Maui News
Kauaʻi Mayor Kawakami shares budget goals in wake of Maui wildfires
In Kauaʻi County’s efforts to reduce fire risk and fuel sources, Mayor Kawakami announced this year’s budget will include $2.7 million in heavy equipment for Kauaʻi road crews to help manage vegetation, and added $1.5 million to cover costs to clear brush and large debris from county properties. The Kaua‘i Fire Department will also acquire two water tenders and a brush fire-fighting apparatus to enhance fire response.
Lahaina Cannery reopens 7 months after August wildfires on March 18
After a closure of seven and a half months since the August wildfires, Lahaina Cannery announced it is reopening its doors to Maui residents and visitors on Monday, March 18, 2024.
County Office of Recovery shares updates on sewer line, drinking water inspections, deferred properties
The County of Maui Office of Recovery shared several updates for residents including progress made on deferred properties and sewer and water line inspections, and two new community engagement events.
Comedian Rex Navarrete on Maui, May 24
Comedian Rex Navarrete is the featured May 24 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s McCoy Studio Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale online only at 10 a.m. on March 15.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority researching better tourism governance in Hawai‘i
Community input is being sought on how tourism can be managed in Hawai‘i.
AAA Hawaii: Kahului average gas price dips 4 cents in a week, same as last month
The average price of a regular unleaded gas in Kahului dropped 4 cents in a week to $4.81 per gallon as of Thursday, AAA Hawaiʻi reported. The current price is the same as last month and 11 cents lower than a year ago.
Input sought on proposed additions to Hawaiʻi Forest Reserve System
The first proposed addition, 162 acres in north Hawaiʻi adjacent to the Manowaialeʻe and Hilo Forest Reserves, includes a koa seed bank with potential for restoration. The second addition is located in southwest Hawaiʻi, currently leased for pasture purposes.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea celebrates the end of Makahiki season, March 16
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea welcomes canoe teams from sister properties in Bora Bora and Hawaiʻi, as well as local Maui crews for an outrigger canoe paddle called “Molokini Kaʻapuni,” this Saturday, March 16, 2024. The cultural gathering, timed to celebrate the end of Makahiki season, brings together an extended ʻohana bound together by the love of the sport and shared waterways that brought the early migration of Polynesians to Hawaiʻi.
Sen. McKelvey thanks President Biden for signing bill allowing COFA migrants to access emergency aid
In response to the August 2023 Wildfires, Sen. Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 223, urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would allow COFA migrants to benefit from federal emergency aid.
Former President Trump dominates Hawaiʻi GOP Caucus vote on March 12
The Hawaii Republican Party released the results of its March 12 presidential caucus, showing that former President Donald Trump took the most votes by a very far margin.
Urgent repairs called for at Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor Ramp
The Maui County Council has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to repair the Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor Ramp.
HI-EMA announces new housing eligibility policy for Lahaina fire-displaced residents
A survivor in NCS seeking support for the FEMA-eligible program will have four opportunities to accept their Direct Housing option. Meanwhile, survivors in non-congregate sheltering seeking support through the state of Hawaiʻi’s Housing solution will be given two opportunities to accept an option. The state’s plan is to ultimately wrap up its NCS program.
Large NW swell brings warning level surf up to 35 feet
The warning level surf is the result of a large northwest swell that will rapidly build from northwest to southeast down the island chain today.
Brush fire burns 3 acres in Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi
A brush fire burned 3 acres in Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi before being brought under control on Wednesday. Three homes were evacuated during the incident as a precaution.
Hawaiʻi influencer Bretman Rock recognized at state Capitol
Bretman Rock Sacayanan Laforga, a social media personality hailing from West Oʻahu, was recognized by the Legislature’s Filipino Caucus and the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives.
House passes state FY2025 budget, prioritizes Maui wildfire related expenses
The state House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating and capital improvement budget, amid a fiscally challenging year that prioritizes addressing wildfire-related expenses after the Aug. 8 tragedy in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.
Makawao Public Library shines with two employees honored for excellence
Two Makawao Public Library staff members, Elizabeth “Betsy” Knight and Ann Wallner, were honored by the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi for exceptional service in the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System.
Donations of long-sleeve shirts sought for farmworkers March 24-31
Donations of long-sleeve shirts to protect farmworkers from pesticide and heat exposure will be accepted March 24-31 at sites statewide, including Maui Economic Opportunity in Wailuku and the American Job Center in Kahului as part of the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs annual national drive.
Hawaiʻi Ocean Awareness and Action Day planned at the state Capitol
A Hawaiʻi Ocean Awareness and Action Day takes place this Friday, March 15 at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The second annual event features participation from 25 nonprofit organizations and government agencies, focused on ocean related issues.
Hirono, Hawaiʻi delegation urge FEMA to reopen Disaster Response Program to include COFA citizens
US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) along with Hawaiʻi colleagues, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) are urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, Deanne Criswell, to reopen the enrollment for the Individuals and Households Program to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens.
