Maui News

The County of Maui, along with state and federal partners, are continuing to prepare fire-damaged areas should flooding occur.

The Kahului Disaster Recovery Center at Maui College is suspending operations Wednesday, Nov. 29, because the forecast shows locally heavy rains, thunderstorms and possible flooding over the next three days. 

Lisa Paulson, executive director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, has been honored with top industry recognitions, including Hospitality Executive of the Year by Pacific Edge magazine.

Hawaiian Electric and developer Innergex Renewable Energy have terminated an agreement for a planned grid-scale solar and battery storage project in South Maui. According to HECO, the project was hit with lengthy delays resulting from the developer’s legal challenges and pandemic-related cost and supply-chain issues. Of five solar projects approved on Maui since 2018, only one is being built.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will hold a community meeting to discuss proposed actions for tourism in support of Maui’s recovery. The meeting will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Morgado Hall on Monday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Especially in the context of the devastating Lahaina wildfires in August of this year, the Pledge is a commitment to strengthen Hawai’i’s ability to respond to unforeseen challenges and help Maui recover, rebuild, and prepare the islands for the future.

A kona low west of the islands continues to threaten the state with the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms. A Flood Watch remains in effect until Thursday afternoon for the entire state. There is also a Winter Weather Advisory in effect through Thursday morning for the Big Island summits.

This week on Maui, the band Kanekoa is performing at a benefit concert for Maui wildfire victims, the free annual Jimi Hendrix tribute takes place in Pāʻia and for the observance of World AIDS Day there is “Music For Hope” at the ʻĪao Theatre. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

Mayor Richard Bissen submitted to the County Council a bill to amend a section of the County Code in an effort to immediately increase the inventory of housing available to survivors of the August wildfires.

County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents beginning Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, for Zones 11B, 11D, 11E, 11F and 13D. Those with vehicle passes will be granted access from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

In early 2024, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will begin working on a management plan for 23 acres of newly acquired county land on Maui’s north shore, which includes Wawau Point, often referred to as “Baby Beach.”

Maui Nui Marine Resource Council will host the December edition of its “Know Your Ocean Speaker Series” featuring Alika Garcia and Blake Nowack of Kuleana Coral Restoration, on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sphere Theater at the Maui Ocean Center.

This series of events includes the annual Hāna Community Winter Show which features community groups and Hāna School class performances; hosting a holiday photo booth for free professional family portraits; and hosting a holiday craft booth at the Hāna Farmer’s Market.

Families in Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island who were affected by wildfires can access support through the Maui Relief TANF Program.

Over the past six months, the Red Hill WAI group met regularly to conduct research, listen to subject matter experts, and formulate recommended policies. A comprehensive plan has been finalized, which serves as a blueprint and living document outlining the necessary steps to clean up Red Hill and remediate the aquifer.

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission has announced permitted trolling dates for December including: Dec. 2-3 and 16-17. All vessels must register annually with the KIRC before entering the Reserve to troll during designated trolling dates.

There were four tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific Hurricane Center area of responsibility during the 2023 hurricane season, which officially wraps up on Thursday. FILE PHOTO: Dora satellite imagery (8.7.23 7:30 a.m.) PC: NWS/CPHC

The Red Hill Water Initiative (WAI) group is set to unveil its final report today, which calls for aquifer remediation and an integrated approach to resolving the Red Hill water crisis.

Over the past two and half months, officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement have maintained around-the-clock presence at the hotel. DOCARE’s last shift ended at 6 p.m. on Monday.

A kona low will increase potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms across Kauaʻi and Oʻahu as early as Tuesday morning before spreading this potential to the remaining islands over the following days.