1,400 miles away at the furthest reaches of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. The virtual excursions use 360˚ photos and videos, as well as interviews with field biologists and cultural practitioners, to provide educational exploration of otherwise inaccessible locations.
Tom Cook files for re-election to South Maui Council Seat
Tom Cook officially filed his nomination papers Tuesday to seek re-election to the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council, launching a campaign focused on housing solutions, infrastructure improvements, and building a stronger future for Maui County.
New hotel zoning clears Council committee, 6-1, despite planning commissions’ opposition
The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee voted 6-1 Tuesday to advance new hotel zoning districts for thousands of short-term vacation rentals facing a county-mandated phase-out—overriding unanimous rejection from all three county planning commissions.
Maui Fire Department requests community input
The Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety is seeking community input as a part of our Community Risk and Preparedness Initiative. This process helps create a data-driven foundation to help guide future planning, improve emergency response, and enhance community resilience across Maui.
Washington man formally charged by Information with allegedly harassing an endangered monk seal on Maui
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was charged by Information today, May 26, 2026, for allegedly throwing a large rock at the seal’s head, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
June 2 candidate filing deadline is just days away
The deadline to file as a candidate for the 2026 Elections is Tuesday, June 2, by 4:30 p.m., leaving potential candidates just 5 business days to complete the process. The Maui County Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division, strongly encourages candidates to book a filing appointment by calling 808-270-7749. Timeslots are filling quickly.
Hawai‘i State Department of Health calls attention to vaping’s impact on mental health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Hawai‘i State Department of Health is highlighting the growing connection between nicotine use and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and lowered self-confidence, noting that nicotine use can contribute to or intensify these symptoms over time.
SMP Hawaiʻi promotes Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
Protecting your Medicare number has never been more important. Every year, scammers target our kūpuna, using stolen Medicare information to file false claims that drain an estimated $60 billion annually.
Nonprofit loan fund leader celebrated on next career move to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
The nonprofit homestead loan fund, Hawaiian Lending & Investments congratulates its employee of 6 years, Rolina Faagai on her transition to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
Summer fun at Wailuku First Friday, June 5
Kick-off summer at Wailuku First Friday on Market Street on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. This free, family-friendly community event will feature Maui-made shopping, food, and live local entertainment in the heart of historic Wailuku Town.
Maui Food Bank seeks volunteers to support summer ʻAi Holo program
Maui Food Bank is calling on community members to support local families by volunteering for the summer ʻAi Holo program, which delivers nutritious food directly to children and families across Maui County during the summer months.
State Legislature advances bipartisan effort to support first-time homebuyers
“It can take years – even decades – for some people to save the money it takes to make a down payment on a home,” said Lee Wang, Executive Director of Housing Hawai‘i’s Future. “This bill gives young people hope. It gives them a better chance to stay here, to raise a family here.”
Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset helps complete a Habitat for Humanity home for fire survivor family
Members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset and fellow volunteers spent a recent Thursday helping to finish a Habitat for Humanity home for a family of wildfire survivors in Lahaina.
Josh and Souk Jerman Foundation awards five scholarships
This year’s recipients are: (L to R) Elau Luʻukia Hoopai-Waikoloa of Hāna High School; Arieana-Akira Quintua-Hanaoka of Moloka‘i High School; Madison Kelley of Seabury Hall; Kayden Volner of Seabury Hall; and Jorden Carbonell (not pictured) of Baldwin High School.
Coast Guard suspends search for overdue boater off Oʻahu
The Coast Guard suspended its search at 7 p.m. Monday for an overdue boater west of Oʻahu. The missing 61-year-old man departed on a fishing trip early Wednesday morning and was reportedly last seen fishing near the Waiʻanae coast off the southwest side of Oʻahu.
Timeline for repairs to sinkhole on South Kīhei Road rests on federal funding for Kona Low Storm recovery
The County Department of Public Works’ pursuit of emergency federal funding and the complexity of repairs are shaping the timeline for permanent restoration of South Kīhei Road near Kamaʻole Beach Park II, where a sinkhole forced the closure of both lanes during severe weather in March.
Two men hospitalized following small plane crash in waters off Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi
Two men were aboard a single-engine plane that went down approximately two miles west of Kalaupapa Airport on Molokaʻi, Monday morning. Fire officials say the men were able to exit the single engine plane and make their way to shore on their own.
Kapalua Golf and TY Management host Summer Family Fun Night, June 20
Kapalua Golf and TY Management are proud to once again come together for Summer Family Fun Night — now in its third year of bringing local families together for an evening of fun, laughter, and connection.
Case, Tokuda introduce measure to crack down on interstate trafficking of illegal fireworks
US Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda of Hawaiʻi introduced proposed legislation to crack down on illegal fireworks by allowing prosecutors to pursue money laundering charges against criminals moving illegal fireworks across state lines.
Haʻikū Community Association to host public community meeting on May 27, 2026
A featured topic of discussion will be speed tables, along with a broader community conversation on local concerns, priorities, and initiatives. Representatives from county departments, public safety, and community organizations have been invited to participate and share updates.
