Maui News

Some documents at the Hawaiʻi State Archives are helping shed light on the somber anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, and the state’s efforts to honor those who died in the war. 

Housing coordinator Vanna Duarte, who is a steadfast supporter to Mauians struggling to stay in their homes, has been honored as Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month.

Maui Walking Tours LLC is teaming up with Maui Madrigale, a local troupe of professional Christmas carolers, to offer two festive-themed historic walks through Kīhei this December. 

The Lahaina office of the County of Maui Department of Motor Vehicles & Licensing is temporarily closed today, Friday, Nov. 29, due to a staffing shortage.

The Teardrop of Lahaina Sculpture has received a festive makeover for the holiday season.

The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council will host the December edition of its “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series” featuring Caesar Hjertén of Aqualink and Liz Yannell of Hui O Ka Wai Ola on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

This Thanksgiving, The Salvation Army served up thousands of meals across Hawaiʻi and Guam through its annual holiday meal outreach events. Here on Maui, The Salvation Army Kahului Corps and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College held its Annual Community Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 27 in the Pāʻina Building at the UHMC Main Campus, featuring 800 meals prepared by the UH Maui College Culinary Arts Program at this free, in-person Thanksgiving Celebration.

The 24th annual Paddle For Hunger, held on Thanksgiving morning, concluded a successful fundraising effort for the Maui Food Bank, thanks to a crowd of nearly 200 community members. 

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua invites Hawaiʻi residents to celebrate the magic of the season with an exclusive kamaʻāina offer, special events, experiences, and activations throughout December.

The Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association has announced the 20th anniversary of the Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program, which has awarded 341 student scholarships and 171 school awards to date. With the upcoming Kaimana class of 2025, HMSA will have invested a total of $1.62 million in scholarships and awards to students and schools.

Mākena Golf & Beach Club will host I Ola Kanaloa, a fundraising dinner event honoring local organizations Protect Kahoʻolawe ‘Ohana and Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission for their work towards supporting Kahoʻolawe. All proceeds from the event will benefit the honorees. The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mākena Golf & Beach Club’s Nāulu Farm.

The night before Thanksgiving, often referred to as “Blackout Wednesday,” has become a popular night for socializing and drinking — but it also comes with a higher risk of impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Senators from Maui have secured various leadership and committee assignments ahead of the 33rd Legislature. Sen. Lynn DeCoite is Assistant Majority Floor Leader and chair of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee; Sen. Troy Hashimoto is Assistant Majority Whip and vice chair of the Housing Committee; and Sen. Angus McKelvey is chair of the Government Operations Committee.

East Maui residents can drop off appliances, automobile batteries, tires, propane tanks, scrap metal and electronics during a Hāna metals and electronics recycling event on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, the County of Maui Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division announced.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali invites locals and visitors alike to ring in the holiday season with Spirit of the Season on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 4:30 p.m. This free, community event features festive entertainment and treats – all while enjoying the ambiance of a tropical winter wonderland.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D. announced the reappointment of Matthias Kusch to serve a full two-year term as the State Representative for House District 1. Kusch has been serving in this capacity since his initial appointment in August following the passing of Rep. Mark Nakashima. Kusch was one of three candidates recommended to the Governor by the Hawai‘i Island Democratic Party in accordance with state law.

Two of the new deputy sheriffs are assigned to the Maui Court Section. The rest are assigned to the Airport Section, Harbors Section and Central Patrol Section on O‘ahu.

House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura announced House leadership and committee assignments for the 33rd Legislature. Maui Rep. Tyson Miyake was named Majority Whip, Rep. Justin Woodson was named chair of the House Committee on Education, and Rep. Kyle Yamashita was named chair of the House Committee on Finance.

The talented young musicians of Suzuki Maui and Haleakalā Waldorf School will join with seasoned artists in an annual holiday concert on Saturday, Nov. 30, at Makawao Union Church.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health released a list of FAQs on Avian Influenza or H5N1 following confirmation of the virus at a Wahiawā bird sanctuary on on Nov. 15; and a subsequent confirmation of avian flu in a wild duck on Oʻahu earlier this week.