Maui News
Humpback in ‘life-threatening’ entanglement off Māʻalaea freed by officials
A humpback whale in a “life-threatening” entanglement off Māʻalaea was freed in a multi-agency effort Tuesday, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration news release today. The adult male had heavy-gauge line wrapped tightly around his head in front of his pectoral flippers, which would prevent feeding. Officials said it was unlikely the animal could free itself.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court denies petition challenging reapportionment plan
The State of Hawaiʻi Supreme Court issued a ruling today denying the petition challenging the 2021 Reapportionment Commission Plan and has ordered the termination of the temporary injunction of candidate filing for US Representative, State Senate and State Representative contests.
Special 2022 control hunt for Lānaʻi mouflon sheep set for all weekends in April
A special 2022 control hunt for Lānai mouflon sheep is being held on weekends in April.
New mosaic mural hangs at Education Pavilion of Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui
A new mosaic mural of Hawaiian waterbirds and shorebirds and created by Oʻahu-based artist Leah K. Riggs now hangs in the Education Pavilion of the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Kīhei.
Maui Police launch St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Enforcement campaign
The Maui Police Department Traffic Division will conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols at various locations to address impaired driving over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
After two years, Paʻina Food Court at UH Maui College reopens to the public, March 23
After more than two years, the Pā‘ina Food Court at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College reopens to the public on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Deadline is Thursday to apply for federal grants related to December 2021 storm
The deadline is Thursday, March 17, 2022, for state and local governments and private nonprofits in O‘ahu and the County of Maui to apply for federal emergency grants related to the December Kona Low storms.
Maui’s Lei of Aloha for World Peace partners in Aloha for Ukraine fundraiser, March 18
Mauiʻs Lei of Aloha for World Peace has partnered with Naluʻs South Shore Grill, ekolu kitchen 1279, and local Maui musicians, to raise funds for organizations and volunteers in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
Abandoned, historic building in Lāhainā poised for upgrades
County offices or senior center uses are being considered, along with other possibilities, for the historic Pioneer Mill Co. office building in Lāhainā. and in disrepair since the mill closed in 1999.
No tsunami expected for Hawaiʻi after 7.3 Japan earthquake
There is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi following a 7.3 preliminary magnitude earthquake near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, reported at around 4:37 a.m. HST on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
BlackSand Capital makes three-year commitment to affordable housing on Maui
BlackSand Capital has entered into a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui, a Hawaiʻi Community Foundation initiative working to create a sustainable housing market for local families on Maui.
$5M to fund ongoing care to underserved at four health centers in Maui County
A total of $5,129,903 in federal funding will go to four community health centers in Maui County.
MADD: Have fun but don’t drive drunk on St. Patrickʻs Day
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reminds people to plan ahead for a safe ride home on Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that continuously ranks as one of the most dangerous on the nation’s roads.
Hawaiʻi Youth Advocates rally at Capitol to raise support for bills to end youth vaping
Youth, health advocates, and elected officials gathered at the State Capitol for a press conference to bring awareness to the youth vaping epidemic. Additional sign waving events were organized on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island to build support across the state.
Robert’s Hawaiʻi receives $200,000 in federal rebates for 10 energy-efficient school buses
The US Environmental Protection Agency is providing Robert’s Hawaiʻi School Bus, Inc. with rebates totaling $200,000 to replace 10 old, high-polluting diesel school buses with energy-efficient buses.
Update: stolen canoe recovered in waters off Maui
The Maui Canoe Club is seeking the public’s help with any information on the theft of a six-man outrigger canoe, stolen from the beach in North Kīhei overnight.
Public input sought for new Department of Agriculture budget; meeting tonight
The County will consider funding requests and priorities suggested by the community for the Department of Agriculture that will open in July.
Blue and yellow lights honor of the people of Ukraine
State capitol building lit in blue and yellow for one month as a visible reminder of the Ukranian people and their fight for democracy and self-determination.
Maui council urged to raise tax on second homes, short-term rentals to raise money for affordables
Leaving property taxes at the lowest in the nation could actually spur investment home buys in Maui County, according to a presentation Monday afternoon at council’s Affordable Housing Committee. About 70% of purchases in 2020 were non-owner occupied, second homes, Hawaiʻi Information Service said. Meanwhile, Hawaiʻi this year ranked lowest in the nation for property taxes by state, according to a WalletHub study published this month.
Maui Office of Economic Development grants training workshop, March 31
The County of Maui Office of Economic Development will hold a Fiscal Year 2023 Grants Training Workshop via BlueJeans beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022.
