Battery Explosion Causes Waipahu High-Rise Fire, Displaces Residents
A battery explosion sparked a fire on the eighth floor of Waipahu Towers condominium Monday night, displacing three residents. Firefighters rescued six people and brought the blaze under control with no injuries reported. Fire occurred at Waipahu Towers on Oahu, not Maui, but demonstrates fire safety risks in high-rise residential buildings. Battery explosion caused the […]
New DLNR Leadership Named as Dawn Chang Steps Down July 1
Governor Green appointed Ryan Kanakaʻole as the new DLNR director and David Day as first deputy, effective July 7, replacing retiring director Dawn Chang. Dawn Chang will retire as DLNR chairperson and director on July 1, 2026. Ryan Kanakaʻole, who has been acting director since December 2025, will officially take over on July 7. David […]
Fire Safety Guide Highlights Wind-Driven Fire Risks Using Maui Example
A fire preparedness guide explains how wind-driven fires spread faster and cause more damage, citing the 2023 Lahaina fire as a key example of devastating community impact. Wind-driven fires spread faster than traditional wildfires because winds carry embers further and provide extra oxygen to fuel flames. The 2023 Lahaina fire had wind gusts up to […]
State Names New DLNR Director as Dawn Chang Steps Down July 1
Dawn Chang will retire as head of Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources on July 1, with Ryan Kanakaʻole appointed as her replacement by Governor Green. Chang led DLNR through wildfire recovery efforts and natural resource stewardship challenges during her tenure. Kanakaʻole has been serving as acting director since December 2025 and previously worked […]
Maui County Approves $1.6B Budget, Adds Security Funding After Threat
The Maui County Council passed its $1.6 billion budget for 2026-2027 and added $50,000 for county property security after a recent incident where a congressional candidate allegedly threatened workers at a county building. The funding cannot be used for screening machines and awaits mayor approval. Council approved $50,000 in additional security funding after a gun […]
MEO Board Adds Two Housing Development Professionals
Maui Economic Opportunity appointed Jack Dowling and Erin Mukai to its board of directors, both bringing housing development expertise to the nonprofit organization. Jack Dowling from Dowling Co. real estate development will represent the mayor on MEO’s 21-member board. Erin Mukai from Pacific Rim Land will represent Maui County Council on the nonprofit’s board. The […]
Maui County Services Modified for King Kamehameha Day Holiday June 11
County offices, pools, and some landfills will be closed Thursday for King Kamehameha Day, while trash pickup and Maui Bus service continue normally. All Maui County offices will be closed Thursday, including the Lahaina Resource Center and Recovery Permit Center in Kahului. County pools and landfills on Hāna, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi will be closed for […]
New Documentary Highlights Environmental Impact of Traditional Funeral Methods
Multiple sources have reported on a new documentary called ‘Death Boom’ that examines the environmental consequences of current funeral industry practices. The film explores alternative burial methods and reveals how traditional embalming and cremation processes impact the environment. Documentary ‘Death Boom’ examines a funeral system unprepared for over a billion expected deaths in the next […]
Maui County Promotes Child Safety Training for Summer Break
The Maui County Commission for Youth and Children is promoting new statewide online training to help community members recognize and report signs of child abuse or neglect during summer break. Multiple sources report that child abuse reports typically decline during summer when fewer trained adults regularly interact with children. Free online training available 24/7 through […]
Maui County Planning Department Schedules Public Sessions on Zoning Rewrite
Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Planning Department will begin public presentations on a comprehensive rewrite of the county’s zoning code. The multiyear effort aims to modernize land use regulations throughout Maui County. The Planning Department will present an update on the Title 19 rewrite to the County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee on […]