Maui News
Hirono condemns proposed 50% cut in cost of living allowance for military families in Hawaiʻi
US Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned a panel of Department of Defense officials about a proposed 50% cut to the cost of living allowance for military families in Hawaiʻi during a SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing.
Founder of Peʻahi Big Wave contest retires, looks back at Maui surfing pioneers
Rodney Lash Nui Kilborn was a firefighter on Maui and had sponsored a number of amateur surfing events as a volunteer organizer on the Valley Isle, when he led a number of other watermen to help to start the first annual Peʻahi surfing contest in the mid-1990s. Maui Now writer Gary Kubota interviewed Kilborn for our People of Maui feature.
State takes control of vessel grounded in Lahaina, Maui near Hauola Stone
In addition to the immediate hiring of a contractor to move the vessel away from the birthing stone, DOBOR will hire a salvage contractor to remove the vessel “by any means necessary,” state officials said in a news release today.
HB521 seeks to legalize the sale of raw milk
A house bill that seeks to legalize the sale of raw milk and raw milk products has its first Senate committee hearing next week.
Made in Hawaiʻi branding workshop, March 29 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism hosts its first-ever Made in Hawai‘i Branding Workshop at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gov. Green considers nominations for intermediate court of appeals
Five nominees for Associate Judge for the Intermediate Court of Appeals have been announced for consideration by the State Judicial Selection Committee to Governor Josh Green, M.D.
Maui just got sweeter with new Momona Bakery and Coffee Shop in Kahului
When it comes to Momona Bakery and Coffee Shop, customers must decide what they desire more: Sleep — or flaky, doughy, sweet croissants stuffed with lilikoʻi and other flavors. Judging from long early-morning lines over the last week, people are choosing the latter.
House reaffirms commitment to providing safe access to reproductive care
The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1 SD2 for third reading Friday, aimed at ensuring women in Hawai‘i have access to safe reproductive health care following the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson. With the bill passing third reading in both chambers, the measure now heads to Governor Josh Green’s desk for his signature.
Maui Volunteer Center seeks nominations for 2023 Volunteer Hero awards
HandsOn Maui, the County of Maui Volunteer Center, is seeking nominations for 2023 Volunteer Hero awards recognizing volunteers who demonstrate inspirational service to the community.
Maui Brewers Festival fundraiser set to return after 3 year absence
After a three year absence, the popular Maui Brewers Festival is returning to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s A&B Amphitheater & Yokouchi Pavilion, Saturday, May 20. Early entry ‘Beer Lover’ and general admission tickets go on sale online only on Tuesday, March 21 at 10 a.m.
10 new officers joined the ranks of the Maui Police Department
Ten new officers joined the ranks of the Maui Police Department as the graduates of the 93rd Recruit Class. A ceremony was held Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Grand Wailea – A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
MEO collecting long-sleeve shirts for farmworkers
The Long Sleeve Shirt Drive, organized nationally by the Association of Farmworker Opportunities Programs, coincides with Farmworker Awareness Week, which brings attention to farmworkers and honors their work.
Hawaiʻi delegation urges protection of critically endangered native forest birds
“Four Hawaiian honeycreepers are at risk of extinction within the next ten years: akikiki ~1 year; kiwikiu ~6 years; akekee ~8 years; and akohekohe ~10 years. If we lose these special birds, we also lose the essential roles they perform within the native ecosystem and a piece of Hawaiian culture. Unless we take significant action now, they will be gone forever.”
Maui’s Pan-STARRS telescope helps log largest catalog of exploding stars
The Pan-STARRS telescope atop Haleakalā on Maui has collected data that is now being released as the largest catalog of exploding stars. The data from the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy’s Pan-STARRS telescope contains three years of research and is now publicly available via the Young Supernova Experiment.
Deadline for ‘Imi Pono anti-vaping youth media contest is March 23
The deadline for ‘Imi Pono: The Greatest Challenge, which this year calls on Maui County high school and intermediate youth to develop an anti-vaping media campaign, is a week away – Thursday, March 23 – with top prizes of $1,000.
Senate committee rejects nomination of DBEDT director
A senate committee on Thursday voted to reject the nomination of Chris Sadayasu as director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Despite the committee’s recommendation against consent, Sadayasu’s nomination will move forward for a vote and final consideration by the full 25-member Senate.
Old Maui Palms Hotel site in Kahului will be new 136-room Hampton Inn and Suites
After several ownership changes, the old Maui Palms Hotel site between Maui Beach and Maui Seaside hotels in Kahului is under construction to become Maui Palms Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton.
Michelle L. Drewyer appointed to fill judicial vacancy created by now-Maui Mayor Bissen
Governor Josh Green, M.D. has selected Michelle L. Drewyer to serve as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit, to fill the vacancy created by now-Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr.
Input sought for management of Kīpahulu Forest Reserve on Maui
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking community input on a draft plan to help guide priorities for the area over the next decade. The 10-year plan outlines the reserve’s history, boundary changes since its establishment in 1914, and long-term management goals.
Hawaiʻi gas prices continue dropping
In Kahului, the average price of $4.90 is the same for two weeks in a row, six cents lower than last month and 32 cents lower than a year ago.
