Construction Spending Rises Statewide but Housing Development Drops on Maui
Hawaii’s construction industry had a strong first quarter with $2.09 billion in spending, but housing construction significantly declined including on Maui where multi-family projects slowed from 2025 levels. Maui recorded $170 million in construction activity, dominated by public projects rather than private development. Multi-family housing construction on Maui decreased significantly compared to first quarter 2025 […]
Overnight Water Outage Affects Paia Properties June 10-11
Scheduled water service outage in Paia’s Kaiholo and Poho Place areas from 10pm June 10 to 5am June 11 for water main repairs. The outage will impact 75 residences, 5 condominiums, and 3 businesses. Water service will be shut off from 10pm June 10 to 5am June 11 in the Kaiholo Place and Poho Place […]
4.7 Earthquake Hits Hawaii Island, Felt Across Multiple Islands
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii Island Tuesday night with no tsunami threat or volcanic impact. The quake was felt on Maui, Molokai, and Oahu with over 716 reports filed within the first hour. The earthquake occurred 14 miles east of Pāpa’ikou at 10:37 p.m. on June 9 at a depth of 24 miles. No […]
State Clarifies Big Beach Toll Booth Plans Amid Reservation System Concerns
Maui’s state parks administrator says toll booths planned for Makena State Park will only support existing fee collection, not implement reservation systems. This contradicts 2023 statements from DLNR about considering visitor controls at the popular beach. State parks administrator denies toll booths are for reservation systems or new access restrictions at Big Beach. Toll booths […]
Maui’s Mineral-Only Sunscreen Law Blocks New FDA-Approved Ingredient
The FDA approved its first new sunscreen ingredient in decades, but Maui County’s mineral-only sunscreen law prohibits visitors from using products containing the new chemical filter bemotrizinol. Maui County’s 2022 ordinance allows only mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, blocking the new FDA-approved bemotrizinol ingredient. The new ingredient bemotrizinol offers improved UVA protection […]
Iao Valley Heritage Park Reopens After March Storm Damage Repairs
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened following repairs from severe March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. The county park reopened Saturday after being closed since March due to Kona low storm damage. Severe erosion and flooding undercut two picnic pavilions, which remain closed for ongoing repairs. All seven cultural heritage […]
Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County launched a new grant program offering $850,000 to fund Makahiki season events, festivals, and cultural activities. Applications are open through July 10 for organizations wanting to create programs that celebrate Hawaiian culture and engage both residents and visitors. The County’s Office of Economic Development is accepting grant applications through July 10, 2026 for […]
Hawaiian Electric Issues Wildfire Prep Guidelines as Dry Season Begins
Hawaiian Electric is urging residents statewide to prepare for wildfire season as the islands enter the dry season with potentially less rainfall ahead. Multiple news outlets reported on the utility company’s safety recommendations and ongoing infrastructure improvements to reduce wildfire risks. HECO recommends clearing dry vegetation around homes, trimming tree branches away from power lines, […]
Three-Day Lahaina Homecoming Event Set for July to Support Fire Recovery
A three-day community gathering called Lahaina Homecoming will take place July 17-19 along Front Street in Lahaina to celebrate culture and support ongoing recovery efforts. Multiple sources report the event will feature cultural programming, storytelling, and opportunities for local vendors as the community continues rebuilding from the 2023 wildfire. Event will run July 17-19, 2026 […]
Ocean Water Quality Near Lahaina Shows Minimal Fire Damage After 3 Years
Marine scientists found West Maui coastal waters were not significantly impacted by toxic debris from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, contrary to initial concerns. A decade of water quality monitoring shows broader challenges with turbidity and nitrates but little fire-related decline. Volunteer scientists collected 5,500+ data points over 10 years, creating comprehensive pre- and post-fire water […]