Maui News
Fairmont Kea Lani hosts annual Tree Lighting, launches Tree of Hope Campaign, Dec. 1
The Fairmont Kea Lani’s 32nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1 will kick off the resortʻs 10th annual Tree of Hope Campaign, benefiting the Maui Food Bank’s Aloha Backpack Buddies Program.
West Maui debris mitigation tools prove helpful during recent rains
Tools used to trap ash and debris and filter out potential contaminants before they entered the storm drain system proved helpful, according to the Department of Public Works.
Kona low brings 10″ of rain at Keʻanae in East Maui; flooding results in impassable roads
Nearly 10 inches of rain – the highest rainfall total in the state – was recorded in United States Geological Survey’s rain gauge near Keʻanae in a 24-hour period ending at 1 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2023.
Kahului Public Library reopens Dec. 5
“Although we were hoping to complete renovations before reopening to the public, the loss of the Lahaina Public Library in the terrible August fires prompted us to restore service in Kahului as quickly as possible,” said Stacey A. Aldrich, State Librarian.
Hawaiʻi delegation urges USDA to provide all Maui students with free school meals
The lawmakers’ request for would help to alleviate burdens, providing thousands of students across the island with access to healthy, nutritious meals at no cost to their families as they deal with post-wildfire impacts.
EPA completes Phase 1 hazardous material removal at 1,448 properties in Lahaina, Kula
The US Environmental Protection Agency today reports it has completed its work under Phase 1 of the federal response to the wildfires in Lahaina and the Upcountry Maui communities.
Hāna Metals and Electronics Recycling Event Dec. 8 and 9
A Hāna Metals and Electronics Collection Event will take place Dec. 8 and 9 to help East Maui residents dispose of special waste items.
Program aims to address barriers to recovery for Maui’s Filipino community post-wildfires
Hawai‘i Community Foundation and grassroots organization Tagnawa announced funding support committed to redefining disaster response for Lahaina’s Filipino community affected by the Maui wildfires.
Hawaiʻi set to receive $7.6M to protect coastal communities, fish and wildlife
The funding includes $354,000 to Mālama Haleakalā Foundation to do site assessment and preliminary design for a detention basin along Kūlanihāko’i Stream. There’s also $255,300 for Molokaʻi Land Trust to wetland restoration planning.
Hawaiʻi police caution iPhone users over NameDrop security feature
The Hawai’i Police Department is cautioning iPhone users over security concerns related to a new feature that is part of Apple’s latest operating system software update.
Near Fatal: Moped operator critically injured in Waiehu crash
A 56-year-old Kahului man suffered critical life-threatening injuries when he was ejected from a moped he was operating during a collision on Wednesday night in Waiehu.
Maui road closures due to severe weather
The Hāna Highway is closed between mile markers 40 and 41 in the area of Laulima Farms due to flooding. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation was headed out to Mile 21 of the Hāna Highway at around 9:12 a.m. to clear a reported mud/rock slide. Piʻilani Highway in East Maui is closed at mile markers 16, 28, miles 29 to 31 from Kaupō to Nuʻu, and at the bridge at mile 36 due to flooding.
Water conservation request issued for Nāhiku in East Maui
The Department of Water Supply is requesting that residents, visitors and businesses of Nāhiku in East Maui conserve water. A water line repair has been delayed due to inclement weather.
Tarmac accident involving aircraft and ground equipment at Kahului Airport
Emergency crews responded to a tarmac accident involving an aircraft and a piece of ground equipment on the tarmac at Kahului Airport this morning. Marvin Moniz, Airports District Manager, DOT Airports Division on Maui tells Maui Now that one employee was transported to the hospital.
Dec. 31 deadline for real property long-term rental exemption for 2024 assessment year
County of Maui Real Property Assessment Division reminds property owners that the deadline to apply for the long-term rental exemption and classification is Dec. 31, 2023.
Preparation for kona low: West Maui sewer customers asked to reduce flow
Specifically, Lahaina customers within and near the burn zone are asked to reduce toilet flushing, bathing, washing clothes and cleaning dishes. Doing so will safeguard the system against potential sewage spills.
Kona low continues to bring unsettled weather: Flood Watch continues
The Flash Flood Warning is canceled for the island of Maui as of 2:38 p.m. The National Weather Service reports that the heavy rain has ended. Hāna Highway has been reopened, but portions of Piʻilani Highway remain closed. A Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. on Friday for all of the main Hawaiian Islands.
Update/Open: Traffic notice for Waiehu Beach Rd/ Makaʻala Dr
Waiehu Beach Road is now open in both directions. The road was closed earlier due to an accident involving a vehicle and a moped.
Wailuku restaurant issued red placard, temporarily closed
A red “closed” placard was issued on Wednesday to a Wailuku restaurant by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Maui Food Safety Branch.
World Surf League’s One Ocean Initiative: Protecting marine ecosystems, fostering community involvement
In its 2023 Annual Purpose & Impact Report, the World Surf League’s One Ocean Initiative celebrates its key environmental milestones, such as protecting and restoring 45,374 hectares of critical surfing ecosystems and planting 100,000 corals, while amplifying community involvement.