In a welcome ceremony reminiscent of old Hawai'i, hula dancers and lei greeters embraced a small group of dignitaries that disembarked from a nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan 208B aircraft.

From 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday, the public is invited to talk story with Mayor Alan Arakawa and members of his staff as the next monthly "County on Your Corner" visits Paia.

The event takes place Friday, June 24, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hana Town Center.

In one of the closest races on the Maui ballot, a mere 59 votes determined the winner in the East Maui council race. Council-member-elect Robert “Bob” Carroll, ended up ahead in 21 out of 39 precincts.

By Wendy Osher In a ballot that is filled with 11 mayoral candidates, three Maui council members and Maui’s OHA representative will return to office without a single challenger.  Council Members Joe Pontanilla of Kahului, Gladys Baisa of Upcountry Maui, and Danny Mateo of Molokai are uncontested in the September Primary election.  Maui’s Trustee for... Read more »

By Wendy Osher Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued a proclamation at a Veteran’s Day Commemorative Event at the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului today.  The 2009 Maui Veterans Day event was hosted by the Maui Sons & Daughters of Nisei Veterans and included historic displays, memorabilia, and recognition of veterans who served Maui County. Tavares... Read more »

The Maui County Council unanimously passed the FY2010 budget on second and final reading this morning.  The budget is $8.8 million less than the Mayor’s $573 million proposal, which translates to a 1.5% difference. Budget Chair Joe Pontanilla described the budget as austere and tight for both county departments and nonprofits, but also noted the... Read more »

The Maui County Councilmen are set to chair different committees. Joseph Pontanilla of Kahului will continue as the chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. Gladys C. Baisa of Upcountry Maui will chair the Land Use Committee. Michael P. Victorino of Wailuku, Waihe’e, and Waiehu will chair the Water Resources Committee and Bill Kauakea Medeiros... Read more »