Maui News

The state of Hawaiʻi announced the successful conclusion of its Non-Congregate Sheltering program, which provided critical shelter and assistance to 7,796 individuals and 3,071 households displaced by the Lahaina wildfires. This program was managed by the state and the American Red Cross (ARC) and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Maui County officials issued an update shortly before 9 p.m., notifying the public there are NO evacuations called at this time. However, Maui Police Department officers are going through Kula neighborhoods notifying residents to PREPARE to evacuate if necessary and to sign up for MEMA Alerts.

“On the brink of our one-year anniversary of our island’s wildfires, I realize as a community we are experiencing many different emotions, and any fire can be a very concerning and distressing situation for many of us,” Mayor Bissen said. “I want to assure you that the County and the State are collectively working together to maximize resources and most importantly, keep our community safe. The safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to remain calm and continue to monitor the situation.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Honolulu is seeking information regarding Abigail Bernstein, 33, and her two children, Koa Kai Bernstein, age 11, and Kush Kohole Bernstein, age 8. The family was last seen at Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, in October of 2022.

Hikers along the Kalalau Trail witnessed the helicopter crash into the water. Kaua‘i Police Dispatch received the report of the incident at approximately 1:20 p.m. A helicopter with Ali‘i Kaua‘i Air Tours and Charters was involved in the crash, according to authorities. According to a preliminary report, one person was recovered at approximately 2:25 p.m. and confirmed dead, with two others missing. Their identities have not been released.

Hawaiian Airlines flight HA29 from Seattle to Maui, carrying 173 guests and six crew members, experienced an issue with its brakes upon arrival into OGG. An airline spokesperson tells Maui Now that the pilots were able to bring the aircraft to a complete stop on the runway surface, and the aircraft was towed to the gate where guests deplaned. There were no reported injuries.

From July 11- 25, shutterbugs of all levels are invited to enter the Whale of a Photo Contest, a fundraiser for Pacific Whale Foundation. Each submission is accompanied by a $10 donation; multiple entries accepted. All funds raised directly benefit Pacific Whale Foundation Conservation, Outreach, Research and Education programs.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is encouraging parents of students who will be entering seventh grade this coming school year to schedule a well-child visit as soon as possible. Hawai‘i law requires that all students submit official documentation to their school indicating that they have received the required vaccinations and undergone a physical exam before the first day of school.

Scientists and kiaʻi loko (fishpond practitioners) have a new tool to aid their efforts to restore and ensure the resilience of Native Hawaiian fishponds. Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and fishpond stewards in Hilo, are using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to support integrated coastal zone management, including at cultural heritage sites. The study was published in the Journal of Remote Sensing.    

Island of Hawaiʻi residents are used to feeling the ground shake beneath them. From subtle shakes that feel like wind, to abrupt jolting that knocks dishes off the counter, living on this volcanically active island means accepting that the ground beneath our feet will not always keep still. 

Echoing the need by broadband advocates for digital equity, ʻAuamo Collaborative is relaunching an effort to enhance internet access in Hawaiʻi by seeking input from residents across the state to help determine internet connectivity gaps. To do so, residents are asked to take a high-speed test by visiting here: www.testmyspeedhawaii.com.

Gov. Josh Green held a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol to detail some of the 253 bills he signed out of 260 bills passed during the 2024 legislative session.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, signed an Emergency Proclamation (EP) on Wednesday evening in response to the ongoing Crater Road Fire in Upcountry, Maui which began on July 10, 2024, and has since burned an estimated 410 acres.

Gov. Josh Green provided an update on the ongoing Maui wildfire recovery as the one year mark nears on Aug. 8, 2023. As of July 5, 2024, the state had cleared all individuals from the non-congregate sheltering (NCS) program at hotels; however, there were still 62 families that were finalizing their arrangements with the federal government to transition into longer-term housing. That’s down from the 3,071 families that were being accommodated in hotels in the aftermath of the wildfires.

Update (8 p.m., July 11, 2024): Due to improving conditions Maui County officials have lifted the advisory as of 6:37 p.m. for residents in affected areas to prepare for potential evacuations. Maui Fire Department crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor the fire. Acreage of the fire decreased from 420 to 355 due to more accurate mapping assessments. 

The County of Maui is seeking resident feedback in person and online about a potential ferry service to connect Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi with Maui.

US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a bill on Tuesday to ensure that Native Hawaiian organizations can fully access funding they are entitled to under the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development Program for cultural programming and activities.

In an ongoing effort to protect Hawaiʻi residents from gun violence and keep communities safe, the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) will host another community gun buyback event on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at the Aloha Stadium Lower Parking lot on Oʻahu, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Officials with the Maui Fire Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded today to media inquiries about the timeline and process for releasing information on the cause and origin of the Aug. 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center is seeking vendors for the debut of its latest signature event, 808 Bash, happening on Saturday, Aug. 24.