Maui Council Delays Vote on Hotel Rezoning for ~2,500 Apartment Units
A Maui County Council committee recessed without voting on two resolutions that would rezone additional apartment-district properties into hotel districts, continuing the process of carving out exceptions to Bill 9’s vacation rental phase-out. The committee will resume testimony on August 19. The two paused resolutions (26-129 and 26-130) are part of a four-measure effort that […]
One ‘Ohana Fund Distributes Full $175M to Maui Wildfire Victims
Governor Green announced the One ‘Ohana Fund has offered its entire $175 million to families of the 102 people killed and individuals seriously injured in the 2023 Maui wildfires. Over $155.7 million has been paid out so far, with remaining injury claimants facing an August 15, 2026 acceptance deadline. All 102 death claims across both […]
Lights for Lahaina Memorial Event Set for Sept. 11–12 in Historic Town
The Lights for Lahaina community gathering returns for its second year on September 11–12, with free public events including live music, a candlelight march, food vendors, and cultural activities in Lahaina. The two-day event is organized by nonprofit Aloha Amplified and sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and County of Maui. Lights for […]
Coqui Frog Spread Threatens More of Maui as Control Resources Shrink
The Maui Invasive Species Committee has cut field staff and shifted strategy, asking some Haiku residents to treat coqui infestations themselves. Locals warn that without more resources, the loud, invasive frogs could spread beyond their current 6-square-mile range into other parts of Maui. MISC field staff has dropped to just two workers and a supervisor, […]
Lahaina Commercial Rebuilds Stalled by Permit Backlogs Despite County Optimism
Despite a county meeting celebrating rebuilding progress, only two commercial permits have been issued in Lahaina nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire. Permit delays tied to unclear documentation requirements, historic preservation reviews, and shoreline setback rules continue to block most projects. Only two commercial permits have been issued in Lahaina to date, with dozens […]
South Maui’s Līpoa Community Breaks Ground on Roads, Water, and Housing
Pacific Rim Land is advancing infrastructure at Līpoa, a 400-acre mixed-use development in South Maui, ahead of planned groundbreakings on 122 homes and 175 affordable apartments later this year. Work includes a new highway connection, recycled water lines, and stormwater retention basins. A nearly one-mile Hoʻokena Street extension will create a second direct access point […]
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Detections Spread in Central Maui
Multiple dead coconut rhinoceros beetles have been found in Kahului and Waikapū since June 2026, raising concern about a possible breeding population on Maui. Authorities are urging property owners to inspect and properly dispose of green waste, compost, and mulch. Ten dead CRB adults were found in Central Maui traps and treated palm trees in […]
Global Climate Migration Study Uses Maui Fire Survivors as Case Example
A republished analysis of climate-driven migration worldwide features a Maui wildfire evacuee still displaced in Kihei more than two years after the 2023 fires. The broader article examines how extreme weather events are forcing large-scale population shifts globally. A Maui fire survivor photographed in March 2026 remains displaced in a converted hotel room in Kihei, […]
Lahaina Fire Survivors Face Bureaucratic Hurdles in County Homebuyer Program
Nearly 700 Lahaina fire survivor households remain in FEMA housing assistance as of mid-2026, with many applicants to Maui County’s Hoʻokumu Hou First-Time Homebuyer Program experiencing repeated documentation requests and delays. FEMA’s housing assistance, previously set to expire in February 2026, was extended through February 2027. Nearly 700 fire survivor households are still relying on […]
Overnight Water Shutoff & Road Closure Planned for Makawao Ave Area Aug 5–6
Maui County will cut water service and close Makawao Avenue overnight on August 5–6 for repair work. The outage runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and affects roughly 50 residences in the Makawao area. Water service will be out from 10 p.m. August 5 to 4 a.m. August 6 for Apana Road, Poalima Place, […]