Author: Thomas

UH Study: Lahaina Survivors’ Mental Health Declining Three Years After Fire

A University of Hawaii study finds that while Lahaina wildfire survivors are making progress on housing and employment, mental health outcomes — particularly for children — continue to worsen. Researchers have conducted over 4,000 appointments for 2,500+ participants and are launching new programs to connect rural residents to care. The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study reports […]

Paid Parking Expands to Kamaole Beach Parks, Sparking Visitor Pushback

A visitor letter to the Maui News criticizes the expansion of paid parking to Kamaole Beach parks, arguing it burdens both residents and tourists and signals a cultural shift away from open public access. Paid parking has expanded to the Kamaole Beach parks, a change the letter-writer noticed during a recent family visit to Maui. […]

Lahaina Marks 3 Years: Front Street Reopens but Housing Recovery Lags

Multiple sources report that as the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire approaches, recovery is showing visible progress — including the reopening of Front Street to traffic — but thousands of survivors remain in temporary housing and continue to face serious hardships. Rebuilding data and a new health study both underscore that […]

Maui June Visitors Up 1% But Average Stay Drops Sharply

Maui saw modest year-over-year gains in visitor arrivals and spending in June 2026, though the average length of stay fell nearly a full day compared to last year. Domestic travelers offset declines in Japanese and Canadian visitors. Maui welcomed 229,197 visitors in June 2026, a 1% increase over June 2025, with spending rising to $516.4 […]

UH Study: Lahaina Survivors’ Mental Health Declining Three Years After Fire

A University of Hawaii research study finds that while Lahaina wildfire survivors are making progress on housing and employment, mental health outcomes — particularly for children — continue to deteriorate. Researchers have conducted over 4,000 appointments for 2,500+ participants and are launching new programs to improve care access in rural areas. The Maui Wildfire Exposure […]

Maui County Schedules Aug. 12 Lahaina Recovery Meeting With Multi-Agency Updates

Maui County is hosting a Lahaina Community Meeting on August 12, 2026, moved from its usual first-Wednesday slot to honor the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfires. Topics include contractor fraud, housing reconstruction, the Lahaina bypass extension, and county recovery updates. The meeting takes place August 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria, […]

Hawaiian Theater Production ‘Lele Wale’ Brings Lahaina Tribute to Westin Maui

A Hawaiian theater production honoring the 2023 Lahaina wildfire victims will perform at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa on August 7–8, 2026. The show is part of Festivals of Aloha and features an island-wide cast including Lahaina residents who lived through the fires. Lele Wale will hold four performances at the Westin Maui’s Haleakalā […]

Front Street Reopens to Traffic Three Years After Lahaina Fire, But Rebuilding Lags

Multiple outlets are marking the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire with coverage of a significant milestone: Front Street has officially reopened to vehicles and the public. While the reopening signals progress, commercial rebuilding remains deeply stalled, with not a single building permit yet issued for destroyed Front Street businesses. Front Street […]

East Maui Water Authority Hosting Grant Application Workshops

The East Maui Water Authority is holding the first of three workshops to help potential applicants prepare for the FY27 grant process. The session is available both in-person and online on August 12, 2026. East Maui Water Authority is offering grant funding opportunities for fiscal year 2027. Three workshops are planned to guide applicants through […]

Front Street Reopens to Traffic a Week Before Wildfire Anniversary

Maui County has reopened Lahaina’s Front Street to vehicle traffic as of August 1, ahead of the three-year anniversary of the 2023 wildfire. Some survivors opposed the timing, while officials are monitoring the area and asking visitors to respect private property and the site’s significance. Front Street in Lahaina reopened to vehicle traffic on Saturday, […]