Maui News

After a two-week jury trial, a federal jury today found Defendants Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi, 32, and Levi Aki, Jr., 33, each guilty of a hate crime for what prosecutors described as “racially motivated attacks” on C.K., a white man, when he attempted to move into the home he had purchased in their Kahakuloa neighborhood.

“Wiliwili is a keystone species in our dry forests, and nearly every part of this special tree is used by cultural practitioners. The impact of losing this species would have been profound.” — Chipper Wichman, President of the National Tropical Botanical Garden

The State Commission on Water Resource Management amended interim instream flow standards on Tuesday for 12 streams and tributaries in the Huelo region of East Maui, and reserved water for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.  

Large surf on the North Shore of Maui has kept Ocean Safety Officers busy over the last couple of days. Rescues were reported at Kanahā, Hamakuapoko Point, Nāpili Bay, and DT Fleming Beach.

The Shops at Wailea kicks off the holiday season on Black Friday with a host of festivities including a Santa Parade, photos with Santa, a community food drive, and a live concert from 14-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Mark Yamanaka.

Handler Michael Romo and Rampart, a 2-year-old Goldendoodle, are now bringing comfort and providing emotional support to Maui County’s EMS professionals, first responders and community members. 

The proposed settlement resolves allegations that the company contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores.

The breakdown for Maui County: Lāna’i 1.7%, Maui Island 3.8% and Molokaʻi 8.4%.

The Kaua’ula Fire first reported on Nov. 8, is now considered 90% contained, according to fire officials. The burn area remained at 2,100 acres this morning.  

AAA Hawaii projects 9.7 million residents of Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington will travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period this year – an all-time record for the holiday.

Seabury Hall will host its Hall-iday event on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at its campus in Makawao. The event is free to the public with cash donations benefitting Maui United Way’s Toy Drive.

Maui Memorial Medical Center has received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022, following the same grade awarded in May for spring 2022.

Arc of Maui County received a $45,000 grant from the Nareit Foundation that will be utilized to renovate 12 bathrooms for 20 residents living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in four group homes on Maui.

“The data above provides evidence that we need to address the housing problem through various legislative remedies, including increasing housing supply and options, zoning reforms, and funding affordable housing,” said Samar Jha, AARP Government Affairs Director. 

“If it’s Saturday, plant bamboo and sugar cane, and harvest limu (seaweed) and shellfish in tide pools under a half moon. Learn these cultural insights at Saturday’s Chang Farms tour in South Maui,” organizers said.

Maui senators secured several key assignments. Senator Lynn DeCoite was named Majority Assistant Floor Leader, and Chair of the Energy, Economic Development and Tourism committee; Senator Gil Keith-Agaran was named Majority Assistant Whip, and Vice-Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee; and Senator Angus McKelvey secured the chairmanship of the Government Operations Committee. 

Employees with Maui Health System staged a rally along Kaʻahumanu Avenue on Wednesday to bring attention to their call for better pay.

Newly appointed Deputy Chief Wade Maeda was sworn-in as the Maui Police Department’s second in command during a ceremony held Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Wailuku Police Station.

“It’s the season of giving, so what better way than to give back by saving lives.” — Chase Oneal, district manager of Hawaiʻi Walgreens

“Cryptocurrency is not accepted as payment for any utility service in Hawaiʻi, whether electricity, phone, internet, gas or water,” said Stephen Levins, executive director of the State of Hawaiʽi Office of Consumer Protection.