Maui News

A New Year’s celebration turned deadly on Oʻahu when a firework explosion killed at least three individuals and left more than 20 people in serious or critical condition, according to sources. The incident was reported just after midnight at a home on Keaka Drive in the Salt Lake area of Honolulu.

Fifteen months after the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires, there were 197,622 visitors to Maui in November 2024, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. This marks a 21.6% increase—or approximately 35,000 more visitors—compared to November 2023, though it remains about 15% below the visitor count recorded in November 2019, prior to the pandemic and wildfires.

Sentry Insurance is donating an additional $1 million to Maui United Way to continue its support of youth mental health services in response to the devastating 2023 wildfires.

The newsite posted nearly 1,500 stories this year, many of which involved people with connection to the university system making headlines, including Miss Aloha Hula winners, a contestant on “The Voice” and someone who once had a date with Marcia Brady.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has reported that 102 people have been killed in traffic-related crashes statewide from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, a 10% increase from 93 fatalities last year.

The website application for Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start preschool will be inactive beginning Wednesday, according to an announcement. Applications for openings that occur during the year are taken by phone.

The accolades have arrived in bunches for Dillon Gabriel in his final season of college football for the No. 1-ranked University of Oregon — Heisman Trophy finalist, AP Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, consensus all-America honors from all five outlets that select the teams — but as the journey has unfolded, Gabriel remained grounded in his 50th state roots.

Wildfire recovery, the cancellation of the Maui Fair, housing solutions, and election highlights are among the stories that made our list of top features this year. Here’s a recap of some of Maui’s biggest stories in 2024.

Independent investors have acquired non-controlling interests in American Savings Bank in separate transactions from Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., the bank announced today. Among other things, HEI said the sale will give it flexibility in making its Maui wildfire settlement contributions.

The Rotary District 5000 Foundation has contributed $82,000 to support Na Kiaʻi O Maui’s relief efforts following the Maui fires, according to an organization announcement. The funds were used to purchase essential equipment, including a forklift and a heavy-duty truck, to meet the operational needs of the center.

Madam Pele continued her impressive fire display this morning, whipping up 65- to 100-foot-high fountains of lava on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea volcano.

Caregivers who provide medical cannabis to qualified patients will be protected from “undue enforcement” under an executive order signed by Gov. Josh Green.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is reminding everyone to make safety a top priority during New Year’s celebrations. Drunk driving deaths have increased 33% since 2019, and New Year’s is one of the most dangerous holidays for impaired driving crashes.

Drivers be advised that stopping, standing or parking on State highways to view fireworks on New Year’s Eve is illegal and potentially dangerous.

Gov. Josh Green has extended a state emergency proclamation, now in its 18th incarnation, to help fight prolific herds of voracious axis deer that damage farm crops, overgraze pasture lands and threaten fragile watersheds.

Maui County will host two public aerial firework displays this year—one at the Grand Wailea Resort and another at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi—according to an announcement from the Maui Fire Department. Both displays begin at approximately 11:59 p.m. on New Yearʻs Eve, Dec. 31, 2024.

As Maui Economic Opportunity prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, the Community Action Partnership nonprofit agency reflects on the busy 2023-24 fiscal year during which 55,000 lives were touched by its more than 30 diverse programs.

Polynesian Voyaging Society prepares to mark 5 decades of legendary iconic traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe reviving the Hawaiian culture, advocating for the environment and renewing a connection to the Earth and ocean.

A gifting initiative led by Lahaina teen, Madison “Madi” Goldsmith, and mainland nonprofit, the Lady Savant Foundation is recognizing positivity in the sustained spirit of residents following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.

A blessing was held last week for the new “Green Streets” project in Mākena, a transformative milestone in sustainable, low-impact development on Maui, according to managers. The public right-of-way project diagonally across from Mākena Landing at the intersection of Honoiki Street and Keone‘ō‘io Road, is a collaboration between Mākena Golf and Beach Club and the County of Maui.