Maui News
Dec. 21, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 707 New Cases
The latest data represents a total of 5,634 “active” cases statewide over two weeks. Maui County’s seven day average of cases peaked at 57.6 per 100,000 on Aug. 25, and has been on a steady decline since the beginning of September. Today’s seven day average on Maui ticked up to 18.1 cases per 100,000.
Gunshot Wound is Confirmed as Cause of Death for Moloka‘i Monk Seal
NOAA Fisheries has confirmed that Hawaiian monk seal L11 is confirmed to be the victim of an intentional killing by gunshot wound to the head. The young female seal was found dead on Molokaʻi on Sept. 19, 2021. This marks the third confirmed intentional killing of a monk seal on Molokaʻi in 2021 and the seventh on Molokaʻi in the past decade.
Gov. Ige’s Budget Calls for Increased Funds for Pandemic Response, Critical Services
“This budget request is very different from budget requests of the previous two years, when we had to cut more than $1 billion, and all state agencies were forced to slash spending. This year, the economy has improved more quickly than anticipated,” said Gov. Ige.
POSTPONED: Kai Lenny Fundraising Event for Pā‘ia Youth & Cultural Center
“Due to an abundance of caution for the increasing COVID-19 reports statewide,” organizers say they will be postponing this fundraising event “until all parties agree that it is safe and pono.”
Pledge of “Doing the Most Good” Rings True With Red Kettle Campaign on Maui
Bell ringers are back and ringing a welcome return of a seasonal ritual, the call for help and the offer of hope to those less fortunate.
Hawai‘i REALTORS Donate Education Supplies to Kilohana Elementary
On Molokaʻi, REALTORS donated digital cameras, gardening supplies (starter pots, fertilizer, potting soil, tools and gloves), 25 KekiDesks, outdoor chairs, umbrellas and a pop-up tent to Kilohana Elementary School.
Hawai‘iʻs Omicron Count Reaches 50 Statewide
The Hawai‘i Department of Health has detected additional COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant bringing the statewide total of Omicron cases to 50. Forty-nine of the 50 cases are on O‘ahu. The source and location of the remaining case is still being investigated, but health officials say it is reasonable to believe Omicron may be present on the neighbor islands.
Travelers Advised of Limited Airport Parking During Holiday Season
The number of travelers this holiday season may approach pre-pandemic counts. There are a total of 1,200 public parking stalls available at Kahului Airport on Maui.
Road Closure Notice: High Street, Wailuku
The Department of Water Supply is advising the public of a planned road closure on Dec. 21, 2021 from 08:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on High Street in Wailuku due to the replacement of several water service laterals.
Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Some Areas of Kula, Remains in Place for Others
Residents of Naʻalae, Waipoli, Polipoli and Middle roads, Kula Highway at Kēōkea, Thompson Road and ʻUlupalakua advised to continue boiling water as a precaution against bacteria.
Multi-Agency Teams Evaluate Maui Property Damage from “Kona Low” Storm
Teams organized by the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency were scheduled to inspect at least seven sites on Maui on Monday, including damage to the Pi’ilani Highway and the Kula State Forest Reserve.
Dec. 20, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 840 New Cases
There were 840 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 742 on Oʻahu and 42 on Maui. Today’s seven day average on Maui ticked up to 16.5 cases per 100,000.
Haleakalā Park Hosting Meetings About Suppressing Non-Native Mosquitos To Protect Birds
Haleakalā National Park is hosting a public scoping meeting Jan. 6 about a proposed Environmental Assessment for the suppression of non-native mosquito populations to address the impacts of avian malaria on threatened and endangered forest birds on Maui.
Gov. Ige Appoints Shikada to Succeed Connors as State Attorney General
Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige appointed Holly T.M. Shikada to succeed Clare Connors as Attorney General of the State of Hawaiʻi. Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Maui’s Lahainaluna in Division 1 State Football Championship; Ticket & Pay-Per-View Info Available
In the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships doubleheader on Dec. 23, #1 Lahainaluna High School will play will #2 ‘Iolani School in the Division I title football game at 3 p.m, followed by #2 Saint Louis and #1 Kahuku at 7 p.m. in the Division I‐Open championship.
MFO Center Reaches First Year Goal to Help 1,000 Families in Search of Affordable Housing
The Maui Financial Opportunity Center, launched as a public-private partnership between Maui County, Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets, has reached its first-year goal of working with more than 1,000 local families to improve financial stability in order to qualify for affordable housing.
MEO Youth Services Collecting Gifts, Making Ornaments, Gift Wrapping
Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Services intermediate and high schoolers are busy spreading holiday cheer making ornaments for kupuna and collecting toys and infant care necessities for keiki at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers.
Hawai‘i to Receive $224 Million Under New Law to Strengthen Roads and Bridges
Hawai‘i will receive $224,069,212 in federal funding to improve the state’s roads, bridges, and highways and implement strategies to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.
Maui Woman Dies, Reported Unresponsive on Dive Boat
Maui police are investigating the death of a Kīhei woman who was reported as unresponsive on a dive boat Sunday afternoon.
Nearly 1,400 Students Complete ClimbHi Service Certification in First Two Years
A Hawaiʻi nonprofit that partners with Cornell University to help high school students prepare for the workforce looks for sponsors for the spring semester, after experiencing a record number of certifications this fall.
