Maui News
State awarded $11.99M grant to improve children’s mental health services statewide
The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division has been awarded an $11.99 million system of care improvement grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
New release ‘Big Hearts on a Little Island’ proceeds to help rebuild of Lahaina Public Library
A newly released 250-page coffee table book, “Big Hearts on a Little Island,” tells the story of how the people of Maui stepped up to help after the devastating 2023 wildfires, from author and Maui resident Victoria Moore.
Ledcor Maui and partners raise $105,000 for Maui youth through Makana no Nā Keiki gift drive
More than 100 Maui youth enjoyed a festive day of shopping at locally owned stores at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center this past Thursday, as Ledcor Maui concluded its second annual Makana no Nā Keiki (Gifts for Children) program. The gift drive raised $105,000, benefitting three local charitable organizations: Maui Youth & Family Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, and the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui.
Blessing ceremony to mark completion of Maui Public Art Project at King Kamehameha III Elementary School’s temporary campus
Following nine months of programming and development, a mural spread across the temporary campus of King Kamehameha III Elementary School will be blessed on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. The community is invited to participate in the event, which begins promptly at 12:30 p.m.
The Shops at Wailea rolls out holiday lineup, annual Instagram giveaways and more
The Shops at Wailea is spreading holiday cheer and inviting families to join in the festive fun this December with an exciting lineup of events, giveaways, and live entertainment for all ages. Throughout the month, Maui residents and Wailea visitors can enjoy these special offerings designed to celebrate the magic of the season.
HIDOE to restore one additional school bus route in Upcountry Maui starting Monday
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced today that one previously suspended school bus route in Upcountry Maui will be reinstated starting on Monday, Dec. 9, restoring service for nearly 40 student bus riders.
Hāliʻimaile Holidays celebration, Dec. 13
Food, music, shopping and family fun will all make for a festive Hāliʻimaile Holidays celebration, hosted by Maui Land & Pineapple Co., from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the former pineapple plantation town midway between Kahului and Makawao.
Rep. Tokuda to hold statewide telephone town hall, Dec. 11
US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) will be holding a statewide telephone town hall on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. HST.
Dunlap, Eckroat and MacIntyre lead group of first-time PGA TOUR winners set to tee it up at The Sentry
The Sentry has announced Nick Dunlap, Austin Eckroat, and Robert MacIntyre have committed to play in the opening event of the 2025 PGA TOUR Regular Season when it returns to The Plantation Course at Kapalua from Jan 2 through Jan. 5.
Gov. Green lowers flags in remembrance of the Pearl Harbor attack
Flags are being lowered from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, marking the 83rd commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack, and the lives lost on Dec. 7, 1941. “The day serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by the thousands of men and women whose bravery in the face of unimaginable adversity shaped the course of history,” said Gov. Green.
$2.6M in grants awarded to support food system infrastructure projects in Hawaiʻi
The US Department of Agriculture has announced awards for 17 Hawai‘i projects totaling $2.6 million under the Resilient Food System Infrastructure program. The RFSI program is aimed at strengthening middle-of-the-supply chain operations and local food systems by supporting processing, manufacturing, storing, transportation, wholesaling and distribution of agricultural products. The grants include $77,896 to Maui Breadfruit Co. and $59,058 to NH Properties, LLC dba Haʻikū Organic Farm on Maui.
Habitat for Humanity Maui receives $16,500 grant from Lowe’s to support home repair projects on Molokaʻi
Habitat for Humanity Maui has received a $16,500 grant from Lowe’s to help with the renovation of one home on Molokaʻi in critical need of safety-related repairs.
Sen. Hirono co-sponsors bill to promote family unity in US immigration system
US Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi is co-sponsoring a bill to help families caught up in the US immigration system at a time when President-elect Donald Trump is pledging mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
DOH reports 15th travel-related dengue virus case
The Hawai‘i Department of Health has identified a new case of travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the number of total cases to 15 identified in the state in 2024 (one on Kauaʻi, four on Maui, 10 on Oʻahu). The affected travelers were exposed in various countries where dengue is common.
MEO offers ‘Helping Lahaina Heal: Mastering Your Money’ workshop
A “Helping Lahaina Heal: Mastering Your Money” workshop, offered by Maui Economic Opportunity, will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Lahaina Recovery Center in the Lahaina Gateway.
Court injunction blocks commercial ocean permitting in Kāʻanapali
Environmental Court Judge Peter Cahill has ordered the Department of Land and Natural Resources not to issue or renew commercial use permits for state waters in Kāʻanapali until it can complete environmental assessments for their use or determine such permits are exempt from environmental review under Hawaiʻi law.
DPW leader John Smith selected as County’s Office of Recovery Administrator
Mayor Richard Bissen announced the selection of John Smith, a leader with the County of Maui’s Department of Public Works, to serve as the new administrator of the County’s Office of Recovery. County officials say Smith has been instrumental in leading infrastructure restoration efforts following the recent wildfires. In his new capacity, he will now oversee the County’s comprehensive recovery efforts.
Council to hold Lahaina public hearing and special meetings in December
Maui Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced that the Maui County Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall on a proposed ordinance for the Kahoma Village project, where five residential buildings were destroyed in the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires. Lee said the council will also hold special meetings Dec. 13 and 23 in the Council Chamber to discuss bills amending land-use and development standards for the Honua‘ula development—a 670-acre, multiuse housing project in South Maui. To view meeting agendas, visit mauicounty.us/agendas.
Kamehameha III Elementary School temporary campus receives national award for construction management achievement
The Construction Management Association of America recently named the temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary school on Maui the 2024 Project of the Year. The national award celebrates skill, collaboration and impact of construction management for the project.
Maui Strong Fund awards over $2M to support mental health
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is awarding over $2 million dollars in Maui Strong Fund grants to 24 nonprofit partners providing culturally relevant and holistic mental health resources to families, individuals, and youth affected by the Maui wildfires. The nonprofit partners will use the funds to provide a broad range of services including art therapies, trauma-informed workshops, Hawaiian language and cultural immersion education, and peer-to-peer mental health support for youth.
