Maui News
Jan. 26, 2022 COVID-19 update: 2,050 new cases in Hawaiʻi, 3 deaths
The state Department of Health is reporting a COVID-19 count of 2,050 new cases today. This comes following a record high of 6,252 new cases reported on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Cases since then have been trending down, but hospitalizations remain elevated.
Sculpture of Marianne Cope installed at UH Maui campus to inspire nurses
Sister Marianne Cope, who worked with Father Damien on Molokaʻi and was canonized several years ago, was Maui’s first nurse at Maui’s first hospital.
State pitches $192M housing, civic center project for Kahului
About 5 acres of state land in Kahului would be transformed into affordable and market-rate housing, along with a civic center for state office space, if state agencies get the green light on a $192 million project.
Council Member Mike Molina announces bid for Maui mayor
Known for his public school teaching and Maui County Council tenure, Mike Molina announced Tuesday evening he will leave his Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency seat in a bid for mayor.
Maui Mayor tests positive for COVID-19
Maui County’s Office of the Mayor announced that Mayor Michael Victorino tested positive for COVID-19 today. All close contacts have been notified and the mayor is in isolation at home.
Moananuiākea Voyage circumnavigation of the Pacific postponed to 2023
The Polynesian Voyaging Society announced that the Moananuiākea Voyage’s circumnavigation of the Pacific Ocean has been rescheduled to the spring of 2023 due to the continuing uncertainties caused by the global pandemic.
Maui Food Technology Center to open new food truck hub starting Feb. 1
The “Maui STREET Market,” starts next Tuesday, Feb. 1. This foodie hot spot will be located in the south side of the parking lot at 150 Hāna Highway in Kahului (next to the former 24-Hour Fitness Center) and will be open seven days a week with food trucks setting their own hours.
Full recovery for US hotel industry is ‘several years away’
The hotel industry will continue moving toward recovery in 2022, but the path will be uneven and potentially volatile, with full recovery still several years away, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2022 State of the Hotel Industry Report.
Study: Invasive algae outcompetes natives in coastal areas affected by polluted groundwater
Invasive algae outcompetes natives in coastal ecosystems affected by polluted groundwater flowing to the sea, according to a study conducted by a team of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers.
Sen. Schatz to discuss infrastructure bill’s local impacts at Maui Council committee
The Maui County Council’s Infrastructure and Transportation Committee will meet Thursday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. to hear a. presentation by US Sen. Brian Schatz on local impacts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, signed into law by President Biden on Nov. 15.
MACC Steel Pulse Concert Rescheduled to Friday, April 1
Due to a death in the family of one of the band members, the Steel Pulse concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Centerʻs A&B Amphitheater and Yokouchi Pavilion scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29 has been rescheduled for Friday, April 1, 2022.
Boil Water Advisory update: Some areas of Kula removed from list
Areas where the boil water advisory is lifted are: a section of Kula Highway from Lepelepe Place to Mālamahale Place, Lepelepe Place, Malia Uli Place and Mālamahale Place.
Jan. 25, 2022 COVID-19 update: 1,904 new cases in Hawaiʻi
The state Department of Health is reporting a COVID-19 count of 1,904 new cases today. This comes following a record high of 6,252 new cases reported on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Cases since then have been trending down, but hospitalizations remain elevated.
Hale Kipa welcomes Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros as CEO
Hale Kipa, a nonprofit organization serving at-risk youth and their families, announced the appointment of Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros as CEO.
Small businesses brace for financial hits amid new vaccine booster rule
Local restaurant owners said they’re bracing for yet another financial hit to their already struggling small businesses as Maui County’s new booster mandate rolled out Monday. High-risk businesses — restaurants, bars and gyms — must now require proof of boosters from eligible patrons seeking indoor dining or exercising in a revision to the county’s emergency health rules called a “vaccine update.”
No tsunami expected after 4.7 magnitude Maui earthquake
There is no tsunami expected after a 4.5 preliminary magnitude earthquake reported at 12:51 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25 on the island of Maui.
Maui Memorial Medical Center Medical Staff New Chief of Staff
Maui Health has named Vijak Ayasanonda, MD, as the Maui Memorial Medical Center Medical Staff’s new Chief of Staff, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Speed is considered a factor in a deadly head-on crash on Maui Veterans Highway
Maui police believe that speed is a factor in a deadly head-on motor vehicle crash reported Monday morning on the Maui Veterans Highway near Kealia Wildlife Refuge. Police say the crash claimed the life of a 54-year-old Kīhei man.
Gov. Ige proposes refunds for taxpayers, dependents in State of the State Address
In his address, Gov. Ige announced that given recent revenue projections, he is asking the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to return some of those dollars to taxpayers. “We want to issue refund checks of $100 for every taxpayer and for each of their dependents. For a family of four, that would mean an extra $400. In this way, we’ll also inject $110 million back into our economy,” said Gov. Ige.
Maui Police Department Crime Laboratory ISO/IEC Accreditation
The MPD Crime Lab accreditation was granted in the fall of 2021, and is the final organization of the four counties in the state to achieve this exclusive status. The MPD Crime Laboratory is responsible for testing all of the seized drugs in the County of Maui.
