Maui News
6,200-acre Maalaea Blaze called largest in Maui, officially extinguished
The brush fire that began a week ago on Monday, June 7, 2010 in the mountainous terrain above Ma’alea, was officially extinguished by 12:30 this (Monday, June 14, 2010) afternoon. County officials say the 6,200 acre fire is believed to be the largest to impact the island of Maui. The cause remains under investigation. Maui […]
Water levels at Upper Kula reservoirs near empty
Drought conditions upcountry have resulted in near empty conditions at the Upper Kula reservoirs. According to the Maui Department of Water Supply, the 30 MG (million gallon ) Waikamoi Reservoir is empty and the 100 MG Kahakapao Reservoir is less than 26% full. The water department plans to reduce production at the Olinda Water Treatment […]
VIDEO: Kamehameha Day events mark island unification bicentennial
By Wendy Osher [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjBZMJNqkyA[/youtube] Today is Kamehameha Day. Commemorative events take place today in Kahului and tomorrow in Lahaina. Maui’s royal societies observe the day with reverence, paying special attention to the significance of Kamehameha’s role in unifying the 8 major Hawaiian islands. The groups, led by the Royal Order of Kamehameha Kahekili Chapter, will […]
VIDEO: Kanikapila with Poki featuring Living legend Emma Veary
Emma Veary was the featured artist at the latest Kanikapila with Poki event held today beneath the shade of the Kou and Kukui Nut trees fronting the Baldwin House Museum in Lahaina.
VIDEO: Additional 400 acres burned in Maalaea Fire flare up
By Wendy Osher [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oghLmyA0Eko[/youtube] (Update: 6 p.m. 6/10/10) A flare-up at approximately 1:30 p.m. today added an estimated 400 acres to a brush fire that’s been burning since Monday evening. Fire officials report that the brush fire remains at 90% containment. The flare-up was brought under control by firefighters aided by 4 helicopters conducting water […]
Maalaea fire 90% contained, Lahaina Pali Trail closed
By Wendy Osher The Maalaea fire is now 90% contained according to Maui Fire Chief Jeffery Murray. The fire began Monday night and burned a total of 5,800 acres. Because of the ongoing operations, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources today decided to close the Lahaina Pali Trail in the West Maui Mountains […]
State Water Commission issued final decision on Na Wai ‘Eha streams
The State Commission on Water Resource Management (Commission) issued its final decision and order today in the contested case to set interim instream flow standards for four west Maui streams –Waihe‘e, Waiehu, ‘Iao and Waikapu — known together as “Na Wai ‘Eha.” Decision and Order The Commission has ordered the following amended interim instream flow […]
New Explosive Detection System unveiled at Kahului Airport
The State Department of Transportation dedicated a new, state of the art Explosive Detection System today at Kahului Airport. The new system is expected to provide a simplified flight check-in process for air travelers, open up more lobby space, and provide air travel security. The system features screening equipment installed behind the ticketing and check-in […]
VIDEO: Hawaiian launches new Maui to Vegas flight, adding 2,000 air seats per month
Hawaiian Airlines today introduced a direct new route between Maui and Las Vegas. The twice-weekly non-stop service starts October 3, 2010.
Wind gusts of 60 mph expected at Haleakala Summit 6/9/10
(Update 8 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2010) The National Weather Service issued a Wind Warning for the summit of Haleakala on Maui. The warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. A separate Wind Advisory for the island of Kahoolawe has been continued until 6 p.m. as well. Winds on Haleakala summit will be 35 mph […]
Maalea Fire grows to 5,800 acres, now 75% contained
(Update: 12p 6/9/10) The Maalaea fire is now 75% contained. A noon update provided by the county notes the fire grew to 5,800 acres in size since last report. Both lanes of Honoapiilani Highway remain open to traffic. However, motorists are cautioned that wind conditions could adversely affect the fire and cause intermittent road closures. […]
FEMA Federal funds secured for 2300-acre Maui Fire
Maui County fire fighters battling a fast moving brush fire that had scorched 2,300 acres in the West Maui Mountains will receive federal aid. The announcement was made this morning by U.S. Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka. The Fire Management Assistance Grant will be funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). […]
Maalaea Fire burns 2,300 acres, Hwy OPEN, but subject to intermittent closures
(Update 6 a.m. 6/9/10) Both lanes of Honoapiilani Highway are open to traffic. However, motorists are cautioned that the fire and heavy smoke may cause intermittent road closures. Maui Police will continue to post updates to Honoapiilani Highway on the road closure advisory phone line 986-1200. Fire officials report that at daylight this morning, an […]
VIDEO: Mayor Tavares says she will not sign the Council’s version of the FY 2011 budget
By Wendy Osher Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares today said she will not sign the council’s version of the 2011 budget, saying the council showed disregard for the departments’ financial and operating knowledge and expertise. [flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzFMjeN1mYc /] “It will become law without my signature or endorsement, as provided for in the charter,” said Tavares. “I […]
6p 6/8/10 Alternating Traffic on Honoapiilani Hwy; Maalaea fire burns 2,000 acres
By Wendy Osher (Update 6:30 p 6/8/10) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl6ed3NH6Jo[/youtube] Maui Police re-opened the Honoapiilani Highway at around 6 p.m. (Tuesday, June 8, 2010) for contraflow travel using one lane of travel, following a six hour road closure. Firefighters continue to battle a 2,000 acre blaze above Maalaea that was first reported at 10 p.m. Monday. Police […]
Maui Firefighters battle second Maalaea blaze in as many days
Firefighters returned to the hills above Maalaea last night to monitor a second brush fire in as many days. The fire was reported at around 10 p.m. Monday about a quarter-mile mauka of the Honoapiilani Highway in a remote area with rugged terrain near the utility road. Because of darkness and the possibility of downed […]
Maui’s VIP Cash n’ Carry re-opening features new departments
Posted by Wendy Osher VIP Foodservice’s Cash n’ Carry store in Kahului re-opens as Cash n’ Carry Warehouse this week. The results of a six-month store renovation and transformation will be unveiled at a grand re-opening celebration this Friday, June 11, 2010 starting at 9 a.m. The remodeled warehouse features expanded offerings of more than […]
Hawaiian’s new Oakland to Maui route adds 24,000 seats for summer
Hawaiian Airlines launched its first-ever non-stop flights between Oakland and Maui over the weekend. The daily flight is being offered throughout the summer and provides East Bay travelers with the convenience of direct access to the Valley Isle. It also provides a boost in air seats for Maui’s visitor industry, with a capacity to seat […]
Budget Constraints force reduced hours at Maui landfills
Reduced hours at all county landfills takes effect July 1, 2010 due to budget constraints. The reduction in service is expected to address a $1.7 million decrease in the County’s landfill operations budget for the 2011 Fiscal Year. Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said the county worked to address union employee concerns to reach a formal […]
Fire Crews Responding to Brush Fire in Maalaea
(Update @ 10 p.m. 6/6/10) MAALAEA BRUSH FIRE 90% CONTAINED A brush fire that was reported at 6:32 a.m today was 90% contained shortly after 7:30 tonight. The fire was located mauka, above the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Kuihelani Highway on the Wailuku side of a road locally known as the “power line road”. […]
