Westin Maui Appoints New Group Sales Director After $160M Renovation
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa has hired Michael Piasecki as director of group sales following the completion of its $160 million transformation and launch of the luxury Hōkūpaʻa Tower. Piasecki brings over 10 years of Hawaii hospitality sales experience from OUTRIGGER Resorts and previous Marriott/Starwood properties. The appointment comes after the resort’s $160 million […]
Cruise Ship Schedules and Whale Season Impact Hawaii Tourism
Limited cruise lines offer inter-island Hawaii sailings due to federal restrictions, with most ships requiring foreign port stops. Peak whale watching season from January-March drives cruise timing preferences. Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers year-round inter-island Hawaii cruises due to U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act restrictions. Most cruise ships must include foreign port stops or point-to-point […]
Former T-Mobile CEO Appointed to Alaska Airlines Parent Company Board
Alaska Air Group has appointed former T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert to its board of directors. Sievert brings extensive business leadership experience and aviation enthusiasm to the airline company. Mike Sievert, former T-Mobile CEO, joins Alaska Air Group’s board as an independent director. During his tenure at T-Mobile, Sievert grew the company’s market value from $60 […]
DOT Reports Major Flight Delays and Baggage Issues in March 2026 Data
The Department of Transportation released March 2026 airline performance data showing significant flight cancellations, baggage problems, and operational issues across US carriers during a busy travel period. DOT’s March 2026 data reveals widespread flight cancellations and delays affecting domestic air travel. Airlines experienced high rates of mishandled baggage and mobility equipment issues. Performance problems occurred […]
Honolulu Resident Arrested in Texas for Threatening Michigan Governor
A 48-year-old Honolulu man was arrested in Texas and charged with making interstate threats against Michigan’s governor via email. He has prior federal convictions for threatening a former president and federal judge. Ronald Saville of Honolulu was charged with sending threatening emails to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state police. Saville called the FBI himself […]
County Honors Community Leaders at Outstanding Older Americans Awards
Maui County recognized Joseph Pontanilla and Roselani Enomoto as the 2026 Outstanding Older American Male and Female award winners at a ceremony in Wailuku. Eleven other community members were also nominated for their service to local organizations and families. Joseph Pontanilla and Roselani Enomoto, both Kahului residents, received the top awards at the May 15 […]
First Pacific Tropical Storm Forms, Currently No Threat to Hawaii
Tropical Storm Amanda became the first named storm of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season but remains far from Hawaii with no current threat to the islands. Amanda is located 1,475 miles southwest of Baja California with 40 mph winds. The storm is moving northwest and expected to weaken over the weekend. No coastal watches or […]
Disaster Unemployment Aid Available Until June 15 for March Storm Impacts
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms, floods, and landslides can apply for disaster unemployment assistance until June 15. Benefits range from $346 to $868 weekly through October 2026. Disaster Unemployment Assistance covers job losses from March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties. Eligible applicants include business […]
UH Expands Maui-Born Teacher Training Program Statewide
The University of Hawaii is expanding its successful Hoapili Teacher Pathways program from Maui College to all 10 campuses statewide. The program offers tuition-free online courses to help Hawaii residents earn elementary education teacher licenses. Program first launched at UH Maui College in summer 2023 and has helped over 60 students transition to teacher licensure. […]
State Defends Hawaiian Home Lands Program Against Federal Lawsuit
Governor Green says the state will vigorously defend the Hawaiian Homes program against a federal lawsuit challenging blood quantum eligibility requirements. The lawsuit argues the ancestry-based requirements violate constitutional equal protection clauses. A non-Native Hawaiian Oahu resident filed a federal lawsuit after being denied a Hawaiian Home Lands lease due to blood quantum requirements. The […]