Hurricane Fausto Tracking Toward Hawaii; Maui Impacts Possible Early Next Week
Hurricane Fausto, currently about 1,645 miles east of Hilo with 100 mph sustained winds, is forecast to approach the Hawaiian Islands early-to-mid next week. Wind and rainfall impacts are an increasing risk, though the exact location and magnitude remain uncertain. Fausto is projected to pass near or just north of the Hawaiian Islands around Tuesday, […]
Nonprofit Aids 185 Maui Fire Survivors with Disabilities Through CDP Grant
The Kelea Foundation used a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant to assist 185 Lahaina fire survivors with disabilities, helping them access medical equipment, services, and system navigation. The organization opened 231 support cases and delivered over 130 medical and accessibility items. Kelea Foundation, funded by a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant, has opened […]
FEMA Doubles Rent for ~600 Maui Fire Survivors Still in Temp Housing
FEMA is raising rents at its Maui wildfire temporary housing complexes for the second time since March, targeting 50% of Fair Market Rent by September 1. About 600 survivors who have not secured permanent housing are affected, with subsidies set to expire in February 2027. Roughly 600 Maui wildfire survivors in FEMA temporary housing will […]
Zoning and Historic Rules Are Stalling Lahaina’s Rebuild, Three Years On
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, only 220 homes have been rebuilt and not a single destroyed business has been fully reconstructed. A layered web of historic-preservation, zoning, and land-use regulations is cited as the primary cause of the slow recovery. Of more than 2,200 structures destroyed, only 220 homes have been rebuilt […]
FEMA Doubles Rent for 600 Maui Fire Survivors Still in Temporary Housing
Multiple sources report that FEMA is raising rents for approximately 600 Maui wildfire survivors still living in federally subsidized temporary housing, with some residents seeing their monthly payments double starting September 1. The increases are part of FEMA’s policy to bring payments to 50% of Fair Market Rent for Maui County and mark the second […]
High Surf Advisory Issued for South-Facing Maui Shores Through Weekend
A high surf advisory is in effect for south-facing shores across Hawaii, with surf reaching 8–12 feet and potential extension through the weekend. A small craft advisory also remains in effect for Maui County waters due to strong east winds. South-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands are under a High Surf Advisory, with waves of […]
HTA Selects 12 Maui Groups for 2026 Community Tourism Program
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has chosen 12 Maui organizations to participate in its 2026 Community Tourism Collaboratives, a program running July through October focused on sustainable visitor experiences and resource stewardship. Participants will receive workshops, training, and tools to develop community-centered tourism offerings. Twelve Maui organizations were selected across two tracks: Community Stewardship (nonprofits managing […]
Three-Year Wildfire Memorial Event Planned for Lahaina on Aug. 8
Kuhinia Maui, a free community gathering marking three years since the 2023 Maui wildfires, will be held Aug. 8 on the grounds of Lahaina United Methodist Church. The daylong event includes music, food, wellness activities, and a 5:30 p.m. moment of silence honoring those lost. The event runs 9 a.m.–7 p.m. at 988 Front St. […]
Maui County Now Allows Up to 3 Residential Units Per Lot
Maui County adopted a new ordinance allowing up to two accessory dwelling units (ʻohana units) in addition to a primary residence on qualifying residentially zoned lots. The change applies countywide across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, effective July 8, 2025. Qualifying residentially zoned properties may now have up to two accessory dwellings plus a primary home […]
Makena State Park Gets Green Light for Restrooms and Expanded Parking
The Maui Planning Commission voted 6-1 to approve a Special Management Area permit allowing new restroom facilities and expanded parking at Makena State Park. The revised plan includes turtle-friendly lighting limits and a mix of paved and pervious parking surfaces. Two restroom buildings with showers and additional parking will be built at the 164.4-acre park, […]