Royal Caribbean’s Mega Cruise Ship Generates $2.7M Daily Revenue
Analysis estimates Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, earns approximately $2.7 million per day from its 2,800+ cabins. The $2 billion vessel represents a major investment for Royal Caribbean and could generate even higher revenue during peak seasons. Icon of the Seas generates an estimated $2.7 million in daily revenue according to […]
Breezy Conditions and Sunny Skies Expected Through Next Week
Maui will see mostly sunny weather with consistent breezy north winds and gusts up to 28 mph over the next week. Temperatures will remain steady in the mid-80s during the day and upper 60s at night. Daily high temperatures will stay consistent around 84-86 degrees through next Tuesday. North winds of 15-20 mph with gusts […]
Congressional Candidate Arrested After Firearm Incident at County Building
Maui police arrested Kirill Basin, a candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, after he allegedly brandished a firearm during a verbal altercation with county employees at a Wailuku building. Basin entered a county building on Main Street in Wailuku while allegedly brandishing a firearm and arguing with employees. Police implemented a partial lockdown and found […]
Legal Challenge Filed Against Hawaiian Home Lands Blood Quantum Rules
A Hawaii resident has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Hawaiian Home Lands program’s requirement that applicants prove at least 50% Native Hawaiian ancestry to qualify for homestead leases. The class action suit argues this blood quantum requirement violates constitutional equal protection rights. Plaintiff argues the 50% Native Hawaiian ancestry requirement constitutes government-sanctioned racial discrimination. […]
International STR Rule Changes Impact Property Management Trends
Ireland, Vienna, and Madison implemented new short-term rental regulations including mandatory registration systems, occupancy caps, and permit restrictions that could affect broader industry trends. Ireland will launch a national STR registry on December 1, 2026, with mandatory registration required by December 31 for all properties rented 21 nights or less. Vienna enforces a strict 90-day […]
Kahului Resident Charged with Federal Voting Violations
A Maui resident was charged with unlawfully voting in federal elections while not a U.S. citizen. The charges stem from votes cast in 2022 and 2024 elections. Remedios Alasaas, 66, of Kahului was charged with voting as a non-citizen in federal elections. She allegedly voted in November 2022 and August 2024 elections while knowing she […]
Kailua Resident Admits to Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy on Oahu
A 50-year-old Kailua man pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for distributing fentanyl across Hawaii, including operations at a Waikiki hotel. He faces a minimum 10-year prison sentence. Vaughn Ludwig operated a fentanyl distribution network from November 2024 to May 2025. He was caught with over 70 grams of fentanyl and $2,700 in drug proceeds when […]
Over 300 File for Hawaii Elections; Several Powerful Incumbents Run Unopposed
Multiple news sources report that more than 300 candidates have filed for Hawaii’s 2026 elections, with competitive races for Congress, lieutenant governor, and Maui mayor. However, about 23 candidates including top legislative leaders are running unopposed, raising accountability concerns. More than 300 people filed to run for public office in Hawaii’s 2026 elections Competitive races […]
Hawaii Tourism Shows April Revenue Growth Despite Fewer Visitor Arrivals
Multiple news sources report that Hawaii’s tourism industry saw increased spending in April 2026 despite a slight decline in visitor numbers. The preliminary state data shows visitors spent significantly more per day than the previous year. Total visitor spending reached $1.77 billion in April 2026, up 4.8% from $1.69 billion in April 2025 Total visitors […]
Sentry Insurance Leaves Maui’s Kapalua to Sponsor California Golf Event
Sentry Insurance ended its sponsorship of Kapalua’s golf tournament after water disputes on Maui and will now sponsor a tournament at Torrey Pines in California. The PGA Tour has eliminated its Hawaii swing entirely. Sentry Insurance moved its tournament sponsorship from Kapalua to Torrey Pines in California after eight years on Maui. The 2026 Kapalua […]