#Paele Kiakona
Emotional paddle out at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park draws 1,000 people on 2nd anniversary of the Maui wildfires
“We don’t want anybody to be by themselves on days like this. We want them to be with their neighbors, their friends, their family, with us,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said.
Housing vs. tourism: Maui Council weighs vacation rental phase-out amid tears and warnings
Overflow crowds turned out Monday to support or attack the hotly debated vacation rental phase-out bill, but the action started early, on the sidewalk outside the Kalana O Maui Building in Wailuku. Wearing red Lahaina Strong and yellow ILWU shirts, supporters of Bill 9 formed a circle and prayed. Their signs read “Maui People First,” […]
Lahaina residents invited to weigh in on community energy priorities
The Lahaina Energy Partnership is seeking input from Lahaina residents through an online feedback form to help shape the future of local energy planning.
Council OKs up to $5M for property acquisition by Lahaina Community Land Trust
Maui County Council members voted unanimously, 9-0, on Friday to approve by resolution the use of up to $5 million from the Managed Retreat Revolving Fund for property acquisition by the Lahaina Community Land Trust.
Lahaina Energy Partnership invites community to second co-design workshop
This second session is about taking those initial ideas and turning them into actionable pathways for a resilient energy future that honors Lahaina’s heritage.
Lahaina Energy Partnership invites community members to help shape energy future post-wildfire
The Lahaina Energy Partnership invites all Lahaina community members to join the upcoming Co-Design Workshop this Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Lahainaluna cafeteria. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the event occurs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner will be provided.
‘Some things you just live with’: One year after Lahaina fire, community grapples with loss, uncertainty
“It’s going to be a long process,” said Kā‘eo Blas, reflecting on one year since a fire burned down his home and much of Lahaina town. “Sometimes you think it gets better but it’s always there. It’s like losing somebody you love. You still get the memories, they’re still in your heart, but they’re not there. It’s not the same.”
Gov. Green signs bill to clarify counties’ authority in regulating short-term rentals
Gov. Josh Green followed through on his pledge to sign Senate Bill 2919, clarifying the counties’ authority to regulate short-term rentals. Mayor Richard Bissen has already moved ahead with introducing a bill to phase-out thousands of short-term rentals to open up long-term housing for residents.
Lahaina Strong begins de-occupation of ‘Fishing for Dignified Housing’ site in Kāʻanapali
After 175 days, the Lahaina Strong group announced its end to the occupation of Kāʻanapali Beach as part of its Fishing for Dignified Housing initiative.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announces bill to phase out vacation rentals in apartment districts
Thousands of short-term vacation rental apartments could begin switching to long-term housing for residents as early as July 1, 2025, for West Maui, and Jan. 1, 2026, for the rest of Maui County in a proposed measure announced today by Mayor Richard Bissen.
Lahaina Strong rally and march draws 300 in call for dignified housing for fire survivors in West Maui
Organizers say this reclamation of housing inventory would directly address the pressing need for homes and remedy the housing crisis in the community with 3,000 people still living in the hotels.
Council committee hears more on eminent domain proposal for landfill expansion
After hearing impassioned pleas Tuesday from Lahaina wildfire survivors for quick action in a proposed eminent domain condemnation, Maui County Council members struggled to pin down the property owner on what it would take, or cost, for the county to acquire the nearly 20-acre quarry for final disposal of toxic ash and debris.
Lahaina wildfire survivors, community leaders rallying on Opening Day of the legislature
Lahaina Strong, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the recovery and resilience of Lahaina, will rally at the Hawaiʻi Capitol at 11:30 a.m. following the official opening of the state legislature.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority heard this message at Maui public meeting: Prioritize locals over visitors
The draft plan called “Tourism Support for Maui’s Recovery” was developed for the purpose of how best to respond to the Tourism Emergency Declaration issued on Aug. 19 by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green due to the Aug. 8 fires.
Testimony at CWRM meeting centers on West Maui stream restoration, return of Mokuʻula
The state Commission on Water Resource Management held a marathon meeting on Maui Tuesday, lasting nearly nine hours. Members received testimony and updated the public on the Lahaina Aquifer Sector Area including wells in the fire-impacted area, water resources at Kauaʻula and Interim Instream Flow Standards (IIFS) for area waterways.
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson launch ‘People’s Fund of Maui’
In response to the devastating wildfires and immediate needs in the community, media moguls Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson announced the establishment of “People’s Fund of Maui” to distribute cash directly to those who were displaced and affected by the fire. The fund is launching with an initial $10 million donated by Winfrey and Johnson and a call to action for others to contribute to this meaningful and ongoing relief effort.
