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Maui farmers brace for approaching storms after major crop losses in year of extreme weather
Farmers were still recovering from major damage and crop losses in the Kona low storms in March when Hurricane Lala swept by in August.
‘From one Paradise to another’: Two towns, two fires and one ‘historic’ football game
Lahainaluna and Paradise high schools will face each other tonight in a “Unity Bowl” that aims to showcase the resilience of two communities recovering from devastating fires.
Why Maui police don’t always name people who are arrested, including their own officers
Mug shots and arrest details are still available to the public, but often only upon request or by checking records.
New vision, ancient roots: How Maui County’s ʻŌiwi Resources Department is putting Hawaiian ancestral knowledge to work
The two-year-old department approved by voters has been working on a variety of priorities, including the Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan, incorporating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi back into government and putting to use the knowledge encoded in the mother tongue.
$4B Mākena development with 652 homes advances after reducing project due to public pushback
The project in South Maui initially called for 900 housing units and faced backlash from residents who said it would cater to wealthy off-island buyers.
$9.3M in post-disaster funding from FEMA for repairs to King Kamehameha III Elementary
The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Education is set to receive $9.3 million in post-disaster funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for permanent repairs to King Kamehameha III Elementary School on Maui.
New West Maui fire station costing at least $240K more due to U.S.-Canada trade war
The $3 million Olowalu Fire Station project was fully funded until the Canadian company supplying the modular building for the station was hit with 50% steel tariffs by the U.S. last year.
Hurricane Lala washed out Nāhiku bridge. Nobody seems to know who’s responsible for rebuilding the ‘lifeline’
Darrell Richard, one of the six residents trapped by the collapse, said he’s grateful for the deliveries of supplies but worried about the future. “I don’t need gas,” he said. “I need a bridge.”
Growing demand for water pushes Maui County to mull pricey desalination plans
Desalination plants, which the county hopes could create more potable water for Central, South and West Maui, could cost anywhere from $119 million to $328 million.
Pay for Starlink or ‘climb a hill’: How rural Maui endured Hurricane Lala without power, internet, cell service
After outages in recent storms, many frustrated residents are seeking out the satellite-based Starlink or other ways to stay connected in emergencies.
Colorful ghost nets washing ashore on Maui transformed into works of art
Michiko Smith scours beaches for washed ashore marine trash, which is often smelly, that she can turn into artistic treasure.
More Maui fire survivors are in stable housing, but now face pressure of declining aid, report says
A new report by the University of Hawai’i found improvements in housing stability but less progress in the overall economy.
Bissen swept all districts in Maui County mayoral primary, including Sugimura’s backyard
The incumbent mayor gained the biggest advantage over Sugimura in West Maui, where the recovery from the 2023 wildfire put his reelection bid to the test.
Hope and heartbreak: Lahaina fire survivors move through grief as recovery continues 3 years later
As Maui marks the anniversary of the deadly blaze today, residents see hope in the rebuilding but sorrow in the people and things they can never bring back.
Who should vote in Office of Hawaiian Affairs races? Some say it’s everyone’s kuleana
The reluctance to vote for OHA is a complicated mix of Native Hawaiians who don’t want to participate in an American election system, non-Hawaiians who feel like they shouldn’t decide the agency’s leaders and voters who simply don’t know what OHA does.
3 years after the Lahaina fire, rebuilding Front Street no longer on the backburner
One property is close to getting the first recovery building permit on the iconic street, while Maui County continues working on ways to make it easier for the many commercial landowners who haven’t even started the permitting process.
Bissen, Sugimura each raise $100,000 in July for mayoral campaigns ahead of upcoming primary
Both campaigns are spending heavily on advertising as they jockey for the top spot at the ballot box on Aug. 8.
3 years after Maui wildfires: Employment, housing improve while mental health remains a concern, report finds
Researchers are especially worried about the impact on kids, who are showing early signs of emotional and physical distress in the wake of the fires.
5 political newcomers vying for Chair Lee’s Wailuku seat; winner could change balance of County Council
Longtime state airports manager Marvin Moniz has been endorsed by moderate Alice Lee, but four progressive candidates also are in the race for the Central Maui seat.
ICE sightings, detentions reported on Maui amid nationwide wave of enforcement
As ICE enforcement increases on Maui, Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green prepares to sign a slate of immigration-related bills on Tuesday that include limiting state and county law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.