Hurricane Lala Batters Maui: Power Restored, but Homes and Farms Damaged
Multiple outlets including Hawaii News Now, Hawaii Public Radio, and Yahoo News reported on the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which struck Maui over the weekend causing widespread power outages, structural damage, and agricultural losses. Power has been fully restored to Maui customers, but upcountry communities like Haiku and Olinda Road saw significant destruction to homes, […]
Maui County Offers Property Tax Deadline Extension for TS Lala-Affected Owners
Property owners impacted by Tropical Storm Lala can apply for a one-time extension of the FY2026-27 real property tax deadline, originally due August 20. Approved applicants have until September 20 to pay without penalty or interest. The standard FY2026-27 real property tax payment deadline was August 20, 2026, but impacted owners can apply for an […]
Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Maui With Rain and Flooding This Weekend
Multiple sources report that Maui County is preparing for Tropical Storm Moke, expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands late this weekend into Monday, bringing potential heavy rain and flooding. The storm arrives less than a week after Tropical Storm Lala caused damage still being addressed by county crews. Emergency management officials are urging […]
Haleakalā Ranks Among Top-Rated U.S. National Parks on Google Maps
Haleakalā National Park earned a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps based on over 12,000 visitor reviews, placing it among the highest-rated national parks in the country. Google and the National Park Service also launched a new digital hub featuring virtual tours of more than 60 national parks. Haleakalā received a 4.9-star Google Maps rating from […]
State Board Blocks 30-Year East Maui Water Diversion License Auction
Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected a proposal to auction a 30-year license to divert up to 88 million gallons per day from East Maui streams. The board also rejected a separate water license for Maui County and sent the current diversion permit back through a court-ordered contested-case hearing. The state board […]
Federal Tax Relief Bill for Lahaina Fire Survivors Awaits Trump’s Signature
A bill passed by both chambers of Congress would allow wildfire loss deductions and exclude legal settlement compensation from federal taxation for Maui fire survivors through 2026. Maui Council Vice-Chair Sugimura has formally urged President Trump to sign it into law. H.R. 5366 passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the president’s signature […]
Council Amendments Could Shrink Bill 9 Housing Pool by Adding More STR Properties to Hotel Zone
Three Maui County Council amendments would add up to 16 apartment-zoned vacation rental properties to hotel rezoning resolutions, reducing the units Bill 9 would convert to long-term housing. The Housing and Land Use Committee heard public testimony again on Aug. 20 but adjourned without a vote. Three proposed amendments from Council Members Lee, Cook, and […]
UH Scores $538K to Record Lahaina Survivor Stories and Maui History
The University of Hawaii’s Center for Oral History has received four grants totaling $538,000 to document Lahaina wildfire experiences, water history, and women’s histories on Maui. Projects will produce hundreds of recorded interviews and digital archives through 2029. The largest grant — $250,000 from the Maui Strong Fund — will fund up to 100 hours […]
Storm-Damaged Water Lines Being Repaired Across Multiple Maui Regions
Maui County’s Department of Water Supply is actively repairing storm-related waterline breaks in Upcountry, ʻUlupalakua, Honokohau, and West Maui. Some areas have had service restored, while others remain under active repair or water conservation notices. Olinda Road water service was restored Tuesday evening; Piʻiholo Road repairs are still ongoing. ʻUlupalakua waterline breaks were fixed Tuesday […]
State Land Board Blocks East Maui Water License Auction, Orders Hearing
Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected a proposal to auction a 30-year East Maui commercial water license, instead advancing a court-ordered contested-case hearing over permits held by Mahi Pono and East Maui Irrigation Co. The board unanimously denied putting a 30-year East Maui water license up for public auction following hours of […]