First Front Street Storefronts Return to Lahaina via New Interim Marketplace
A nonprofit-led interim marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele will open at the former Outlets of Maui site on Front Street, bringing up to 50 local vendors and an estimated 90 jobs to Lahaina during its ongoing recovery. The 18-to-24-month project is the first to restore commercial storefronts to Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. ʻUlu […]
Maui County Proposes $6M Purchase of West Maui Water Assets
Multiple sources report that Mayor Richard Bissen has submitted a proposal to the Maui County Council to acquire water infrastructure from two private utilities in West Maui. If approved, the deal would significantly expand public control of the region’s drinking water systems, with implications for housing, agriculture, and emergency preparedness. Mayor Bissen submitted the proposal […]
Kaiser Permanente Secures Permanent Lahaina Clinic Site on Honoapiilani Hwy
Kaiser Permanente and Maui Health have identified a 3.5-acre parcel at 910 Honoapiilani Highway for a new permanent Lahaina clinic, replacing the one destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. No construction timeline or completion date has been announced yet. The new clinic site is located near the Pioneer Mill Smokestack at 910 Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina. […]
Maui Conducts Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test July 1
Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued two alerts on July 1, 2026 covering the monthly test of the Hawaii All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren System. Multiple county notices confirmed the test took place at 11:45 AM and invited residents to report what they heard via an online survey. The Hawaii All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren System […]
Top 5 Maui Art Galleries Recognized in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Hawaii Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards highlights five standout art galleries across Maui, from Makawao to Wailea. These spots draw visitors looking to explore the island’s local and international art scene. Maui Hands Art Galleries, with locations in Makawao, Pāʻia, and Wailea, took the top spot representing nearly 300 local artists and artisans. Lahaina Galleries, […]
Lahaina Wildfire Documentary to Screen at UN Indigenous Forum in April
The documentary ‘Lāhainā Rising,’ which covers the August 2023 Maui wildfires and their aftermath, will be screened at a United Nations forum on Indigenous issues on April 24, 2026. A Hawaiian community delegation will attend to raise issues including health, water rights, and Indigenous sovereignty. The award-winning film ‘Lāhainā Rising’ will be shown as an […]
FEMA Tightens Rent Rules for Lahaina Survivors; July Recovery Events Announced
FEMA is strictly enforcing rent payment requirements for Maui wildfire survivors in temporary housing starting July 1, 2026, warning that unpaid balances become federal debt. Several community recovery milestones and public meetings are scheduled throughout July in Lahaina. FEMA is ending its rent-leniency policy for Direct Housing Assistance recipients as of July 1, 2026, with […]
Front Street Walkway Blessed as Lahaina’s Commercial Rebuild Gains Momentum
Multiple sources report that approximately 150 residents and local leaders gathered on Front Street in Lahaina to bless a completed county infrastructure project, marking a visible milestone in the post-fire recovery of the town’s commercial core. The ceremony, covered by Maui News, Maui County, and Mauirecovers, reflects ongoing efforts to restore conditions for businesses, jobs, […]
Maui Mayor Seeks $6M County Buyout of Two West Maui Water Systems
Multiple outlets reported that Mayor Richard Bissen has submitted a $6 million proposal to the Maui County Council to acquire water assets from Launiupoko Water Co. and Olowalu Water Co. The purchase is described as the second phase of a broader effort to expand public stewardship of West Maui’s drinking water infrastructure. Council approval is […]
Lahaina Bypass Extension Moves Forward with $220M+ Price Tag
Hawaii DOT has launched preliminary environmental studies for a 3-mile northward extension of the Lahaina Bypass, aimed at improving evacuation safety and traffic redundancy in West Maui. Construction is estimated to begin by late 2028, funded in part by $100 million in federal wildfire disaster funds. HDOT is studying Phase 1C of the Lahaina Bypass, […]