Maui News
Child & Family Service highlights community-driven solutions during Poverty Awareness Month
In recognition of Poverty Awareness Month, Child & Family Service highlights the wide range of programs and services available across Hawaiʻi to help individuals and families address financial hardship and build long-term stability.
Maui Business Brainstormers’ mentor appreciation event celebrates community
Maui Business Brainstormers hosted Celebrating Maui’s Mentors: A Luncheon of Gratitude & Community on Jan. 6, 2026 at Heritage Hall, bringing together Maui’s volunteer mentors and program facilitators for an afternoon of recognition, connection, and aloha.
Maui Health employees support 30 families through annual Adopt-A-Family program
Employees, physicians, and auxiliary volunteers from Maui Health once again turned the holidays into a season of giving, coming together to support 30 families from communities throughout Maui through the Adopt-A-Family program in partnership with Maui Family Support Services.
MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe to retire in July; Maggie Batangan to succeed her
Maui Economic Opportunity will be undergoing a leadership transition in 2026 with Debbie Cabebe retiring as the seventh chief executive in the 61-year-old Maui County nonprofit’s history and Maggie Clark Batangan succeeding her as the eighth leader beginning Aug. 1.
Gov. Green appoints Daisy Hartsfield to Represent House District 36 on Oʻahu
Governor Josh Green today announced the appointment of Daisy Hartsfield to serve as the State Representative for House District 36, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of former Rep. Rachele Lamosao to the Senate seat for District 19.
Maui Nui Golf Club lights up the range with Cosmic Drive night golf experience
Cosmic Drive arrives at Maui Nui Golf Club starting Saturday, Jan. 17, transforming the driving range into a vibrant, interactive nighttime experience. Featuring glow-in-the-dark golf balls, illuminated targets, music and games.
Update/Postponed: Scheduled water service outage in Hāna, Jan. 13
Update: The scheduled water service outage at the junction of St. Peter’s Church Road and Hāna Highway (near Kailani’s Gift Shop) on Jan. 13 has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Maui County Veterans Council hosts Veterans event to help access military benefits
The Maui County Veterans Council invites all Veterans from Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi to attend a Maui Veterans Call Out Event on Jan. 17, dedicated to helping Veterans access the military benefits they have earned through their service.
Financial literacy requirement for Hawai‘i public school students to begin next school year
To ensure Hawai‘i public school students are prepared for life after high school, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education will require students to complete a financial literacy educational opportunity beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Construction begins on Kahului Small Boat Harbor bathroom and wastewater system
Today marks the start of a long-awaited bathroom and wastewater system construction project at Kahului Small Boat Harbor on Maui.
Maui Planning Commission to review Hoʻonani Village, housing and parking bills
The Maui Planning Commission is scheduled to review land use bills regarding the proposed Hoʻonani Village project near Kahului Airport, as well as legislation regarding accessory dwelling units, agricultural retail structures and electric vehicle charging stations.
Kamaliʻi Elementary now accepting geographic exception applications for K-5 enrollment
Kamaliʻi Elementary School has opened its geographic exception application window for a limited number of K-5 students through March 1, 2026. School administrators say this is a rare opportunity, as many public elementary schools on Maui are closed to geographic exceptions due to operating at capacity.
Rotary club honors Upcountry’s Students of the Month
The Upcountry Maui Rotary Club has announced its Students of the Month for December, recognizing two high school seniors for academic achievements, leadership and community service.
12 Maui Police Department sergeants promoted to rank of lieutenant
The Maui Police Department announced the promotion of 12 sergeants to the rank of lieutenant including: Jerry Barrera, Matthew Bigoss, Kyle Bishaw-Juario, Christina Bonacorsi, Jeffrey Calibuso, Nathaniel “Chinky” Hubbard, Erik Losvar, Kamuela Mawae, Jan Pontanilla, Gregg Rowe, Aaron Souza, and James Terry. All promotions are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 16, 2026.
Update/Open: Kahekili Hwy closed near Makaʻala Drive due to motor vehicle accident
Update: (2:14 p.m., Jan. 12, 2026). The Kahekili Highway is now open in both directions.
2026 proclaimed ‘Year of Our Coastal Kuleana’
Gov. Josh Green on Friday proclaimed 2026 as the “Year of our Coastal Kuleana” at a proclamation signing ceremony.
Episode 40 of ongoing eruption at Kīlauea produces vibrant lava fountains
Episode 40 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 8:22 a.m. HST on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
XL surf rising to 35 feet on north facing shores
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning, in effect until 6 p.m. on Tuesday for the north and west facing shores of Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Molokaʻi, and the north facing shores of Maui.
772,288 reasons to celebrate: Visitors give back to Hawaiʻi, American Samoa national parks they love
Smaller counter donations programs in 2022 and 2023 became permanent at all Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association park store locations in March 2024; there were $100,000 in direct donations in just the last 3 months of 2025.
Fire Chief Kazuo Todd remembered for his efforts to leave the Big Island a safer, better place
In a public memorial attended by more than 200 people, Hawaiʻi County celebrated the life and legacy of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd who died unexpectedly in December at age 45.
