Author: Thomas

Maui Police Report Two Missing Persons from Kahului Area

Maui County officials issued public alerts for two missing persons from Kahului on June 9, 2026. One case has since been resolved with the individual found in good health. Skylee Merino, 15, was reported missing after leaving her Kahului home on June 9 with luggage and a backpack Merino was later located and found to […]

Battery Explosion Causes High-Rise Fire in Waipahu, Displaces Residents

A battery explosion sparked a three-alarm fire at Waipahu Towers condominium Sunday night, displacing three residents but causing no injuries. Firefighters rescued six people including two infants from the eighth floor of the building. The fire started on the eighth floor of the non-sprinklered Waipahu Towers building at 10:57 p.m. Sunday. Firefighters rescued four adults […]

Governor Names New Leadership for State Land and Natural Resources Agency

Governor Green appointed Ryan Kanaka’ole to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources, replacing retiring director Dawn Chang effective July 1. The appointments require state Senate approval. Kanaka’ole, currently serving as acting director since December, will become permanent DLNR director and BLNR chairman. David Day has been appointed as first deputy director, effective July […]

Sugimura Leads Bissen in Maui County Mayoral Race According to Recent Polls

Two recent polls show Maui County Council member Sugimura leading incumbent Mayor Bissen by 14-15 percentage points in the upcoming mayoral primary race. Poll respondents cited housing costs, inflation, and government corruption as top concerns, with majority disapproving of Bissen’s performance on affordability and corruption reduction. Sugimura polls at 46-47% compared to Bissen’s 33-35% across […]

State Audit Finds No Issues with Hawaii Probate Court Small Estates

The Department of Accounting and General Services completed its annual audit of the First Circuit Court’s small estate probate operations and found no deficiencies. The court properly handled 19 cases totaling $42,787 in fiscal year 2025. State auditors reviewed 19 small estate cases worth $42,787 and found full compliance with Hawaii statutes. The audit examined […]

Honolulu Delays Foreclosure Despite $3M in Illegal STR Fines

A year after Honolulu City Council approved foreclosure on an illegal short-term rental with $3 million in fines, the city has not taken the property to court. The delay undermines the city’s enforcement credibility despite collecting more violation fines overall. Honolulu has not proceeded with foreclosure on Alewa Heights property one year after council approval, […]

New DLNR Director Named as Dawn Chang Steps Down

Governor Green announced Dawn Chang’s retirement as DLNR director effective July 1, with Ryan Kanakaʻole appointed as her replacement. The leadership change comes as DLNR continues overseeing wildfire recovery and natural resource management. Dawn Chang retires as DLNR chairperson and director effective July 1, 2026. Ryan Kanakaʻole, who has been acting director since December 2025, […]

Virtual Town Hall Scheduled to Discuss New Corporate Political Spending Law

A virtual town hall meeting will be held June 12 to discuss Hawaii’s new Act 11, which limits corporate political spending in elections. The law is described as the first in the nation to directly challenge the Citizens United ruling. Act 11 (SB 2471) limits the political spending power of corporations and other artificial entities […]

Kauai Murder Suspect Captured After 2-Day Manhunt Near Kapaa

Police arrested William Sinclair after a 2-day manhunt ended when he was found floating in waters near Kapaa Public Library. He was wanted for a Saturday homicide in Hanalei and a separate shooting in Kilauea. Billy Sinclair was taken into custody Monday morning after being surrounded by police boats and jet skis in rough waters […]

Earth, Wind & Fire Concert Returns to MACC After 13-Year Break

The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on June 14, marking their first Maui show in 13 years. The concert coincides with a new HBO documentary about the group. Earth, Wind & Fire performs June 14 at MACC’s A&B Amphitheater with special guest John Cruz. Tickets […]