#Upcountry
In Hawaiian Electric’s first proactive power shutdown, Upcountry customers frustrated by long outage but supportive of fire prevention program
Some farmers lost thousands of dollars in products when their generators couldn’t keep their operations going. But even the hardest-hit businesses and their neighbors say shutting off the power is a good measure to prevent another tragedy like the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina and Upcountry.
After back-to-back summer fires, Kula community tries to ‘wipe out’ invasive wattle and restore landscape
Removing black wattle is important to fire mitigation in Kula because the invasive species burns fast and it chokes out more fire-resistant native species.
County bill advances to allow nonconforming structures in Lahaina to be rebuilt as they were before the wildfires
Planning officials say some residents are waiting for the bill to pass in order to rebuild their properties.
Maui County Council’s term begins with same members, new federal fire relief funding to spend, old problems to tackle
The balance of power on the council could come into play on critical issues that include the mayor’s proposal to phase out thousands of short-term vacation rentals.
Home of longtime Lahaina family is first to finish rebuilding after being destroyed in last year’s fire
The Ah Hees are days away from their final inspection and plan to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones more than a year after they were displaced by the August 2023 fire.
Rebuild of homes destroyed in Kula fire runs into costly wastewater upgrades
Upcountry residents have relied for years on cesspools, which are required under state law to be eliminated by 2050.
Drones have been crucial in the Crater Road fire — and MFD’s reliance on them is growing
“There’s very, very traditional ways to fight fire. And with the weather that we’re facing now, we have to sometimes think outside the box, how it’s going to impact communities faster,” Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura said.
‘It’s triggering’: Kula residents keep a wary eye on Crater Road fire amid memories of last year’s blaze
“It’s distressing to all of us, even if it’s not coming right in our nearest vicinity, it’s still triggering, as it would be for anybody, either in Lahaina or Kula, that went through what we went through last year,” said Melissa James of The Ohana Animal Inn in Kula.
Should start of school year be pushed to after fires’ anniversary? Some think so.
“They’re not going to be in the right mindset, the families are not going to be in the right mindset, the teachers are not going to be in the right mindset because we are all focused on 8-8,” said Mikey Burke of the upcoming one-year anniversary of the Lahaina wildfire.
Maui Matsuri Recognizes Warren S. Unemori Engineering Inc. with 2024 Business Award
The 22nd annual Maui Matsuri named Warren S. Unemori Engineering Inc. as this year’s Business Award recipient for its commitment to the community, which has been a reflection of core values passed down through generations.
Two opportunities to Talk Story with Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura, Upcountry
Maui County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura will hold two talk story sessions Upcountry this week. The first session takes place tonight (Feb. 6) at the Kula Elementary School cafeteria from 6 to 7 p.m. Sugimura will also hold her monthly Talk Story with Yuki Lei outreach program, Feb. 10, at the Upcountry Farmers Market from 7 to 11 a.m.
County distributes 1,800 solar shower bags to upcountry water stations
Starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, a shower trailer with one shower stall and one washer and dryer will be available for public use in the parking lot of Anytime Fitness at 24 Kiopaa St. in Makawao.
Pukalani Terrace Center launching back-to-school drive and hosting a celebration
Pukalani Terrace Center, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs, is launching an inaugural back-to-school drive for Upcountry keiki now through July 16.
Upcountry Roadway Work Begins Monday, Feb. 4
Upcountry residents can expect road closures for roadway reconstruction projects in Haʻikū and Makawao beginning Monday, Feb. 4
Yuki Lei Sugimura Hosts Talk Story at Upcountry Farmers Market
Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura will host her monthly “Talk Story” on Saturday, November 10, at the Upcountry Farmers Market from 7 to 11 a.m.
Power Restored to 7,817 Customers in Upcountry and Nāpili
Maui Electric crews restored power to approximately 7,817 customers in the Upcountry area and Nāpili due to effects from Tropical Storm Madeline.
Warriors Blank King Kekaulike in MIL Football Opener, 43-0
A well-prepared Kamehameha Schools Maui team ran over Upcountry cross-town rival King Kekaulike 43-0 in the Maui Interscholastic League football season opener Thursday night.
Kekaulike Boys Stay Unbeaten With Win Over Bears
The build is two games from completion, but the part King Kekaulike High School added Friday night has the boys soccer team at the doorstep of its second Maui Interscholastic League championship in three years.
Reinhardt’s “Special” Play Boost Bears Over Na Alii
On a night that the Baldwin High School football team appeared ordinary, it received an extra-special performance from Abraham Reinhardt when it needed it most.
Saturday slump? Have Fair Fun Upcountry
Going on now, at the Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao, food, music, friends, family and livestock are gathered. It’s time for the 31st Annual Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair.