Audubon Society Urges Pueo Protections in Lahaina Bypass Road Study
The National Audubon Society has asked state transportation officials to include a biological review of the Hawaiian short-eared owl (pueo) as part of planning for a Lahaina Bypass connector road near Wahikuli Gulch. The group supports the bypass project but wants wildlife considerations built into the design and construction schedule. A proposed connector road between […]
Maui Council Advances Plan to Rezone ~2,056 Vacation Rental Units as Hotels
The Maui County Council voted to advance two resolutions that would move roughly 2,056 vacation rental units into new hotel zoning districts, allowing them to keep operating under Bill 9. The proposals must still pass through the Maui Planning Commission and receive additional approvals before taking effect. Two resolutions (26-110 and 26-111) passed the Council […]
Arrest Made After Group Assault of California Visitors at Kaanapali Resort
A 20-year-old Makawao man was arrested on suspicion of felony assault following a July 17 incident in which a large group attacked seven California visitors at the Kaanapali Alii pool area. About 30 people were involved in the altercation, which left multiple victims with visible injuries. A suspect was arrested on felony assault charges in […]
Maui Council Moves 2,000+ Apartment-Zone Vacation Rentals Toward Hotel Rezoning
The Maui County Council voted 7-1 to refer roughly 2,056 apartment-district vacation rental units to the Planning Commission for potential rezoning into new hotel districts, where short-term rental use would be explicitly permitted. The move could exempt these properties from Bill 9’s phase-out of STRs in apartment zones. The Council passed two resolutions referring ~2,056 […]
Three Years Out: Maui Fire Survivors Gaining Jobs and Housing, But Struggles Persist
Multiple outlets reported on the latest findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES), a University of Hawaiʻi-led research partnership tracking the health and living conditions of more than 2,500 fire survivors. The study finds recovery is progressing in some areas but remains uneven three years after the August 2023 disaster. Researchers warn that declining […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Project Advances Through State Permitting
A proposal to restore eroding Kaanapali Beach by redistributing 75,000 cubic yards of offshore sand has entered the state permitting process. If approved, construction could begin fall 2027. The Pilikahakai Foundation and Ka’anapali Operations Association filed an application with the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands to restore the beach to its approximate 1988 […]
Maui County Opens Two Wildfire Recovery Grants for Nonprofits and Agencies
Maui County’s Office of Recovery is launching two competitive grant programs under its Hoʻokumu Hou initiative to fund workforce development and public services for wildfire-impacted residents. Applications open August 10, 2026, with a deadline of September 24, 2026. Two new grant programs — one for workforce development and one for public services — will be […]
Wailuku First Friday Hosts Breakdancing Competition Aug. 7
The 12th annual Uptown Getdown breakdancing competition returns to Wailuku’s First Friday event on August 7, running from 6–9 p.m. on Market Street. The free monthly event draws both residents and visitors with entertainment, food, and local shopping. Uptown Getdown, a 1-on-1 breakdancing tournament, takes place August 7 from 6–9 p.m. on Market Street in […]
HTA-Funded Volunteer Program Addresses Maui’s Unguarded Beach Safety Gaps
The Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi is recruiting volunteers to educate beachgoers about ocean hazards at unguarded Maui beaches. The program is funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and runs in partnership with Maui County Fire and Public Safety. Aloha Kai Safety Ambassadors will station volunteers at high-risk unguarded beaches to warn visitors […]
Hurricane Fausto Passes North of Hawaii, Bringing Hazardous Surf
Multiple news sources report that Hurricane Fausto, a weakening Category 1 storm, is tracking north of the Hawaiian Islands and is not expected to make landfall. While direct wind and rain threats remain low, forecasters warn of dangerous surf and strong currents building along east-facing shores through Tuesday. Separately, Category 5 Hurricane Genevieve is active […]