Maui News
Hawaiʻi leaders help kick off climate week in NYC
US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) is among the Hawaiʻi leaders participating in Climate Week NYC. Today, Sept. 24, Schatz delivers a keynote address at the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum on the future of clean energy and the importance of local climate action.
Holomua 2025 presents the return of the Ko‘i Awards Gala, alongside annual Business Fest
Holomua 2025, Maui’s premier business festival centered on recovery, resilience, and renewal, presented by the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, announces the return of its culminating event, the Ko‘i Awards Gala, on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Grand Wailea Resort’s Haleakalā Ballroom.
Hawaiʻi families to see SNAP reductions for third year in a row beginning Oct. 1
The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services is preparing families across the state for upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), effective Oct. 1, 2025.
A Cup of Cold Water names new president as outreach expands across Maui
A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW), the mobile outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi, has named Joseph Cascio as its new president, effective Sept. 1, 2025.
Holomua Fire in Pāʻia: 50% contained, no forward progress overnight, 380 acres burned
The Holomua Fire that started Tuesday afternoon in Pāʻia on Maui burned an estimated 380 acres and was 50% contained this morning, with no forward progress reported overnight.
Hawai‘i Energy, Hawaiian Council provide no-cost appliances for Maui wildfire recovery
Hawaiʻi Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, in partnership with the Hawaiian Council, has launched the Maui Residential Rebuild Program, aimed at helping wildfire-impacted Lahaina residents rebuild their homes sustainably and affordably.
FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Holomua Fire in Maui
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 9 Administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Hawaiʻi in combating the Holomua Fire that started Tuesday afternoon in Pāʻia on Maui.
Public comment sought for Waikapū sewer and water upgrade project
The Maui County Department of Environmental Management is seeking public comment on a proposed $6 million project to upgrade Waikapū sewage and waterline systems.
Rep. Tokuda, Sen. Hirono introduce bill to protect tropical plants
US Rep. Jill Tokuda and US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono have introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act, legislation aimed at expanding research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees and other iconic Hawaiʻi staples.
Maui County withdraws EIS preparation notice for Hoʻonani Village housing project
The project is planned for a 165-acre parcel in Puʻunēnē, located between the old Puʻunēnē sugar mill and the Puʻunēnē Shopping Center.
FAM Hawaiʻi celebrates 10 years of family-focused apparel
To mark the milestone, the brand will hold an all-day community event this Saturday, Sept. 27 at its Queen Kaʻahumanu Center location.
Amy Hānaialiʻi presents Kinohi: The Beginning, The Origin at MACC
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center will present Kinohi: The Beginning, The Origin, a new concert by Grammy-nominated artist Amy Hānaialiʻi, on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Castle Theater.
Pāʻia Elementary School to be closed on Wednesday due to impacts from Holomua fire
Pāʻia Elementary School will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 24, due to the impacts of a wildfire in the Pāʻia area. This closure will impact both students and staff of Pāʻia Elementary School.
2025 Empower Her Expo: uplifting women-owned businesses
Mālama Yo Mama, a community organization that focuses on uplifting women, hosted its Empower Her Expo this past weekend.
Evacuation orders lifted: Brush fire in area of Holomua in Pāʻia grows to 300 acres
Maui Emergency Management Agency lifted all evacuation orders and warnings for the Holomua fire, allowing people to return to zones. However, advisories remain in effect due to smoke impacts.
Hawaiʻi public schools serve Filipino chicken papaya soup using local produce
This September, public school cafeterias on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island were offered the opportunity to serve chicken papaya soup — a classic Filipino dish also known as Tinola — for lunch using locally sourced bok choy and green papaya, as available.
Gov. Green issues Emergency Proclamation to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccine
Gov. Josh Green issued an Emergency Proclamation to protect public access to COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaiʻi following recent decisions by the federal government affecting vaccine availability.
MLP files countersuit alleging ‘false claims’ over water maintenance, pointing instead to historic drought
Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. has filed a countersuit against Kapalua Golf Courses and Luxury Homes alleging “misinformation” on water use and drought conditions. MLP says TY Management, owner of the Kapalua golf courses chose “false claims,” and says the countersuit was filed in an effort to “set the record straight.”
Maui Mayor appoints Jade P. Rojas-Letisi as Director of Office of Economic Development
Mayor Richard Bissen appointed Jade P. Rojas-Letisi as the Director of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, which is tasked with strengthening kama‘āina industries, supporting small businesses and advancing economic diversification across Maui Nui.
Hospice Maui receives Mayor’s Small Business Award for Outstanding Nonprofit
Melanie Dwyer, CEO of Hospice Maui, was honored with the Mayor’s Small Business Award for Outstanding Nonprofit, recognizing the organization’s excellence in compassionate care, workforce leadership, and community service across Maui County.
