Nantucket Short-Term Rental Zoning Bylaw Gets State Approval
The Attorney General approved Nantucket’s bylaw explicitly allowing short-term rentals island-wide after November’s town meeting vote. The measure can now take effect once final posting requirements are completed. The bylaw passed at November’s town meeting by 71% (1,045-421 votes) and survived state review challenges. An opponent argued the measure violated rules against reconsidering failed zoning […]
Beach Water Quality Report Shows Record Testing at 620 Sites Nationwide
The Surfrider Foundation released its 2025 Clean Water Report ahead of Memorial Day weekend, documenting extensive water quality testing efforts across American beaches. The report details volunteer-driven programs that monitor beach bacteria and pollution at sites not covered by government agencies. 60 Blue Water Task Force labs processed 10,157 water samples from 620 distinct sampling […]
Surfrider Foundation Expands Water Testing and Climate Resilience Efforts
The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter is expanding its water quality monitoring and climate resilience initiatives following extreme weather events including the 2023 wildfires and record-breaking storms in March 2026. The organization is working to protect ocean resources and build community partnerships for long-term environmental sustainability. March 2026 brought a 1-in-1000-year storm system that dumped 2 […]
Lahaina Fire Insurance Payouts Reach $1.35 Billion as Recovery Continues
Multiple news outlets report that insurance claims from the August 2023 Maui wildfires have exceeded $1.35 billion according to the Hawaii Insurance Division. The preliminary estimates show significant residential property damage with insurers having paid out over $676 million to homeowners so far. Total wildfire insurance claims have reached $1.35 billion as of September 30, […]
Maui County to Acquire Private West Maui Water Systems from MLP
Multiple news outlets report that Maui County has reached a memorandum of understanding with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to acquire the company’s West Maui water infrastructure. The agreement would increase public ownership of West Maui drinking water systems from 45% to 93%, though the County Council must still approve the final purchase. County signed […]
Norway Cruise Operator Offers Northern Lights Travel Discounts
Hurtigruten cruise line is offering up to $1,000 per person savings on Norway Northern Lights tours and up to 30% off coastal voyages for 2026/27 departures. Bookings must be made by May 31, 2026. The flash sale includes up to $1,000 per person off the 17-day Follow the Northern Lights tour package starting at $8,899. […]
Breezy Conditions and Scattered Showers Expected Across Maui
Breezy weather with scattered showers is forecast for Maui today and Tuesday, with the highest chance of rain on the North Shore and East Maui at 50 percent. West and South sides will see mostly sunny skies with isolated showers and temperatures in the low 80s. North Shore and East Maui face scattered showers with […]
Visitor Charged After Throwing Rock at Endangered Monk Seal in Lahaina
A Washington man was federally charged after throwing a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal off Lahaina. The incident has prompted calls for better visitor education about Hawaii’s endangered wildlife. Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, faces up to one year in prison and $70,000 in fines for harassing an endangered monk seal. The incident occurred in Lahaina […]
Building Codes and Fire-Resistant Construction Become Critical for Properties
Contractors are being urged to adopt fire-resistant building practices and updated codes as wildfire risks expand beyond traditional high-risk zones, with lithium-ion battery systems creating additional fire hazards. Wildfires are increasing globally and affecting areas previously considered low-risk, requiring updated building approaches. The 2023 Maui wildfires destroyed or damaged over 2,200 buildings, highlighting vulnerability of […]
Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Enforcement Record Ranks Worst Nationally
Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has produced zero indictments and convictions for four straight years, marking the worst enforcement record in the nation according to federal data. Hawaii is the only state with no Medicaid fraud indictments or convictions in each of the last four years. Federal reviews in 2015 and 2019 found serious operational […]