Maui News
Maui football standout Kaholi Krau commits to Utah State University
Baldwin High School senior Kaholi Krau has officially committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Utah State University, where he will play football for the Aggies in the Pac-12 Conference.
HECO installing sturdier replacement poles in Lahaina, with plans for limited underground lines
Hawaiian Electric started work this week to replace wooden poles with steel and composite fiberglass on a key stretch of Honoapi’ilani Highway that it calls the “first targeted area of critical pole hardening.”
Maui Council committee forwards Pāʻia Town project to the Maui Planning Commission
A mixed-use development proposed for 40 acres of former sugarcane land near Pāʻia won committee approval Wednesday, moving a project that would bring up to 170 homes, commercial businesses, a medical clinic and a public parking lot to the next stage of a years-long entitlement process.
6.0 earthquake off Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi
There is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi following a 6.0 (preliminary magnitude 5.9) earthquake that occurred at 9:46 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, 12 km S of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, on Hawaiʻi Island. The location is on the western flank of Maunaloa.
Vegetation fire NW of Ōmaʻopio Road and Kula Hwy in Kula
All areas that were previously under advisories due to a brush fire in Kula, have since returned to normal status. The fire was reported shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, northwest of Ōmaʻopio Road and Kula Highway. Emergency crews utilized at least one air asset to respond to the blaze. Further details are pending release.
HECO: Customers in wildfire risk areas of Ōmaʻopio and Pūlehu on Maui urged to remain vigilant
Hawaiian Electric continues to closely monitor high winds and humidity levels in the Kawaihae and Waikoloa areas on Hawai‘i Island, as well as in West Maui and parts of Ōmaʻopio and Pūlehu in Kahului. If necessary, the company may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program within the next 24 hours and proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk.
South Maui Informational Community Meeting to offer updates on Kona Low storm recovery efforts, May 27
Residents and business owners are invited to attend an informational community meeting on the Kona Low storm recovery efforts on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Malcolm Center, Council Member Tom Cook announced.
MHLA awards $54,343 in scholarships and training programs to Maui students
For nearly a decade, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association has assisted local students through scholarships and training programs. This year, a total of $54,343 in workforce training programs and visitor industry scholarships have been awarded to Maui-based students.
Flags to fly at half-staff in observance of Memorial Day
At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. Josh Green has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies and the Hawaiʻi National Guard in observance of Memorial Day.
FEMA approves $1.3 million to help communities recover from recent disasters
The funded projects include repairs to critical infrastructure, restoration of public buildings, road repairs and reimbursement for costs incurred to ensure public health and safety after a disaster.
Lahaina Think Space opens at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Maui Public Art Corps and the County of Maui will open the Lahaina Think Space at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, a free, welcoming installation where community members can share their stories, reflect on what was lost, and help shape a future memorial for Lahaina.
New DPR website launched for public input on West Maui community center and field house
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation encourages West Maui community members and other stakeholders to offer feedback on the upcoming Lahaina community center and field house via a new website.
Preschool Open Doors application period opens for 2026-2027 school year
The Department of Human Services will open the Preschool Open Doors application period for the 2026–2027 school year on May 29, 2026. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2027, or until funding capacity is reached.
Community input invited for Nā Ala Hele Program Plan
The Nā Ala Hele Program Plan is being updated for the first time since 1991 and community members are invited to provide their input on the future of trails and access for the state. When most people enter public lands in Hawaiʻi, they do so on a trail or access road managed by Nā Ala Hele Trail & Access Program, part of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The program provides important recreational and cultural opportunities and protects historic trails.
Agricultural subdivision notice bill advances 5-2
A bill to require landowners to notify agricultural lessees before filing subdivision permits advanced out of the Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee by a vote of 5-2 on Wednesday. Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Member Kauanoe Batangan dissented.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as Director of National Intelligence
US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard has resigned from her post according to an update posted on her X account this morning.
2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Outlook calls for above-normal season with 5-13 tropical cyclones
Forecasters are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for the central Pacific basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 70% chance of an above-normal season, with at total of 5-13 tropical cyclones across the central Pacific in the forecast.
Lights, Camera, Kuleana! Hawaiʻi documentary announced as opener for 2026 Be Reel Film Festival
The 2026 Be Reel Child & Youth Film Festival kicks off with a spectacular last-minute addition to launch the four-day festival: the critically acclaimed Hawaiʻi-made documentary, “KULEANA.”
Maui Council committee advances Kaʻehu Bay purchase over Native Hawaiian family’s objections
The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee voted 6-3 Tuesday to recommend full Council approval of the county’s proposed purchase of a contested Kaʻehu Bay shoreline parcel in Waiehu, setting aside calls from a Native Hawaiian family for deferral pending further consultation.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association welcomes visitors back to Haleakalā Visitor Center
The Haleakalā Visitor Center building at Haleakalā National Park, which also houses the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store, welcomes visitors once again following a temporary closure by the park service for planned improvements and interior renovations.
