Pool Brawl at Maui Resort Draws FBI Attention, Stirs Tourism Debate
A violent incident involving juveniles at a Maui resort has attracted FBI scrutiny under an ‘interference with interstate commerce’ theory tied to hotel operations. The episode has generated significant media and political attention, raising broader questions about tourism and local tensions. A brawl involving teenagers at a Maui resort property resulted in injuries to guests […]
Haiku Fire Station Delayed Again Over Land Title Legal Dispute
A proposed new fire station in Haiku has been stalled by a contested land ownership dispute, prompting the Maui County Council committee to seek legal counsel and postpone any vote until August 24. The 17-year-in-the-making project requires rezoning approvals before construction can begin. The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee delayed action on […]
Maui Council Greenlights 2026 County Fair and Aloha Classic Windsurfing Permits
The Maui County Council unanimously approved special event permits for the 2026 Maui County Fair (Oct. 1–4 in Wailuku) and the Aloha Classic Windsurfing Tournament (Oct. 19–30 at Hoʻokipa Beach Park). Both events are expected to draw significant visitor traffic to the island this fall. The 99th Maui County Fair runs Oct. 1–4 at the […]
Hawaii Airport Chief Charged in Corruption Case Tied to Contract Bribes
Hawaii’s state airports administrator Ford Fuchigami faces corruption charges tied to a years-long pattern of airport contracts allegedly steered to political donors. A 2024 investigation found over $131 million in consulting contracts linked to officials who attended clandestine fundraisers. State airports administrator Ford Fuchigami is on leave and facing corruption charges alongside lobbyist Tobi Solidum […]
Hāna Water Service Restored After Scheduled Morning Outage
A planned water shutoff affecting the Hāna Elementary School to Hāna Town area was completed and service restored by 10 a.m. on August 11, ahead of the scheduled 12:30 p.m. end time. Water service has been fully restored to the Hāna corridor as of 10 a.m. on August 11. The outage was a planned maintenance […]
Tropical Storm Lala Threatens Maui This Weekend — Prepare Now
Multiple sources, including Maui County’s emergency management agency and national weather outlets, are reporting that a developing tropical system has a 90% chance of becoming a cyclone and is expected to reach Maui by Saturday. Maui County and the Big Island face the highest rainfall risk, and officials are urging residents and property owners to […]
Water Quality Monitoring Resumes at Mākena Landing Amid Rising Tourism Use
A volunteer coastal monitoring program has restarted regular water quality testing at Mākena Landing after a multi-year pause, citing increased construction runoff and a surge in commercial ocean tour operators relocating to the site. Tests will occur every three weeks. Hui O Ka Wai Ola has resumed water quality testing at Mākena Landing for the […]
Free Monthly Lahaina Community Healing Event Returns Aug. 15
The Maui ERC’s Paʻūpili Lahaina 3rd Saturdays event returns August 15 at Lahaina United Methodist Church, offering cultural activities, local vendors, support services, and live entertainment. The free monthly gathering is designed to support Lahaina residents affected by the 2023 wildfires. The free event runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at Lahaina […]
Three Years Later: A Third of Lahaina’s Eateries Have Reopened or Are Trying To
A new survey of 91 Lahaina food and beverage businesses destroyed or disrupted by the August 2023 wildfire finds more than three dozen have reopened, though many relocated outside Lahaina. Progress is slow, and some businesses that had reopened have since closed again. Of 91 tracked Lahaina restaurants, bars, and food trucks, more than 36 […]
Hawaii’s 2026–2028 Plan Targets Road to Hana, Honolua Bay, and Kaupo
Hawaii released its island-by-island Destination Management Action Plans for 2026–2028, with Maui’s focusing on safety improvements along the Piilani Highway, better visitor flow on the Road to Hana, and a potential reservation-and-shuttle system at Honolua Bay. A fatal accident site at Mile Marker 36 on Piilani Highway is flagged for hazard signage, speed treatments, and […]