Maui News

In the wake of the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfires that left thousands displaced and caused over $5 billion in damage, Hawaii solar company RevoluSun has teamed up with Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (“Daikin”), a global air conditioner manufacturer, to provide climate control systems for emergency housing units.

A Work-Based Learning Expo for Education Week 2024 will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. March 20 at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The event is being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, in partnership with HawaiiKidsCAN.

The County of Maui announced that numerous County, State and federal agencies will be participating in a joint search and rescue exercise this week. The most visible activities will take place Wednesday, March 20 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Kīhei Boat Ramp and in the offshore waters between South Maui and the island of Lānaʻi.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has canceled the notification for Kahekili “Airport” Beach on Maui. Water sample retesting results show that enterococci levels no longer exceed the threshold level.

The Clean Elections Hawaii Coalition rallied at the State Capitol on Monday to call on House Speaker Scott Saiki and other House leaders to support legislation for publicly financed elections.

Lahainaluna High School will hold a free public screening of “My Partner” on Thursday, March 28 at the Lahainaluna Sue D. Cooley Football Stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening to begin promptly at 7 p.m.

For the first time, the Hawai‘i International Film Festival will present two festivals this spring on O’ahu. The 27th annual HIFF Spring Showcase presented by Halekulani will entertain film fans March 21-28; and the HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest, an inaugural youth film festival, will take place April 5-7.

One of the largest studies on wildlife activity — involving more than 220 researchers, 163 mammal species and 5,000 camera traps worldwide — reveals that wild animals react differently to human activity levels depending on where the animals live and what they eat. Hawai‘i-based authors include University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers Melissa Price and Derek Risch.

Maui’s own Kamalei Kawaʻa wowed judges last night on NBC’s “The Voice” once again during an iconic duet with Oʻahu “sweetheart” Gabriel Goes, taking Kawaʻa to the next round of the national singing competition.

For the first time ever, the internationally acclaimed ensemble will bring a show to the shores of Waikīkī on a permanent basis, delivering the experience at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel debuting in late 2024. The show will introduce Cirque du Soleil’s artistry to Hawai‘i through the guidance and vision of a distinguished group of Native Hawaiian creatives. 

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is looking for a nonprofit to administer its emergency financial assistance program, the Pohala Mai – ʻOhana Experiencing Financial Hardship Grant. A grant budget of $1.66 million is available for Native Hawaiians.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises the public that construction will begin Wednesday, March 20 on canopies above the electric vehicle chargers at the Kahului Park & Ride along Kūihelani Highway (Route 380).

The newly redesigned Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation graduated its first recruit class this year, marking the occasion during a ceremony recently at Mission Memorial Auditorium in Honolulu.

The Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission confirmed the passing of founding Commissioner, Ted Sakai on Monday, March 18, 2024. He was described as “a beloved colleague, and friend.”

Special Olympics Hawaiʻi will conduct its annual fundraising campaign April 1 through May 13 , according to an announcement from Par Hawaii.

Because of spring break and Easter holidays, the weekly Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Update meetings will be suspended on March 20 and March 27, Maui County announced.

Gov. Josh Green and the state of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services have announced the launch of the Disaster Case Management Program for survivors of the Maui wildfires.

The exercise will take place March 20, on the water and in the air off Kīhei Boat Ramp with Coast Guard and local agencies working together to test and evaluate interagency communications, response plans and responders’ actions during a simulated exercise of a missing mariner.

The Office of Gov. Josh Green has released ‘The Hawai‘i We Deserve’ policy report, which is presented as a comprehensive outline of the Green Administration’s plans to confront key issues facing the state of Hawai‘i.

“By expanding Global Entry, integrating biometric screening, and pursuing pre-clearance status, we are making travel more efficient, convenient and secure for Japanese citizens visiting Hawai‘i,” said Gov. Green.