Maui News
County barricades removed as state reopens intersection at northern terminus of Front Street
County of Maui barricades will be removed when the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reopens its intersection on Honoapi‘ilani Highway and the northern terminus of Front Street at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 26, 2025, according to the County’s Office of Recovery.
Episode 11 of Kīlauea eruption features 200 foot lava fountains
Episode 11 of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption at Halemaʻumaʻu began at 6:26 p.m. HST on Feb. 25, 2025 within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The intensity and height of fountaining has continued to escalate since the eruption began reaching heights of over 200 feet by 6:50 p.m. HST.
Mānoa: Food insecurity a major driver of mental health challenges in Hawaiʻi, study finds
Food insecurity is a key driver of poor mental health in Hawaiʻi, according to a new study by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers.
17 employees with CNHA’s Kākoʻo Maui placed on leave due to federal funding cuts
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement announced that 17 employees assigned to CNHA’s Kākoʻo Maui recovery programs have been placed on leave following unexpected federal funding cuts. These employees played a critical role in providing direct assistance to wildfire survivors, particularly at the Kākoʻo Distribution Center, which has temporarily closed due to the staffing loss.
Friday’s Kīhei Town Party features Kalama Intermediate ʻukulele students, the Benny Uyetake Band and more
The next Kīhei 4th Friday takes place Feb. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Azeka Shopping Center Mauka. Enjoy live music, food booths and trucks, art, crafts and local shopping.
Another hit: Insufficient funding erases more than 130 jobs held by Maui wildfire survivors
As Maui wildfire survivors try to get back on their feet, another blow: A combination of uncertain federal funding from the US Department of Labor and insufficient available funds from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations have led to lost jobs Monday for 131 National Dislocated Worker Grant workers.
American Savings Bank celebrates centennial with $100K donation to local nonprofits
To celebrate 100 years of serving Hawaiʻi, American Savings Bank is giving back with a $100,000 donation to local nonprofits through the newly launched ASB Charitable Foundation. Ten organizations will each receive $10,000 – and the public is invited to decide the recipients by voting online.
Community meeting on Imi Kala Street Extension proposal to be held March 5 in Wailuku
The County of Maui Department of Public Works (DPW) is holding a community meeting Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Wailuku to discuss the proposed Imi Kala Street Extension project that would provide another connection between Waiehu and Wailuku.
Multi-agency, full-scale CST training exercise slated this Thursday morning in Kīhei
A multi-agency, full-scale training exercise will be held this Thursday morning, Feb. 27, 2025, starting at 6 a.m. in Kīhei, according to the County’s Maui Emergency Management Agency.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa launches ‘Kuleana Series,’ AI experience
This first-of-its-kind interactive augmented reality experience features 11 leading cultural educators and scientific experts. The “living portraits” on the plaques consist of portrait images that “come to life” by employing augmented reality (AR) technology. By using the AR viewer on a smartphone and pointing the camera towards the portrait, it creates a lifelike experience for the guest as the image begins to move and speak when viewed on the phone’s screen.
Senate committee advances key bills on housing, agriculture, businesses and energy
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means, led by State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, passed several key bills this week aimed at tackling housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and advancing sustainability in Hawai‘i.
UH Maui College announces 2025 Summer Culinary Launchpad Scholarship
Successful applicants will receive a $1600 scholarship which covers tuition for two Summer 2025 classes – Fundamentals of Cookery from June 2 to July 3, and Fundamentals of Baking from July 7 to Aug. 8.
CNHA appoints Blaine Miyasato as its new chief brand officer
With 40 years of experience in branding, product development, corporate strategy, and community engagement, Blaine Miyasato will lead CNHA’s efforts to strengthen and unify its brand, ensuring it reflects the organization’s mission to uplift Native Hawaiians.
Council OKs up to $5M for property acquisition by Lahaina Community Land Trust
Maui County Council members voted unanimously, 9-0, on Friday to approve by resolution the use of up to $5 million from the Managed Retreat Revolving Fund for property acquisition by the Lahaina Community Land Trust.
Public meetings for CDBG-DR Action Plan to be held March 8, 11 and 14
More than $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding was appropriated by Congress to support recovery efforts stemming from the 2023 Maui wildfires. The funding will be provided to the County of Maui through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Five people displaced by house fire on Pikale Place in Wailuku
Five individuals were displaced and one person was transported to the hospital following a fire at a home on Pikale Place in Wailuku Monday night. The fire was reported at 6:50 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2025 at a single-story, single-family home.
State leaders announce digitization of Plants and Animals Declaration Form
State leaders today announced the launch of “Akamai Arrival,” a pilot program that will digitize Hawaiʻi’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, streamlining the process for travelers arriving in the islands.
Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi has promoted Shellie Niles to Vice President of Mission
Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi has promoted Shellie Niles to Vice President of Mission, in which she will be responsible for advocacy and overseeing the neighbor island offices for Hawaiʻi’s largest social services agency.
Council panel to receive update on pilot project for overnight sleeping in cars
The Maui County Council’s Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee will receive an update Tuesday morning on the status of a Maui County pilot project to allow people to sleep in their cars in county-owned public parking lots.
Nominations sought for Maui County’s 2025 Outstanding Older Americans
The County of Maui Office on Aging is seeking nominations for the 56th Annual Outstanding Older American Male and Female of Maui County. The deadline to submit nominations is 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025.
