Maui News
Founder of BluBlocker Sunglasses, part-time Maui resident, Joseph Sugarman dies
Entrepreneur and founder of BluBlocker Sunglasses, Joseph Sugarman, died peacefully surrounded by his family in Las Vegas on March 18, 2022. He was 83. Sugarman began living part-time on Maui starting in 1993, where he owned and ran The Maui Weekly.
Affordable Connectivity Program offers internet access to qualified Hawaiʻi residents
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides up to $30 a month off internet service bills with continuance of a $75 discount for households on Hawaiian Home Lands.
Maui residents mixed on whether they’ll keep masks up after mandates drop today
After being the last in the nation with statewide mask mandates, Hawai’i dropped its indoor mask rules today. However, reactions from Maui residents were mixed as to whether they will continue to wear facial coverings when entering indoor settings, such as retailers, offices and churches.
Nighttime traffic gridlock on Piʻilani Highway as roundabout preparation begins
The night work on Piʻilani Highway between Kaonoulu Street and Piʻikea Avenue has been completed. There will be no nighttime closure Saturday, March 26, 2022. Please note that the three lane configuration and right-in, right-out at Kūlanihākoʻi Street will be in place throughout Phase 1, which is anticipated to end in August.
Man dies after small boat capsizes off Maliko Bay, Maui
Emergency rescue crews were unable to revive a mariner who was found face down in the water about 300 yards off of Maliko Bay Thursday evening.
PARKLINQ introducing ‘smart parking’ at Maui Ocean Center
In May, Hawai’i-based PARKLINQ is launching a tier parking system at the Maui Ocean Center and Pacific Whale Foundation in Wailuku.
Maui County’s unemployment dips slightly to 4.8% but higher than US rate of 4.1%
The unemployment rate for Maui County dropped to 4.8% for February 2022, which is .1% lower than the rate in January but higher than the US rate of 4.1%, according to the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
Gov. Ige signs emergency proclamation to address food insecurity
The COVID-19 pandemic caused food insecurity to grow in Hawaiʻi, and since March 2020, there has been a 36% increase in the number of families receiving food assistance through SNAP.
Mayor delivers $1.045 billion proposed budget to Maui council
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino delivered his proposed $1.045 billion budget to the Maui County Council on Thursday. This represents an increase of $206.1 million over FY 2022, or an increase of 23.9%.
Council mulls whether massive Nāpili home warrants probe; pending suit filed against Maui County
Maui County Council is considering whether to pursue an investigation into the administration’s handling of a large home in Nāpili, which has been called “monstrous” and “illegal” by neighboring residents. The unfinished, eight-bedroom home came under fire last year when it climbed toward 45 feet tall. Some residents have been questioning how the county signed off on the plans without community input.
Polynesian Voyaging Society announces voyage to Tahiti, departing March 30
The “Kealaikahiki Voyage” will focus on navigational training and cultural protocol to prepare the crew and test the canoes before they embark on the Moananuiākea Voyage next year.
Divers remove more than 66 pounds of debris from Oneloa Bay in Kapalua
More than 66 pounds of debris, consisting of fishing gear and golf balls, was removed from Oneloa Bay in Kapalua last Saturday in a reef clean-up event organized by Lahaina-based dive operator, Dive with Harmony, and MOC Marine Institute.
Blessing of 22 acre Fairmont Kea Lani marks start of multi-million dollar one-year transformation
The Hoʻomaka Hou project at the Fairmont Kea Lani represents a 12-month, multimillion-dollar transformation of the resort’s collection of suites and villas along with a redesigned lobby, new food and beverage venue and creation of an immersive cultural center.
March 17-23, 2022 COVID-19 update: 5 deaths, 827 new infections in Hawaiʻi
The state Department of Health is reporting a COVID-19 count of 827 new cases over the past week, between March 17-23, 2022, and five new deaths.
MPD warns residents to beware of new home repair and roofing telephone scams
The Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division said the most recent scams by telephone involve repairing homes and roofs.
Maui Entertainment, Arts, Community, March 24-30
For a list of upcoming events, concerts, shows and entertainment, find our comprehensive listing here.
Foodland to close all seven of its pharmacies by mid-April
The Foodland pharmacy at the Pukalani store on Maui will close on April 13, 2022, with all prescriptions to be transferred to Longs Drugs. The closure is part of a larger effort across the state, to permanently close all seven Foodland pharmacy locations across the state by mid-April.
Three nonprofits serving Maui families to be honored at Champions for Children awards
Three nonprofits serving Maui families will be honored at this yearʻs Champions for Children awards hosted by the Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network.
Third medical cannabis retail dispensary approved for Maui Grown Therapies
The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has issued a formal notice to Maui Wellness Group, LLC, doing business as Maui Grown Therapies that authorizes the company to open its third retail store. The retail store will be located in Pukalani at 7 Āewa Place, Unit 3 in Makawao and expects to begin sales on March 25.
Oakland man identified as suspect in Utah homicide, arrested on Maui
A California man was arrested on Maui after being named as a suspect in a 2019 murder investigation involving the death of a woman in Utah.
