Maui News

Calvin was downgraded to a post-tropical storm depression, but a flood watch remains in effect for Maui County. No reports of storm-related damages have been received thus far. The public is reminded to be vigilant and make preparations ahead of storm activity. Hurricane season in Hawaiʻi continues through November 30.

Expanded screening and treatment is needed to address the increasing rate of syphilis cases in women and newborns in Hawai‘i, according to the Department of Health. Department officials say this increase in congenital syphilis cases is associated with increasing infections in adults.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health, Clean Air Branch has issued a Notice and Finding of Violation and Order to Mahi Pono, LLC, for fugitive dust violations.

Hōkūleʻa arrived in Prince Rupert, British Columbia on July 14, where the crew was welcomed by chiefs and community members in full regalia.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries have responded to a legal agreement with environmental groups by proposing to designate approximately 2,233 acres of nesting and basking beaches in the main Hawaiian Islands, with additional areas in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, American Sāmoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

This week on Maui, Grammy-nominated Elele Tiana has returned from a mainland tour to perform her tropical island vibe music at Ocean Organic Vodka. She is on our Top 20 list of things to do this week. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

Maui’s volunteer-based ocean water quality monitoring program Hui O Ka Wai Ola has been evaluating water quality in Maui since 2016. This week, the program celebrated a special milestone: its 100th sampling week in South Maui.

3:27 p.m. UPDATE: The National Weather Service has canceled all flood watches, high wind and surf advisories as former Tropical Storm Calvin heads west away from Hawaiʻi. Only a small craft advisory and gale warning remain for island waters as of 3:30 p.m. The National Weather Service says breezy trades will continue around the islands “due to the pressure difference between Clavin and the subtropical high to the north and northeast.”

The nonprofit organization, Stand Up Maui, received a $20,000 grant from the Cooke Foundation to create a comprehensive list of affordable housing projects, and a communications campaign to highlight Maui County’s housing crisis and solutions to resolve it. Stand Up Maui calls the project—”The Scorecard.”

The Maui Fire Department has been advised that residents have been receiving phone calls soliciting donations for the Maui Fire Department.

County officials say staff are inspecting and clearing culverts, and inspecting and testing drainage pumps to confirm they operate. Sand plugs are being lowered in Kīhei to help potential release of floodwaters. Also, traffic control devices are being assembled and prepared to deploy where hazards or closures of roadways occur.

An additional individual has been arrested in connection with an ongoing police investigation into the discovery of a body wrapped in plastic in a remote area of Kula earlier this month.

All 14 Hawaiʻi Island State Parks and campsites will close at 4 p.m. today and will remain closed on Wednesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Calvin. All DLNR Division of State Parks offices will also be closed tomorrow. Parks will reopen following assessments of any damage.

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Calvin, Governor Green signed an Emergency Proclamation today to make resources available to address potential storm impacts. State offices in the County of Hawaiʻi will be closed on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 due to expected severe weather conditions.

The program, which is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and knowledge about various industries in the county, covered areas such as sustainable science, conservation and agriculture, economic and workforce development, Maui governance, healthcare, and construction and technology.

Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. CEO, Race Randle was named Hawaiʻi Board Vice Chair of the Trust for Public Land. The announcement also included the appointment of Kaʻiulani Sodaro to the role of Board Chair of the Trust for Public Land. She also has ties to Maui with previous roles at Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. and Pūlama Lānaʻi.

The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center will hold its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament beginning at 7:30 a.m., Aug. 26, 2023, at the Wailea Blue Golf Course. The entry deadline is Aug. 1, 2023.

11 p.m. UPDATE: The “most damaging wind and weather conditions” are currently focused over the Big Island and the islands in Maui County tonight through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.  The NWS says each island will see about a 12-18 hour period of weather impacts.

The Hulihia Center for Sustainable Systems seeks community input as they launch their new project focused on advancing the sustainable development of the tourism industry across Maui Nui. 

The Department of Agriculture was started in July 2022, after county residents voted in November 2020 to establish the department.