Maui News
Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future forms inaugural advisory council to address workforce housing crisis
Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future has launched its first Advisory Council, bringing together a cross-section of local leaders to support its mission of creating a more affordable and livable Hawaiʻi.
Ready Keiki to open 50 more preschool classrooms over the next two years
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke today announced the next phase of preschool classroom openings under the Executive Office on Early Learning’s (EOEL) Public Pre-Kindergarten Program, a key part of the Ready Keiki initiative — the state’s plan to provide universal access to pre-kindergarten for all Hawaiʻi families by 2032. The announcement was made at Kalihi Elementary School alongside […]
Maui wildfire recovery: Progress and persistent challenges highlighted in UHERO report
Nearly two years after the devastating Maui wildfires, survivors of the disaster are showing encouraging signs of recovery, although problems with healthcare access, children’s mental health and housing instability persist, according to a report by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization. The results come from the latest update of the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, […]
A chicken-or-egg predicament: No funding; no feral chicken control
Nearly a year after Gov. Josh Green signed into law a measure intended to help Hawaiʻi counties tame unruly flocks of feral chickens, the initiative remains unfunded and unimplemented, leaving counties without state assistance and the birds free to roam island streets and neighborhoods. Unfunded mandate Enacted on July 3, 2024, Act 185 (formerly Senate […]
129 firearms turned in during gun buyback event on Maui
Nearly 130 guns were turned in during the Maui Police Department’s gun buyback event held Saturday, June 14, at the Maui County Service Center in Kahului. The program is part of a broader effort to reduce the risk of gun violence and accidental shootings by removing unwanted and potentially dangerous weapons from homes and streets.
Kalei’s Lahaina opens new location with familiar flavors
Beloved local favorite Kalei’s Lunchbox is proud to introduce its exciting new branch, Kalei’s Lahaina, bringing tastes and memories to the heart of Lahaina. This fresh new concept offers all the classic local grinds customers know and love — plus new blended flavors. A grand opening launch celebration takes place on June 18 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Oni Foundation fundraiser to support cultural preservation & youth empowerment, July 20
The Oni Foundation will take guests on a journey through Polynesia at its summer fundraiser on July 20 at the Maui Beach Hotel’s Moana Ballroom in Kahului. The event will feature an evening of cultural performance, dining and music.
What separates fact from fiction? Wildfires and public safety power shutoffs
The summer months bring dry and windy conditions that increase the risk of wildfires, such as the deadly blaze that devastated Lahaina town in August 2023. Now, Hawaiian Electric Co. and the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization are addressing what they say are five of the most widely held myths about wildfires and prevention strategies, such […]
Brent Lausterer named as Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau sales director
The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau has appointed Brent Lausterer as director of sales for the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. His appointment was effective June 4. Lausterer will lead group and leisure sales efforts across Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, Lausterer has a […]
Los Angeles Rams and Hollman Lockers team up to refurbish locker rooms at Lahainaluna
The Los Angeles Rams in collaboration with Hollman Lockers and design firm Forty Nine Degrees announced an initiative to support the Maui community by building new locker rooms for Lahainaluna High School in Lahaina, Maui.
Traffic advisory: 6 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 18, due to War Memorial event
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation issued a traffic advisory from 6 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 18, 2025, for roadways surrounding War Memorial Complex and Keōpūolani Regional Park in Kahului due to the large, sold-out professional sporting event Rams Mauicamp. Also, public facilities will be closed to recreational use during the event.
US Senate passes resolution marking ‘National Wildfire Preparedness Month’
The US Senate unanimously passed a resolution Monday — introduced by US Sens. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi and John Barrasso of Wyoming to designate May as “National Wildfire Preparedness Month.” The resolution aims to increase public awareness and preparedness in response to the increasing scale, complexity, and severity of wildfires across the country. In August […]
Ian Walsh Foundation awards $3,000 scholarships to 10 student athletes
The Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Foundation has awarded $3,000 scholarships to 10 outstanding student athletes for their college or university expenses. The 2025 scholarships were made possible with the generosity of Audrey and Scott Blum and the Harbaugh Foundation. An awards ceremony was held on June 11 at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. The scholarship […]
Structures saved during Kahikinui fire — suppression efforts continue on Day 3
The large blaze burned close to houses guarded by two structure protection groups – crews of firefighters with various vehicles, deployed to protect structures and “bump and run the fire around the homes,” according to a County of Maui social media update.
Transport begins of 400,000 tons of Lahaina wildfire debris to permanent disposal site
Trucks carrying Lahaina wildfire debris began transport operations Monday from the Olowalu Temporary Debris Storage (TDS) site to the Permanent Disposal Site (PDS) adjacent to the Central Maui Landfill in Puʻunēnē, as work began to transfer approximately 400,000 tons of debris to the permanent site.
Bacon Universal becomes facility sponsor of the Oskie Rice Event Center
Bacon Universal, the exclusive dealer for Kubota and Komatsu equipment in Hawaiʻi, has announced a new partnership with the Oskie Rice Event Center, signing on as a facility sponsor under an initial one-year agreement.
Beginning July 1, Hawai‘i drivers to pay more for annual vehicle safety inspections
Starting July 1, 2025, the fee for a Hawai‘i vehicle safety inspection will increase by 75 cents to $25.75 for automobiles and trucks and to $17.75 for motorcycles and trailers. This is the first fee increase for vehicle safety inspections since 2017, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. The department reports that the increase […]
Zoe Alexandra Asue to rein as 2025 Makawao Stampede Queen
Pukalani resident Zoe Alexandra Asue has been named as 2025 Makawao Stampede Queen, according to an announcement from the Oskie Rice Event Center and Kaonoulu Ranch. Asue, 23, is the daughter of Alysha Asue and Brandon Kusunoki. Her sister is Hunter Asue-Kusunoki, and her grandparents are Wayne and Leonora Asue. Zoe Asue is from a […]
Matt Elliott approved by BOR as next UH Mānoa athletics director
The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents unanimously approved the appointment of Matt Elliott as UH Mānoa’s next athletics director during a special meeting on June 16. Elliott was selected by UH President Wendy Hensel following a national search that drew more than 110 applicants. His first day will be June 30, 2025.
Update/located: Wailuku woman reported missing after day trip to Lahaina
Panaguiton was located and found to be in good health. The Maui Police Department thanked the public for their assistance.
