Maui News
World’s largest beach cleanup effort to engage over half a million volunteers
Ocean Conservancy is calling for volunteers worldwide to join the 39th annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the world’s largest beach and waterway cleanup effort, launching on Sept. 21, 2024. With plastic pollution at crisis levels, ICC organizers invite everyone who loves the ocean to take action by joining a cleanup in their area.
Congressional subcommittee hears update on Maui wildfire aftermath
Members of the US House Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, including Hawaiʻi US Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case, heard an update Wednesday on last year’s deadly wildfires during a hearing at the Lahaina Civic Center.
Culture and community celebrated at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center’s 808 Bash
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center launched its inaugural 808 Bash on Aug. 24, bringing Maui together in celebration of community. Organizers say the success of this event has set the tone for what is hoped to become a new annual tradition for the island.
One-day mass permitting events for private-party community center permits on Maui for summer 2025
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will host one-day mass permitting events for summer 2025 private-party rentals of community centers in three districts.
Maui-based Mobile Power Hawaiʻi launches large-scale mobile solar generator
Mobile Power Hawaiʻi announced the launch of its new mobile solar generator, the PowerCube. The PowerCube is a formidable 10 kW solar array with 28 kWh of stored energy mounted to a trailer. The flexibility of the PowerCube and its production capabilities are the result of longtime Maui residents Corey Barth and Paul Maselli’s ingenuity and problem-solving in the wake of the Lahaina fires.
Holy Rosary Church announces inaugural golf tournament to support historic church
The Holy Rosary Church has announced an inaugural golf tournament set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course in Kahului. The special event doubles as a friendly competition and vital fundraiser to support the ongoing restoration and preservation of one of Maui’s most cherished historic landmarks.
Head Start staffer Maile Fevella named MEO Employee of the Month
Head Start staffer Maile Fevella was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month. Part of her job is to fill in at Head Start sites in Central, West and Upcountry Maui and Haʻikū when there are staffing shortages.
Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards Nominees Announced
The Maui Chamber of Commerce has announced nominees for the 2024 Mayor’s Small Business Awards, which will be held on Sept. 19.
Kula Community Association to host Candidate Forum, Sept. 11
The Kula Community Association (KCA) hosts a Candidate Forum on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kula Community Center. This event will feature candidates running for Senate, House, and Maui County Council offices covering nine races. The event offers a platform for candidates to present their views and respond to questions.
Maui Tropix Surf Co. donates $100,000 to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund
Maui Tropix Surf Co. raised and donated $100,000 to the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. The funds will go towards ongoing wildfire relief and recovery following the August 2023 Maui wildfires.
60 refurbished computers distributed by MEO at no cost to recipients
For some, the refurbished laptop given to them at no cost was their first computer. For others, the laptops replaced ones burned in the wildfires.
New report: ‘Power Pivot — Transitioning Hawaiʻi Gasoline Superusers to Electric Vehicles’
Released by Ulupono Initiative and Coltura, the paper focuses on these superusers, which account for approximately 65,000, or 6.8%, of the state’s drivers. The superusers have extensive and costly driving habits, often exceeding 40,000 miles annually, compared to the non-superusers average of 8,500 miles annually. Collectively, these superusers consume nearly 26% of Hawaiʻi’s gasoline.
Jason Economou takes the helm as Maui United Way’s new CEO
Today, Maui United Way announced that Jason Economou is now serving as President and CEO of the organization. Economou is a local attorney and nonprofit professional with a long history of community service and philanthropy.
Hawaiian Electric prepares to transition rooftop solar customers to new Smart Renewable Energy program
Hawaiian Electric is in the process of notifying customers nearing the end of their seven-year enrollment period in certain company legacy rooftop solar export programs that they will soon be transitioned to the new Smart Renewable Energy program.
Lānaʻi warehouse fire results in extensive damage to laundry facility
A warehouse fire on Lānaʻi caused $450,000 in damage to a structure located at 1311 Fraser Ave. in Lānaʻi City early Tuesday morning. Insurance estimates put damages at $6 million to $8 million in damage to the business, which was being utilized as a laundry facility.
Stage 1 water shortage declared for Central Maui water system
The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is declaring a Stage 1 water shortage for the Central Maui System, effective today. The Central Maui service area includes Waiheʻe, Waiehu, Wailuku, Kahului, Spreckelsville, Pāʻia, Kūʻau, Māʻalaea, Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena. The Department is implementing Stage 1 of its Water Shortage and Conservation Plan to reduce water demand by 10%.
Suspected Norovirus leads to closure of Kalalau Valley on Kauaʻi
DOH has received reports of acute gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) from 24 people who have hiked the Kalalau Trail since Aug. 14. One was evacuated but no one has been hospitalized.
HCF, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez donate $2.128M to purchase fire trucks for the Maui County Fire Department
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation announced a $2.128 million grant to the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation. The total award amount comprises $1 million from HCF’s Maui Strong Fund and $1.128 million donated by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The new trucks will have the ability to drive off-pavement, allowing crews to better reach wildfires early and prevent them from spreading.
Festivals of Aloha announces 2024 schedule of events
Festivals of Aloha has announced its 2024 theme, “Ka Laʻi o Hauola – The Calm of Hauola,” honoring the revered Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina, a historic symbol of healing and restoration. As Maui Nui communities continue to recover from the devastating wildfires of Aug. 8, 2023, this year’s theme reflects the collective hope for peace and comfort, echoing the stone’s ancient legacy of health and renewal, organizers said.
County of Maui Volunteer Center sponsoring free training Sept. 18
An online workshop for volunteer coordinators in Maui County will cover topics including trends in volunteerism and strategies for attracting volunteers.
