UH Study: Maui Fire Survivors Gaining Ground, But Housing and Mental Health Struggles Persist
Multiple outlets reported on a new University of Hawaiʻi study released July 27, 2026, marking three years since the 2023 Maui wildfires. The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) found meaningful gains in employment and housing stability among survivors, but persistent food insecurity, mental health challenges, and declining community support remain serious concerns. Researchers warn that […]
Maui Property Tax First Installment Due August 20 — Late Fees Apply
Maui County’s first real property tax installment for fiscal year 2026-27 is due by August 20, 2026. Owners who miss the deadline face a one-time 10% penalty plus 1% monthly interest on any unpaid balance. Tax bills have been mailed; not receiving one does not exempt owners from penalties for late payment. Missing the August […]
Maui County Holds Public Meetings on Desalination as Long-Term Water Solution
Maui’s Department of Water Supply is hosting two community meetings in August to discuss desalination as a potential long-term water source for South and West Maui. The meetings follow a 2024 feasibility study and will cover costs, project status, and next steps. South Maui meeting is August 5 at Kīhei Community Center; West Maui meeting […]
Hurricane Fausto Could Hit Hawaii Next Week — HECO Issues Prep Warning
Hawaiian Electric is urging Maui customers to prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Fausto, which may reach the islands as early as next week. The utility recommends reviewing emergency plans, testing backup equipment, and monitoring storm updates through official channels. Hurricane Fausto could approach the Hawaiian Islands as early as next week, prompting an official […]
Lahaina Community Leaders Warn Mayoral Change Could Stall Recovery
Community leaders in Lahaina are urging Maui voters to consider the risks of a mayoral administration change in November, arguing that leadership turnover during the current critical funding and rebuilding window could set back years of recovery progress. The current administration has secured over $1.6 billion in federal recovery funding and is now distributing first-time […]
Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Returns to Kapalua Aug. 31–Sept. 6
The Maui Jazz and Blues Festival will hold its second consecutive year at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, running August 31 through September 6 with nightly performances and a main extravaganza event on September 5. Organizers will donate over 200 tickets to Lahaina wildfire survivors. The week-long festival features Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated artists including trumpeter Eddie […]
Hurricane Fausto Headed Toward Hawaii; Maui Officials Urge Preparedness
Multiple sources are reporting that Hurricane Fausto is being monitored by Maui County and state emergency officials as it tracks toward the Hawaiian Islands next week. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before arrival, but officials warn that swells, dangerous surf, and heavy rainfall are still possible. No watches or warnings […]
Lahaina Marks Wildfire’s Third Anniversary with Interfaith Service and Time Capsule
The Lahaina Interfaith Council will hold an Honor & Remembrance service on Aug. 1, 2026, ahead of the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfire. A community time capsule project and a two-day ‘Lights for Lahaina’ gathering in September are also planned. An interfaith remembrance service is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. at Lahaina […]
Wailuku Film Festival Draws 5,300+ Visitors in Debut Run
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival ran June 17–21, 2026, attracting more than 5,300 attendees, screening 100+ films, and generating over 12.5 million media impressions. Wailuku businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales throughout the event. The five-day festival drew over 5,300 total attendees, with multiple screenings at the historic ʻĪao Theater selling out. More than […]
Decomposing Whale Carcass Poses Health Risk Along Molokaʻi South Shore
A humpback whale that died July 10 off Molokaʻi’s south shore is creating a public health hazard as tides move the remains along coastal areas. DLNR is urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water in the affected zone. DLNR is advising people to avoid the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore due to […]