Maui News

Hawaiian Electric is urging customers to prepare for extended power outages as a powerful kona storm system makes its way across the islands. While the company is monitoring conditions and preparing for storm-related outages, it does not anticipate implementing its Public Safety Power Shutoff Program despite false claims online.  

In coordination with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and County of Maui Department of Human Concerns, the American Red Cross opened shelters at Maui County Kaunakakai Gym on Molokaʻi, Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui, the South Maui Community Park gym and the Maui High School gym in Kahului.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is reminding people not to click on links in unsolicited text messages. Several scam text messages have been making the rounds claiming to be from a “Hawaiʻi Department of Motor Vehicles” regarding unpaid traffic violations or tolls.

Due to severe weather, the 106th Annual Kamehameha Song Contest has been postponed to Friday, May 1, 2026, when our students will take the stage to share this year’s mele honoring Ke Aliʻi Pauahi.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be closed on Friday, March 13, following Gov. Josh Green’s announcement regarding the closure of state offices due to potentially severe weather conditions.

Maui Economic Opportunity will be closing its Wailuku, Hāna, Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi City offices and Head Start preschools Friday, March 13, due to the fierce wind and rain forecast from the powerful kona storm.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new Mandated Reporter Online Training Program, a comprehensive and accessible resource designed to ensure that individuals required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect, have the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out this critical responsibility.

Gov. Josh Green announced that all public and charter schools and state offices on Oʻahu, Kaua‘i and in Maui County will be closed on Friday, March 13, due to severe weather expected to impact the islands. 

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announces that state courts and Judiciary operations on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and in Maui County will be closed on Friday, March 13, due to inclement weather.

Beginning after sunset Thursday, March 12, 2026, Haleakalā National Park will be closed due to dangerous weather conditions. The closure will go into effect for both the Summit District and Kīpahulu District.

All University of Hawaiʻi campuses statewide will be closed on Friday, March 13, due to severe weather expected to impact the state, including heavy rain, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and high winds.

In alignment with Gov. Josh Green’s directive issued on March 12 in response to severe weather conditions impacting the state, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education will implement the closure of all public schools and HIDOE offices on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and in Maui County on Friday, March 13.

Catch spring Village Vibes at Maui Mall Village with family-friendly events and promotions throughout March. The center’s ever-popular annual Hoppy Easter Celebration can be enjoyed at Center Court, while the Spring into Village Vibes Gift with Purchase shopping promotion spreads springtime joy throughout the center as customers shop at its more than 30 stores, restaurants and business locations.

The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival announced its return for a milestone 45th annual celebration, taking place June 25-28, 2026.

Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance announced that applications are now open for Cohort 8 of the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, a program designed to help Hawai‘i-based value-added food entrepreneurs grow their businesses using locally grown, raised, and caught ingredients. Applications are open now through Monday, April 20, 2026.

Several bills advanced by the House Committee on Labor address priorities set by the House Majority at the outset of the 2026 Legislative Session, particularly relating to workforce shortages, preserving the social safety net, and diversifying and strengthening the state’s economy.

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono joined colleagues in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., demanding that HHS take immediate action to protect Americans’ uninterrupted access to comprehensive family planning and services by awarding a one-year full funding extension for all current Title X grantees.

Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary and Maunaloa Elementary on Molokai will be closed today, March 12, due to flooded roads affecting safe access to the campuses. The schools are notifying staff and students’ families.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted bills to modernize and strengthen the state’s criminal justice system. Developed by the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, the measures focus on increasing fairness, ensuring law enforcement is qualified and well trained, improving transparency and data collection, and promoting better outcomes for individuals and communities.

Native CDFI and nonprofit mortgage lender Hawai‘i Community Lending announced today its board officers and new executive leadership team, including internal promotions as well as new hires. With a depth of experience and resources that extend beyond business into a well of cultural strength, HCL’s people are prepared to bring real solutions to Hawai‘i’s housing crisis.