Maui News
Two ocean rescues conducted at Nāpili Bay on Saturday
Ocean safety crews rescued simmers in distress during two separate incidents at Nāpili Bay Saturday.
Fire at Kāʻanapali Villas resort results in $3M damage
An early morning structure fire at the Maui Kāʻanapali Villas on Saturday caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to the 1,100 square foot mechanical room, and $2.5 million in damage to its contents.
Bill 120 gains passage despite passionate testimony against use of Olowalu as a temporary disposition site
All agreed the decision was a difficult one with one member calling the choice a “lose-lose situation.” Another criticized the administration, saying the council was left out of the site selection process, and now felt pressure to approve or lose funding.
Kula Community Association hosting meeting about land management to prevent fires
The Kula Community Association meeting will explore ways to better manage Upcountry lands to both prevent wildfires and to contain those that get started.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents Sense of Place / Place of Sense
Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents Sense of Place / Place of Sense, an exhibition exploring the multi-faceted meaning of community at a critical moment of change for Maui by looking at who we are in the present time and the promise we hold for the future. The exhibit opens to the public Tuesday, Jan. 23 and the gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Hawaiʻi Health Department issues voluntary recall alert for Rizo Bros. Mexican grating cheese
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health is alerting residents to a voluntary recall of Rizo Bros. California Creamery’s Cotija Aged Mexican Grating Cheese, batch number 4DW-23318, for potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.
Veteran government attorney Ryan Kanakaʻole nominated as DLNR first deputy
Governor Josh Green, M.D., has nominated veteran government attorney Ryan Kanaka‘ole as Department of Land and Natural Resources first deputy, effective Tuesday, Jan. 16. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the Hawai‘i State Senate.
Maui firefighter Tanner Mosher credits fallen friend for helping with his choices during the Lahaina wildfire
Maui Firefighter Tanner Mosher was honored with a ceremonial resolution on Friday for his heroism during the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfire in Lahaina.
Mosher extended his gratitude to the community and apologies to the people of Lahaina saying he felt like it wasn’t enough. “I don’t feel like I would have made the choices I made if it wasn’t for my friend and coworker Tre’ Evans-Dumaran,” said Mosher.
2024 Proclaimed as the ‘Year of the Forest Bird’
The year 2024 is for the forest birds, thanks to a proclamation signed by Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D., on Friday.
Two Lahaina redwood signs still missing after West Maui fires
“It is unconceivable to think that someone would selfishly take these signs, especially now, when Lahaina has suffered so much,” said Theo Morrison, executive director of Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
Council confirms Josiah Nishita as Managing Director
The Maui County Council today confirmed Mayor Richard Bissen’s appointment of Josiah Nishita to head the Department of Management.
DOH issues updated recall warning for Quaker Oats cereals, bars, and snacks
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to an expanded voluntary recall alert by the Quaker Oats Company of additional granola bar, cereal, and snack products because of potential Salmonella contamination. These products were sold nationwide, including most retailers and supermarkets in Hawaiʻi.
First edition of 2024 Hawaiian Music Series features Ikaika Blackburn, Kaulike Pescaia
The first Hawaiian Music Series of this year will take place on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m., at Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku. This free event will feature local musicians Ikaika Blackburn and Kaulike Pescaia.
Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers to hold fundraiser car wash, Jan. 27
Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers will hold a car wash fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at ‘Ohana Fuels, 85 S. Wakea Avenue in Kahului. The event is part of the nonprofit agency’s partnership with ‘Ohana Fuels and its “Fuel Up. Do Good.” Program.
Haleakalā National Park Summit reopens, residual ice on roadways
The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park has reopened. The Headquarters Visitor Center at 7,000 feet is open until 4:30 p.m.
Free training to combat Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle infestations on Maui
The County of Maui Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Working Group, in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and the multi-agency Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response team, will hold free training sessions Tuesday, Jan. 16, and Wednesday, Jan. 17, to equip attendees with information to identify, report and treat infestations of CRB.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority returns to Europe to promote islands to UK, Germany, Switzerland
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for representing the Hawaiian Islands brand globally, has reentered Europe.
Small underground fires continue to emerge periodically in Upcountry, Maui
The Maui Fire Department is encouraging the public not to hesitate to call 911 when they see flames, see or smell smoke. The reminder was issued as numerous hotspots have emerged in the Upcountry area in recent months, that have been smouldering underground since the August wildfires.
Maui High School Hall of Honor names 2023 Class
A Hollywood director, Maui County Board of Supervisor and state House member, an influential labor and community leader, a couple who support students and their college aspirations, and a longtime athletic director are members of the 2023 Class of the Maui High School Hall of Honor.
Congratulations to: Top (L to R): Destin Daniel Cretton: The Award of Excellence; Bruce Uʻu: The Spirit of Maui; and Charles and Mitch Ota. The Saber Spirit Award. Bottom (L to R): Tom Tagawa. The Silversword Heritage Award; and Michael Ban. The Inspiration Award.
Newly completed management plan reduces air tours by 54% at Haleakalā
The National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration have completed an Air Tour Management Plan for Haleakalā National Park, which authorizes up to 2,224 air tours per year, a 54% reduction from the existing average of 4,824 flights per year. It identifies no-fly days as Sundays and Wednesdays.
