Maui News
PGA TOUR confirms exit of Hawaiʻi tournaments in 2027; exploring senior event options
The PGA TOUR will not play The Sentry or the Sony Open in Hawaiʻi in 2027, according to reports today from the PGA. This marks the first time in 56 years that there will be a PGA TOUR tournament absence in the islands, following steady presence since the Sony Open started play at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu in 1971.
MEMA, other agencies to participate in April 23 training in Kahului
A multiagency, full-scale training exercise will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Kahului, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency. During this time, smoke and emergency vehicle activity may be visible in the areas of Kahului Harbor and Kahului Airport.
Hawaiian Electric receives utility industry award for efforts during PSPS events
Hawaiian Electric has received the 2026 Bronze Emergency Management Award from Chartwell Inc., a leading provider of utility industry research focused on customer-facing issues, which recognized the utility for modernizing its emergency communications in support of its Public Safety Power Shutoff program.
2026-27 Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp Art Contest winners announced
Conservation stamp highlights the wild pig, while game bird stamp features the California valley quail, which was originally brought to the islands in 1818 as a gift to King Kamehameha.
County Department of Liquor Control office to be closed for half day April 24
The County of Maui Department of Liquor Control, located at 110 Alaʻihi St., Room 212, Kahului, will be closed for a half day for department training starting at noon Friday, April 24, 2026.
Hawaiʻi Gas hiring for temporary summer jobs throughout islands
Positions are designed for recent high school grads and college students; the utility is recruiting for a range of posts at all locations statewide.
FEMA aid now available for Maui, Big Island and Honolulu residents impacted by March storms
At the President’s direction, federal disaster assistance is now available to help individuals and households recover from the impacts of the Kona Low flooding that occurred March 10–24, 2026. The Major Disaster Declaration authorizes FEMA’s Individual Assistance program for the City and County of Honolulu, as well as Hawaiʻi and Maui counties.
May trolling announcement for Kahoʻolawe
The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission has announced the following permitted trolling dates for May 9-10 and 30-31 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday).
UH: Honu emerge as reef defenders against invasive algae in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) have been documented for the first time actively grazing on Chondria tumulosa, an aggressive invasive red alga that has spread rapidly across reefs among three of the northernmost atolls in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM).
Public invited to submit remembrances for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i, the annual Memorial Day ceremony that brings together communities from around the world in honor of fallen service members and loved ones, is accepting submissions for remembrances. Submissions received by April 30, 2026, will be hand-transcribed onto lanterns.
Former Governor George Ariyoshi dies at 100, remembered as ‘historic figure’
Gov. Josh Green today announced the lowering of flags to honor the life and legacy of former Gov. George R. Ariyoshi, Hawaiʻi’s third and longest-serving governor in state history. He led the state from 1974 to 1986. Ariyoshi died peacefully Sunday night, surrounded by his family — he was 100.
Kaiser Permanente reports Alliance Unions ratify new contracts to deliver wage increases, protect affordability
After nearly 11 months of negotiations, Kaiser Permanente welcomes the ratification of 52 collective bargaining agreements covering more than 61,000 employees represented by unions within the Alliance of Health Care Unions.
Firearm permit applications in Hawaiʻi up nearly 15% last year
Hawaiʻi’s firearm registration report for 2025 reveals a notable 14.7% rise in permit applications alongside a slight decline in total firearm registrations, with a record percentage of imported firearms highlighting changing ownership trends.
UPDATE: No tsunami risk to Hawaiʻi after 7.4 earthquake east of Japan
There is NO tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi following a powerful earthquake that struck off the east coast of Japan late Sunday, prompting tsunami monitoring across parts of the Pacific.
State prevails in federal lawsuit that had sought to block Hawaiʻi’s claims against major fossil fuel companies
The state of Hawaiʻi today secured a significant legal victory in federal court, with the US District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi issuing an order dismissing a lawsuit filed by the United States, that sought to stop Hawaiʻi’s separate lawsuit filed in state court against major fossil fuel companies.
Rep. Tokuda leads House floor debate, urges swift passage of disaster aid for farmers
US Rep. Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) led floor debate for Democrats in support of H.R. 1011, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, urging its immediate passage to enhance federal disaster assistance programs for farmers recovering from natural disasters like the devastating Kona Low storms.
Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will not seek re-election
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced today that she will not seek re-election to a second term. In a statement, Luke said, “This weekend, after a long discussion with my family and close friends, I decided not to seek re-election to a second term as Lieutenant Governor.”
USCG recovery intensifies, support continues in Guam following Super Typhoon Sinlaku
US Coast Guard crews press north Sunday toward communities still isolated by the effects of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, launching a coordinated surge to reopen ports across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
New data tool gives side-by-side comparison of House and Senate budget drafts
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice has announced a major update to its Hawaiʻi Budget webpage, giving advocates, policymakers, and community members a powerful new tool to track the state’s supplemental budget process in real time.
University of Hawaiʻi to lead new Pacific reef research institute
“This new institute combines [University of Hawaiʻi]’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton.
