Author: Thomas

Central Maui Water Outage Planned for May 21-22 Maintenance Work

Maui County will shut off water service in parts of Central Maui from 9 p.m. Wednesday May 21 to 5:30 a.m. Thursday May 22 for maintenance work. Water outage affects Kaulawahine Street between W. Kamehameha Avenue and Alehela Place. W. Kamehameha Avenue between Kaulawahine Street and Puunene Avenue also included in outage area. Service interruption […]

EPA Plans to Roll Back Drinking Water Standards for Toxic Chemicals

The EPA announced plans to eliminate federal restrictions on four PFAS chemicals in drinking water and delay compliance for two others. The rollback could affect drinking water protections for up to 105 million people nationwide. EPA will repeal 2024 regulations that set drinking water standards for four PFAS chemicals currently manufactured by chemical companies. The […]

Rising Restaurant Costs and Declining Quality May Impact Visitor Experience

Hawaii visitors report paying premium prices for disappointing restaurant meals, leading some to cook their own food instead of dining out during vacations. Visitors increasingly frustrated with expensive restaurant meals that don’t justify their high cost. Restaurant industry facing pressure from rising labor costs and expensive ingredients statewide. Some travelers now prepare their own meals […]

Hawaii County Eyes Property Tax Increases for Non-Resident and Second Homes

Hawaii County Council will hold a public hearing on proposed property tax rate increases for non-resident and second home properties to address a $15 million budget deficit. Owner-occupied homes would see slight tax rate reductions. Properties worth $2-4 million would see tax rates rise from $11.10-13.60 to $12.10-15.00 per $1,000 of taxable value. A new […]

Traditional Hawaiian Voyaging Canoe Plans 2027 Japan Cultural Exchange

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will visit multiple Japanese ports from April to September 2027 as part of their Pacific voyage. The cultural exchange aims to strengthen Hawaii-Japan ties and promote ocean stewardship. The voyage will mark Hōkūleʻa’s first return to Japanese waters in 20 years. Planned stops include Okinawa, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Yokohama, Hokkaido and other ports. […]

HVCB Names New VP to Coordinate Tourism Operations Across All Islands

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau appointed Elizabeth Loomis as VP of island integration and operations to better coordinate tourism strategies across all four major Hawaiian islands. She will oversee island bureau teams and integrate local perspectives into statewide tourism decisions. Loomis will oversee HVCB teams on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island starting May […]

Utility Companies Face Insurance Crisis Due to Wildfire Liability

Power companies are struggling to find affordable insurance coverage after facing billions in wildfire-related lawsuits, including Hawaiian Electric after the 2023 Maui fires. This could impact utilities’ ability to fund grid improvements and infrastructure. Utility companies from Hawaii to Texas have faced tens of billions in wildfire damages linked to their equipment. Hawaiian Electric was […]

Investment Fund Buys $34M Stake in Hawaiian Electric After Wildfire Settlement

Horizon Kinetics Asset Management purchased $34 million worth of Hawaiian Electric shares in May 2026, suggesting investor confidence following the utility’s Maui wildfire settlement completion. The timing appears to signal belief that the company is moving past legal challenges. Investment fund bought 2.2 million Hawaiian Electric shares worth $34 million after the utility cleared major […]

Hawaii Governor’s Communications Director Wins National Recognition Award

Makana McClellan, Hawaii Governor’s Communications Director, became the first person from Hawaii to receive the National Association of Government Communicators’ Communicator of the Year award. She was recognized for improving state emergency communications during disasters including the 2023 Maui wildfires. McClellan is the first Hawaii resident to receive the national Communicator of the Year honor […]

Maui County Students Awarded $37K in Educational Scholarships

Ten high school seniors from Maui County received Takitani Foundation scholarships totaling $37,000 for academic excellence and community service. The scholarships are part of a statewide program that awarded $232,000 to 63 students across Hawaii. Lauren Ghotane from King Kekaulike High School received the top $8,000 Karen Uno Distinguished Student Scholarship. Maui High School’s Aleizy […]