Federal Government Decertifies Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Unit After Zero Convictions
The federal government has decertified Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after it failed to secure any indictments or convictions from 2021-2025. This threatens federal funding for the state’s entire Medicaid program. Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit achieved zero indictments and zero convictions from 2021 through 2025. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Hawaii’s Medicaid fraud enforcement […]
State Rep. Nicole Lowen Receives National EV Policy Recognition
State Representative Nicole Lowen was named 2026 Legislative Ambassador of the Year by the Electric Vehicle Association for championing EV-friendly legislation in Hawaii. Rep. Lowen received the award for advancing electric vehicle policy and charging infrastructure in Hawaii. The recognition comes from the Electric Vehicle Association, a national organization promoting electric transportation adoption. Lowen chairs […]
Federal Plan Opens Protected Marine Areas Near Hawaii to Commercial Fishing
President Trump signed a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in several Pacific marine monuments, including areas around Papahānaumokuākea. Environmental groups plan legal challenges to block the policy change. The proclamation opens Papahānaumokuākea’s Mau and Ho’omalu Zones to commercial fishing along with other Pacific marine monuments. Environmental groups including Earthjustice will file lawsuits to challenge the fishing […]
Maui Hotel Rates Drop 27% as Competition Intensifies for Vacation Market
Hotel rates in Lahaina, Maui have fallen 27% year-over-year, marking the largest decline in the US according to new booking data. The drop reflects broader travel industry price volatility as travelers become more budget-conscious. Lahaina hotel rates experienced the steepest decline in the US at 27% compared to last year. Travelers are increasingly using budget […]
Hawaiian Airlines Launches Moana-Themed Aircraft Fleet Before Film Release
Hawaiian Airlines unveiled three specially designed aircraft featuring Disney’s live-action Moana movie themes, with the first plane displaying Maui’s fishhook and film characters throughout the cabin interior. Three Hawaiian Airlines planes will feature Moana-themed exterior and interior designs ahead of the July 10 film release. The first unveiled aircraft is an Airbus A321neo with Maui’s […]
United Offers Free Mile Pooling for Hawaii Flights, Atmos Charges $395
United Airlines now allows free family mile pooling for Hawaii flights including interisland routes, while the new Alaska-Hawaiian Atmos program requires a $395 annual fee for similar benefits. United’s free MileagePlus pooling allows up to 5 family members to combine miles for Hawaii travel. Pooled United miles work for United mainland-to-Hawaii flights and Hawaiian interisland […]
Maui Luxury Home Features $1.4M Tesla Solar System, Claimed US Largest
A $26.5 million Maui property claims to have the largest residential Tesla Solar Roof in the US, with the solar system alone valued at $1.4 million. The listing highlights Hawaii’s strong market for premium solar installations due to high electricity costs. The luxury Maui home’s Tesla Solar Roof system is valued at $1.4 million, significantly […]
Lahaina Residents Form Patrol Groups as Crime Rises in Rebuilding Areas
Residents are organizing neighborhood watch patrols to combat increasing crime in Lahaina’s burn zone as more people return to the recovering community. Police calls have increased significantly in 2026 compared to 2025, with limited police resources covering the area. Police calls in Lahaina burn zone jumped from 1,009 in early 2025 to 1,322 in the […]
High Surf Advisory Issued for South and West Shores Through Monday
Weather services have issued a High Surf Advisory for Maui’s exposed south and west-facing shores beginning tonight and continuing through Monday night. Multiple sources report that a large south-southwest swell will peak Sunday night into Monday, with surf potentially reaching warning levels during that timeframe. High Surf Advisory in effect from tonight through Monday night […]
Lahaina Restaurant Featured as Top Romantic Dining Destination
Travel blog highlights Mala Ocean Tavern on Front Street as an underrated romantic dining spot that survived the Lahaina fires. The waterfront restaurant is praised for its intimate atmosphere and farm-to-table approach. Mala Ocean Tavern on Front Street operates in an area unaffected by the Lahaina fires. The restaurant is recommended as a top romantic […]