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, […]
Maui County Moves to Buy Two West Maui Water Systems for $6 Million
Multiple news outlets reported that a Maui County Council committee voted 7-1 on Tuesday to advance a resolution authorizing the county to spend up to $6 million to acquire two privately owned water systems in West Maui. The measure, which covers the Launiupoko and Olowalu water systems south of Lahaina, now heads to the full […]
Lahaina at Three Years: Buyout Offers, Slow Rebuilds, and Signs of Return
Multiple outlets marked the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire with assessments of where recovery stands, covering everything from a county buyout proposal for high-risk shoreline properties to expanded homeowner rebuilding assistance and the return of individual businesses. The overall picture reported across sources is one of uneven progress: some businesses and […]
Maui Council Sends Subdivision Water Review Bill Back for More Study
The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee returned a bill to the Board of Water Supply that would allow concurrent review of subdivision construction plans before water availability is confirmed. Committee members and testifiers questioned whether the change is legally necessary, since the department may already have that flexibility. Bill 1 (2026) would let […]
Lahaina Condo Owners Face $200M+ Rebuilding Gap Three Years After Fire
Three years after the 2023 Maui wildfires, owners at two Lahaina condo complexes — Aina Nalu and Spinnaker — are still struggling to fund rebuilds due to major insurance shortfalls and no government assistance. Aina Nalu had only about 20% of the estimated $200 million needed to rebuild. Aina Nalu’s 189-unit complex was fully destroyed, […]
Maui County Marks 3-Year Fire Recovery Milestone With Progress Videos
Maui County released a four-part video series updating the public on Lahaina wildfire recovery efforts as the three-year anniversary of the August 2023 fires approaches. Officials report measurable progress on housing, infrastructure, and business rebuilding, while acknowledging significant work remains. A megafire expert says Maui’s recovery pace is on track or slightly ahead of comparable […]
South Kihei Road Near Kam II Beach Park Reopens Aug. 11, Ahead of Schedule
South Kīhei Road near Kamaʻole II Beach Park will reopen to traffic on August 11, 2026, earlier than the originally estimated fall completion date. The County of Maui repaired extensive storm damage caused by a March Kona low using federal emergency funding. The roughly 150-foot section of South Kīhei Road damaged by a March 2026 […]