Military and Civilian Fire Teams Conduct Joint Training on Maui
Hawaii Army National Guard, Maui Fire Department, and airport firefighters completed a five-day joint training exercise in Kahului focused on improving emergency response coordination and equipment compatibility. Multiple firefighting agencies trained together June 1-5 to improve communication and interoperability during emergencies. Training included pump operations, rescue drills, and live-fire suppression using over 400 gallons of […]
Hawaii Advocacy Group Challenges New Corporate Political Spending Ban in Court
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit against Act 11, a new state law that bans corporations and other state-created entities from political spending. The suit claims the law violates First Amendment rights of free speech and association. Act 11 prohibits corporations, nonprofits, LLCs and other state-created entities from spending money to influence […]
New Leadership Named for State Land and Natural Resources Department
Governor Green announced Dawn Chang will retire as DLNR director on July 1, with Ryan Kanakaʻole appointed as her replacement and David Day as first deputy. Dawn Chang retires as DLNR chairperson effective July 1, 2026, after leading wildfire recovery efforts. Ryan Kanakaʻole, who has been acting director since December 2025, will become permanent chairperson. […]
San Diego Senior Community Runs Intergenerational Program with Local Students
Wesley Palms senior living community in San Diego operates an “Ageless Playground” program connecting residents with middle school students through games and activities. The program expanded from a school project to include ongoing volunteer work and charitable efforts. About 10 Pacific Beach Middle School students participate weekly in games like bingo, chess, and Scrabble with […]
West Maui Group Hosts Political Forum for 2026 Primary Candidates
The West Maui Taxpayers Association will hold a candidates forum on June 25 at Lahaina Civic Center for voters to meet state and county council candidates before the 2026 primary election. Event runs from 4-5 p.m. with meet and greet followed by formal program at Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall. All candidates on West Maui’s […]
Motorcycle Fatality on Pulehu Road Marks Fourth Traffic Death in 2026
A 55-year-old Kula man died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Pulehu Road in Kahului. This is Maui County’s fourth traffic fatality of 2026, compared to 11 at this time last year. Bryan Rhoades of Kula died Saturday from injuries suffered in a June 1 motorcycle collision on Pulehu Road near Omaopio […]
Fire-Resistant Roofing Company Reports Structure Survived Lahaina Fire
Multiple sources report that Endureed, a synthetic thatch roofing manufacturer, documented that one of its commercial roof installations survived the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The company has announced it is expanding its fire-rated roofing products to residential customers following the findings. One structure with an Endureed engineered thatch roof survived the Lahaina wildfire along Front Street, […]
Honolulu Man Gets Prison Sentence for Defrauding Lahaina Fire Relief Fund
Multiple news sources reported that a Honolulu man was sentenced to two years in federal prison for fraudulently claiming over $60,000 in FEMA disaster relief by falsely stating he was a victim of the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to prosecute those who exploit disaster relief programs. Daylyn Harris, 35, of […]
Judge Cuts Attorney Fees for Wildfire Settlement, More Money for Victims
Multiple news sources report that Maui Circuit Judge Peter Cahill dramatically reduced attorney fees in the $4.03 billion wildfire settlement to $222 million, far less than the $1 billion lawyers sought. The ruling means more of the settlement money will go directly to survivors of the 2023 Lahaina fire. Judge Peter Cahill capped attorney fees […]
Maui Beach Water Quality Report Shows Pollution Concerns for Swimmers
A 2025 water quality study found nearly 27% of tested beaches across Hawaii failed health standards for bacteria over half the time, with flooding and storms worsening contamination levels. Twenty-four of 90 tested beaches across Oahu, Maui and Kauai failed state health standards for fecal bacteria more than 50% of the time. During recent Kona […]