Temporary safe parking site wins unanimous Maui Council approval, but potential severe weather delays opening

All schools on Molokaʻi closed today, Oct. 28, 2026, due to flooded roads. This includes: Molokaʻi High, Molokaʻi Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary and Maunaloa Elementary on Molokaʻi. Flooded roads are affecting safe access to the campuses.

The County of Maui opened Makahiki Maui Nui, a new collaborative initiative honoring the Hawaiian season of Makahiki, with Wehena Makahiki, an opening ceremony held Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Royal Complex of Mokuʻula/Mokuhinia in Lahaina.

The Maui Police Department, in coordination with its healthcare partner, is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating next of kin for several deceased individuals within Maui County.

The Maui County Council voted 9-0 on Friday to approve a bill that lets the county open a temporary site for people living in their vehicles along Pūlehu Road, even as advocates for houseless residents called the location a “dust bowl,” and some council members warned that the project needs a clearer framework and more site improvements.

The grant will support the $56.1 million Port of Kahului Cargo Yard Expansion project, significantly increasing landside capacity and operational efficiency at Maui’s sole commercial port.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii tied for the highest rating in the state earning 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in its 2027 star ratings.

The Shops at Wailea welcomes Raiman Rocks, a new fine jewelry boutique opening Saturday, Nov. 14. Founded by Maui residents Gall and Galit Raiman, Raiman Rocks specializes in rare natural diamonds, one-of-a-kind designs and personalized concierge services. A Hawaiian blessing ceremony and public celebration will mark the grand opening.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate is now hiring for the 2027 Legislative Session, offering individuals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in state government while helping serve the people of Hawaiʻi.

American Savings Bank teammates raised and contributed $271,000—achieving a 94% participation rate through their 2026 Kahiau Giving Campaign—to support five Hawaiʻi nonprofits focused on affordable housing and financial education.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is expanding efforts to bring more locally sourced food to school meals by building regional partnerships that connect school cafeterias with producers in their communities. A partnership between Hawaiʻi Island schools and Parker Ranch is the first under this initiative, with additional regional sourcing opportunities in development on Maui and Kauaʻi.

The Maui County Council voted 8-0 on Friday to pass on first reading a bill that would add a prosecutor’s office investigator to focus on contractor fraud tied to the 2023 wildfires.

Hawaiian Airlines this month started construction of its new premium lounge in Honolulu, marking the milestone with a traditional Hawaiian blessing for the future, nearly 13,000-square-foot space conveniently located at the entrance of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport’s (HNL) Mauka Concourse.