Maui News
Council Chair Lee: New fiscal year begins with new housing opportunities
The new fiscal year begins today, July 1. “Our housing crisis, exacerbated by the fires, remains a top priority for all elected officials and administrators,” said Council Chair Alice Lee, pointing to a report that indicates more than 4,000 residents have already left Maui in search of housing elsewhere. “We must take care of and protect our families,” she said.
Maui County departments of Housing and ʻŌiwi resources officially launch today
Today marks the first day of two new departments within Maui County — the departments of Housing and ʻŌiwi Resources; both established by voters via charter amendments in November 2022.
Two Maui men arrested on suspicion of night hunting on Thompson Road, which runs through Oprah’s private ranch
Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) stopped two men after observing them allegedly using a spotlight for hunting purposes on Thompson Road, a public road that runs through private property owned by the Oprah Winfrey Ranch.
Hawaiian Electric launches new searchable PSPS maps
In a PSPS Hawaiian Electric will preemptively shut off power to high-risk areas in the event of extreme weather conditions, in an effort to help keep the public safe. Customers are urged to prepare for emergencies and the possibility of extended power outages during periods of high winds and dry conditions.
Rotary awards $50,000 to ArtCentered as part of Maui Fires Relief
The primary objective of ArtCentered is to offer consistent and compassionate art therapy services to fire survivors and the community at large. The positive impact of art on mental health has been evident at their locations, including Honokōwai Beach Park and Royal Lahaina Resort, according to organizers.
Kīhei Charter School extends registration
Kīhei Charter School is extending the registration period for the 2024-2025 school year due to an expansion of the capacity of the school. The first day of school is on Monday, Aug. 5.
Saying goodbye to the last ‘Akikiki in the wild; Field team has unique connection to near-extinct honeycreeper
When a group of men hiked into a remote mountain valley in April, they knew it could be the last time they saw an ‘akikiki in the wild, according to an update provided by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
56th Annual Makawao Parade winners announced
The 56th Annual Makawao Parade in Makawao Town concluded on Saturday, June 29, 2024. With more than 50 parade participants this year, the 56th Annual Makawao Parade committee reviewed entries and released the list of winners.
Council committee agenda written in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi for first time
Voters approved a proposal to establish Maui County as “a bilingual government,” effective July 1, 2024. The charter amendment says the council is authorized to determine by ordinance which type of county documents will “be prepared and made available in both official state languages,” English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and establishes the Department of ʻŌiwi Resources.
Hirono, Green to appear in National TV series ‘Breaking Bread with Alexander’
A second season of “Breaking Bread with Alexander” will feature Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D., and US Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
Gov. Green signs regenerative tourism bill Into law
Senate Bill 2659, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr. and championed by the Native Hawaiian Caucus in both chambers of the Legislature, incorporates a regenerative framework into the Hawaiʻi State Planning Act and the state’s Tourism Functional Plan – documents that guide the operation of state and county agencies – by expanding objectives and policies for the visitor industry.
Unrest escalates at Kīlauea; more than 500 earthquakes rock upper East Rift Zone
While there are no signs of an imminent eruption, the largest of these earthquakes were four magnitude-3.0 events near the intersection between Chain of Craters Road and Hilina Pali Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Test of monthly all-hazard warning siren system on July 1
The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Culinary Institute of the Pacific and Culinary Institute of America team up to transform hospitality training in Hawai‘i
The Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP) at Kapi‘olani Community College unveiled details of their groundbreaking collaboration with the renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world’s premier culinary college, in a formal press conference co-hosted by the Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance that welcomed CIA leadership to the Diamond Head campus.
Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia depart on new training voyage toward North Pacific Gyre
The trip is part of continual preparations for the Moananuiākea circumnavigation of the Pacific and will take about one week.
Volcano Watch – In remembrance of Ed Brown, HVO ‘ohana
Ed was a natural and gifted problem solver, and he worked closely with observatory staff to understand their challenges and needs.
Niu Life Kitchen, South Maui Fish Co., Wailuku Coffee Co. among recipients of Hawai‘i Green Business Program awards
The 2024 award cohort included seven businesses of Maui County that excelled in sustainable business practices.
Nine raised crosswalks to be installed on Molokaʻi
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will be completing nine raised crosswalks planned for Molokaʻi in July. The raised crosswalks are planned due to proximity to schools and pedestrian destinations.
Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā‘anapali to host spectacular Fourth of July celebrations
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā‘anapali have announced a series of events across the property to celebrate the Fourth of July. Highlights include the resort’s annual “flower drop,” where thousands of orchids will be showered onto guests via helicopter, as well as a festival summer BBQ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Castle Hospitality Group promotes Lahaina’s Ashley Asuega-Stark to GM of Chase ‘N Rainbows
Castle Hospitality Group has promoted Ashley Asuega-Stark from assistant general manager to general manager of Chase ‘N Rainbows, the company’s West Maui Vacation Rental Division.
