#Upcountry

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.

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.

Planning officials say some residents are waiting for the bill to pass in order to rebuild their properties.

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.

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.

Upcountry residents have relied for years on cesspools, which are required under state law to be eliminated by 2050.

“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 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.

“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.

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.

 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.

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, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs, is launching an inaugural back-to-school drive for Upcountry keiki now through July 16.

Upcountry residents can expect road closures for roadway reconstruction projects in Haʻikū and Makawao beginning Monday, Feb. 4

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.

Maui Electric crews restored power to approximately 7,817 customers in the Upcountry area and Nāpili due to effects from Tropical Storm Madeline.

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.

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.

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.

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.