Maui News
Update/Open: Accident on Honoapiʻilani Highway at Kai Malina Parkway
As of 8:08 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, the Honoapiʻilani Highway is open to the public. It was partially closed between Lower Honoapiʻilani Road and Kai Malina Parkway due to a motor vehicle accident reported in the afternoon.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs names Keʻōpū Reelitz director of advocacy
Reelitz, who began her new role on Dec. 1, will lead OHA’s Advocacy Division and oversee mission aligned public policy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as OHAʻs current co-trustee role with the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Maui 5K to support Maui Nui schools, including those impacted by wildfires
Maui Ocean Center will present the 13th annual Maui 5K from 7 to 9 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024. Registration is now open, with entry fees set to increase Dec. 15.
Goodwill Hawaiʻi to provide employment services for displaced Maui workers
Goodwill Hawaiʻi was recently awarded a new one-year contract by the State of Hawaiʻi DLIR Office of Community Services to provide Employment Core Services to Lahaina’s immigrant population or any other Maui resident who was displaced from work as a direct or indirect result of the Maui fires in August.
Sen. Schatz to attend UN Climate Conference in United Arab Emirates
US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a Senate delegation will attend the annual UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center hiring Maui-based Teaching Artists
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center is seeking experienced Teaching Artists to support a wide range of arts programs for youth and adults; including arts outreach serving keiki and families in Lahaina.
Mayor Bissen announces talk story sessions with Lahaina and Kula residents
Mayor Richard Bissen will host a series of talk story sessions for residents of Kula and Lahaina who have been impacted by the Aug. 8 fires. Sessions will be held for small groups to offer time for participants to share mana’o and ask questions.
Early morning crash on Haleakalā Highway claims life of Makawao man
A Makawao man suffered fatal injuries in a crash reported early Friday morning on the Haleakalā Highway.
Pallets burning against exterior of a building at Kahului Shopping Center cause $27,000 in damage
Maui fire crews found pallets burning agains the exterior of a building at the Kahului Shopping Center on Thursday night. The fire was first reported at 9:17 p.m. on Dec. 7 at 65 West Kaʻahumanu Ave. in Kahului.
Molokaʻi driver Nelson Umemoto named MEO Employee of the Month
“Uncle” Nelson Umemoto, a longtime Moloka‘i driver who is credited with “creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere on his bus,” was named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month.
Maui Disaster Area restrictions lifted for Zones 9A, 9B, 11A, 12A and 12C on Dec. 11-12
County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 11-12, in Zones 9A, 9B, 11A, 12A and 12C. Some residential and commercial properties in these zones have been deferred by the EPA for health and safety reasons and will not be open for re-entry until further notice.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority heard this message at Maui public meeting: Prioritize locals over visitors
The draft plan called “Tourism Support for Maui’s Recovery” was developed for the purpose of how best to respond to the Tourism Emergency Declaration issued on Aug. 19 by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green due to the Aug. 8 fires.
BLNR to consider ocean stewardship user fee, Molokini Marine Life Conservation District
The Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources will be asked to approve a new chapter in Hawai‘i Administrative Rules to enable an ocean stewardship user fee during its meeting on Friday. BLNR will also consider amendments to the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District to reduce crowding at the islet.
Maui Master Gardeners creates 130 holiday arrangements for displaced wildfire survivors
“These arrangements are one way to convey in a small way our community’s continued support and caring.”
Department of Health: Maui air monitoring in November shows good quality in wildfire-impacted areas
Air sampling and testing will continue throughout fire debris removal to ensure the work does not significantly impact the air quality of Lahaina or Kula.
Honolulu City Council passes bill to address the City’s 2,000+ position vacancies
The Honolulu City Council passed a bill Wednesday addressing hiring deficiencies in the City and County of Honolulu, which has more than 2,000 position vacancies.
November’s Kona low brought flash flooding, some relief to drought conditions on Maui
Due to the severity of the drought in some areas of the state, additional significant rain events will be needed for full drought recovery, which is not likely within the winter months due to the ongoing strong El Niño event.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue extends Maui wildfire relief into the holiday season
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue announced it is extending its “Purchase A Meal” community initiative through the holidays as it continues efforts to provide relief to wildfire survivors on Maui.
Imua Family Services and JAKKS Pacific bring the holiday spirit to Maui children
In the wake of the wildfires this past August, Imua Family Services made the decision to not burden the community with its usual toy drive, instead reaching out to their friends at JAKKS Pacific, Inc., who once again came through with a large donation consisting of thousands of toys.
22 keiki get ‘Forever Families’
Hawaiʻi island Family Court courtrooms in Hilo and Waimea were transformed into whimsical wonderlands for 22 Hawaiʻi island keiki as they joined their “Forever Families” during an event that also marked National Adoption Day.
