Maui News

A structure fire in Spreckelsville was reported at a home on Ulupua Place at around 3:31 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.

The Maui Business Health Check survey, initiated by the OED, seeks feedback from businesses affected by the wildfires, with the intent of understanding the challenges they face and identifying areas where support and resources can be directed. 

This project is based on Kauaʻi, where the Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel last year began supplying its biodiesel to KIUC as a source of renewable energy supporting the Kauaʻi utility’s accelerated pathway to 100% renewable electricity production by 2033, more than a decade earlier than the State of Hawaiʻi’s mandated timeline of 2045.

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Campus Health Center has been providing free birth control visits and women’s health exams to women displaced or impacted by the Maui wildfires since the first days after the Aug. 8, 2023 events.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has unveiled a reimagination of the resort’s Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar.  The reveal features an extensive design transformation by Venice, CA-based boutique agency, Studio Collective, and new menu direction led by Chef de Cuisine Russell Rummer.

Consumers need to be aware that most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance coverages can be purchased separately from the National Flood Insurance Program or endorsed onto the policy to supplement a policyholder’s homeowners insurance.

The Hawai‘i state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Creative Industries Division is supporting awards season marketing for local films. This is in an effort to reach global audiences and pave the way toward a more vibrant locally created media industry.

Emergency roadway repairs are being conducted over the next few days on South Kīhei Road from Ohukai Road to Maui Bay Villas, following heavy rains earlier this week. The area is temporarily closed to motorists, with the exception of local traffic.

After 10 years at the helm, County of Maui Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett has retired from his government post to enter the private sector. 

The event will feature a keynote address from Hawaiian Airlines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Ingram and Alaska Airlines President and Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci. They will discuss the merger, timeline, benefits/services and more.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to a voluntary recall by Big Island Candies of its 10 oz. Makana Brownie Assortment Box, because it may contain peanut allergens not listed on the label.  Approximately 120 boxes were sold at the Big Island Candies Ala Moana retail store from Dec. 13-21, 2023.

Maui Public Art Corps, in partnership with the County of Maui + Hale Hō‘ike‘ike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society, is seeking artist proposals for participatory public art projects. The deadline to apply is Feb. 4, 2024. 

Maui-based consulting firm Skog Rasmussen LLC has announced the addition of Kimberly Thayer as its newest partner.

The Maui ERC was formed in response to the wildfires that devastated Lahaina and Kula and is led by co-chairs James Kunane Tokioka, DBEDT Director, and Luana Mahi, OED Director.

Governor Josh Green, M.D., appointed Joje May Mizuno to represent District 29 in the State House of Representatives (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, and a portion of Kalihi). She succeeds her husband John Mizuno, who was appointed by Governor Green as the Coordinator on Homelessness in December. 

Lahaina Strong, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the recovery and resilience of Lahaina, will rally at the Hawaiʻi Capitol at 11:30 a.m. following the official opening of the state legislature.

Piʻilani Highway is closed between Mile 29 and 31 in Kaupō due to flooding. A portion of Makawao Ave. is closed due to two large trees that have fallen and downed power lines block both lanes. Maui police have closed South Kīhei Road from Ohukai to Kīhei Bay Vista at 715 South Kīhei Road, due to heavy flooding. Crews are working to remove a landslide blocking the northbound lane of the Honoapiʻilani Highway at Mile 35.5 and 36 in Honokōhau.

Lahainaluna High School Principal Richard Carosso spoke with Student Council members on Jan. 12, 2024 while signing the Pledge to Our Keiki saying, “the pledge is about a commitment in part to preserving the environment, but for us it’s probably a little different. It’s a pledge to get involved in responsible redevelopment of our community. I think that makes what you are doing here today so important and something to be thinking about as you are signing the pledge.”

A college education from the University of Hawaiʻi 10 campuses offers a significant return on investment, no matter the degree type—and has gotten more affordable over the last decade, according to a UH Economic Research Organization (UHERO) report released Jan. 16, 2024.

The National Weather Service has extended the Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. A Flood Watch is also in effect until 4 a.m.