Federal Emergency Declaration Approved for Maui After Hurricane Lala
Multiple sources report that President Trump has approved Hawaii Governor Josh Green’s request for a presidential emergency declaration following Tropical Cyclone Lala, which struck the Hawaiian Islands August 14–16. The declaration unlocks FEMA assistance for Maui County, Hawaii County, and the City and County of Honolulu, covering 75% of eligible emergency protective measures. Nonprofit relief […]
Satellite Broadband Expansion Could Improve Maui Connectivity for Rentals
Hurricane Lala’s recent power outages exposed Maui’s fragile broadband infrastructure, while new satellite technologies like AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device constellation promise more reliable internet access for remote and rural areas of Hawaii. State-backed Starlink programs on Kauai signal a broader shift toward satellite as a practical solution to Hawaii’s last-mile connectivity problem. Hurricane Lala knocked out […]
Volunteer Groups Join Lahaina and Kula Rebuild Efforts Three Years After Fire
Three years after the August 2023 Maui wildfires, rebuilding and land restoration efforts remain in early stages. Volunteer groups, including faith-based disaster relief teams, are assisting Habitat for Humanity in Lahaina and supporting native plant restoration on Kula’s fire-scarred hillsides. Three years after the August 2023 wildfires, large-scale rebuilding in Lahaina and Kula has barely […]
Maui Council Panel Clears Path for Long-Delayed Haʻikū Fire Station
A Maui County Council committee voted 6-2 to advance three land-use bills that would allow construction of a fire station in Haʻikū, a project nearly two decades in the making. Two council members opposed the vote, citing unresolved concerns over Native Hawaiian land rights tied to the proposed site. The Housing and Land Use Committee […]
Gov. Green Seeks Federal Emergency Declaration as Lala Recovery Continues
Multiple sources report that Hurricane Lala’s aftermath continues to strain Hawaii communities, with Governor Josh Green formally requesting a presidential emergency declaration and rural Maui residents remaining isolated due to storm damage. The storm caused widespread infrastructure damage across several counties, compounding challenges for communities already managing prior disaster recovery. Governor Josh Green submitted a […]
West Maui to Get Its First Recycling Center with $3.6M Federal Grant
The County of Maui has been awarded a $3.6 million EPA grant to build West Maui’s first waste collection center, accepting recyclables, green waste, and bulky items. The project has a three-year timeline from land acquisition to opening. The EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant will fund land purchase and construction of a drop-off […]
Maui County Schedules September Community Meetings on Inter-Island Ferry Expansion
Multiple sources report that the Maui County Department of Transportation is hosting four community meetings in September 2026 to gather public input on ferry service connecting Maui, Lānaʻi, and eventually Molokaʻi. The meetings are part of a state-required environmental assessment process that will evaluate impacts and help secure funding for expanded service across Maui Nui. […]
James Beard-Nominated Sale Pepe Becomes First Lahaina Fire Restaurant to Rebuild
Sale Pepe, an Italian restaurant destroyed in the 2023 Lahaina fire, reopened in March 2025 at a new Lahaina location and became the first fire-lost restaurant to fully rebuild in the town. Chef Michele Di Bari was also named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist. Sale Pepe reopened in March 2025 at Emerald Plaza on […]
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Hosts Free Hawaiian Cultural Festival Sept. 18-19
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua will hold its 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts on September 18-19, 2026, featuring two days of free, public Hawaiian cultural programming. Events include hula, music, traditional ceremonies, a falsetto contest, and a special Hōkūleʻa 50th anniversary reunion. Daytime events are free and open to the public, making this a draw […]
Festivals of Aloha Launches Sept. 4 at Wailuku First Friday
Wailuku First Friday on September 4, 2026 kicks off this year’s Festivals of Aloha celebration with live music, local vendors, and art events in Wailuku Town from 6–9 p.m. The event is open to residents and visitors alike. The event runs Friday, September 4 from 6–9 p.m. on Market Street in Wailuku, with free parking […]