Mokulele Wins $19.4M Federal Contract to Keep Lanaʻi–Maui Flights Running
Mokulele Airlines has secured a new four-year federal Essential Air Service contract worth $19.4 million to maintain scheduled flights between Lanaʻi, Honolulu, and Kahului (OGG) through August 2030. The contract includes 21 weekly round trips between Lanaʻi and Maui. Mokulele will operate 21 weekly round trips between Lanaʻi (LNY) and Kahului/Maui (OGG) under the new […]
Hurricane Lowell Disrupts Maui Travel; Roads Reopen as United Waiver Excludes OGG
Hurricane Lowell brought strong winds and heavy rain to Maui in early September 2026, causing flight and road disruptions. United Airlines issued a travel waiver for Līhuʻe (Kauai) flights only — Kahului Airport (OGG) was not included — though road conditions on Maui are improving. Hurricane Lowell passed Hawaii around September 7, 2026, with Kula […]
Hawaii’s Back-to-Back Storms Push State Toward Resilience Overhaul
A historic El Niño season has battered Hawaii with multiple hurricanes and storms in rapid succession, straining emergency management resources. State and county leaders are now discussing long-term changes to infrastructure, building codes, and disaster preparedness to handle increasing climate risks. Hurricane Lowell struck Kauaʻi last week while crews were still repairing Maui and Hawaii […]
Maui Homeowners Have Until Dec. 31 to File for Property Tax Exemptions
Hawaii’s four counties offer property tax exemptions for owner-occupied homes, and many homeowners miss out by not filing. Maui County’s deadline is December 31, and owners who miss it may still qualify for a partial-year exemption. Maui County homeowners must file by December 31 each year, though late filers may now receive a partial-year exemption. […]
Mokulele Airlines Wins $19.4M Federal Contract for Lanai–Maui Air Service
Multiple sources report that Mokulele Airlines, a subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility, has been awarded a four-year, $19.4 million Essential Air Service contract from the U.S. Department of Transportation to continue scheduled flights connecting Lanai with Honolulu and Kahului (OGG). The contract runs through August 2030 and doubles the length of the airline’s previous agreement. […]
Hawaii National Guard Deploys 300+ Personnel to Maui and Kauai After Hurricane Lowell
Following Hurricane Lowell, the Hawaii National Guard mobilized over 300 personnel beginning September 7 to assist with road clearance, search and rescue, water distribution, and emergency power across Maui and Kauai. Maui operations included high-water vehicle teams responding to flooding along Honoapiilani Highway near Olowalu. Task Force Maui deployed High Water Vehicle teams to flooded […]
Hurricane Lowell Damages Lanai Barge Harbor; Limited Operations Resume
Kaumālapa’u Harbor on Lānaʻi sustained significant damage from Hurricane Lowell, forcing closure for repairs to underwater hazards, a sinkhole, and the pier apron. Limited barge operations resumed September 13 for essential goods and fuel delivery, with full reopening expected within two weeks. Kaumālapa’u Harbor on Lānaʻi was closed after Hurricane Lowell left containers in the […]
Kahului Water Outage on Kea Street Through Early Morning Sept. 13
A mainline break on Kea Street in Kahului has caused a water service outage affecting 40 homes and six fire hydrants. The outage is expected to last from 6:30 PM on September 12 through 1:30 AM on September 13. A water main break on Kea Street between Papa Avenue and Kaiemi Street triggered the outage. […]
Makawao Water Outage Affects Olinda Road Area Until ~8 PM
A mainline break in Makawao has caused a water service outage along Piiholo Road/Olinda Road up to 1200 Olinda Road. The outage began at 4 PM and is expected to last approximately four hours. A water mainline break in Makawao triggered an unplanned service outage starting at 4 PM on September 12. The affected area […]
Water Ownership and Scarcity Drive Maui County Election Debates
Water scarcity and public control of water systems have emerged as central issues in Maui County’s 2026 mayoral and council races. Mayor Bissen has pursued acquisition of several private water systems, while candidates debate how to prioritize limited water resources. Mayor Bissen has moved to expand public water ownership, including a deal to raise West […]