Iao Valley’s Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Reopens Following March Storm Damage
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened after repairs from March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. Visitors are advised to use caution due to ongoing hazards. The county park reopened Saturday after severe damage from back-to-back Kona low storms in March. Picnic Pavilions 1 and 2 remain closed as repair work […]
Music and Food Festival Returns to Support Lahaina Recovery Efforts
The Hua Momona Foundation will host its third annual music and food festival August 21-22 at Hyatt Regency Maui, raising funds for Lahaina rebuild efforts and community programs. The two-day event features headliners Taimane and Los Lobos with multiple acclaimed chefs participating. Last year’s festival raised over $200,000 for local food distribution, housing replacement, and […]
County announces meetings on comprehensive zoning code rewrite project
The County of Maui Department of Planning will present updates on the Title 19 zoning code rewrite beginning June 17, according to reports from multiple sources. The multi-year effort aims to modernize the foundational laws governing land use and development throughout Maui County. Planning Department will present to County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee […]
UH Launches Cesspool Conversion Training to Meet 2050 Elimination Goal
University of Hawaii colleges on Maui and Big Island are offering a new certificate program to train wastewater specialists for converting the state’s 83,000 cesspools by 2050. The program responds to urgent infrastructure needs highlighted by recent flooding events. Hawaii Community College and UH Maui College launched a 23-credit certificate program for onsite wastewater treatment […]
Hotels Now Training Staff to Warn Visitors About Protected Marine Animals
Hawaii launches new program training hotel staff to educate guests about monk seals and sea turtles before beach visits, following incident where visitor threw rock at endangered seal in Lahaina. Hawaii Marine Animal Response created Marine Stewards Program for hotel staff, concierges, and tour operators to educate visitors about wildlife safety. Program launched after Washington […]
West Maui Energy Future Meeting Set for June 12 to Discuss Renewable Goals
Lahaina Strong and the Hawaii State Energy Office will host a community meeting on June 12 to discuss West Maui’s energy future and Hawaii’s 100% renewable energy goal by 2045. The meeting will include educational stations, presentations, and small group discussions for community input. Meeting scheduled for June 12, 5:30-7:30 PM at Maui YMCA West […]
Fire Safety Guide Highlights Wind-Driven Fire Risks Using Maui Example
A fire preparedness guide explains how wind-driven fires spread faster and cause more damage, citing the 2023 Lahaina fire as a key example of devastating community impact. Wind-driven fires spread faster than traditional wildfires because winds carry embers further and provide extra oxygen to fuel flames. The 2023 Lahaina fire had wind gusts up to […]
Maui County Approves $1.6B Budget, Adds Security Funding After Threat
The Maui County Council passed its $1.6 billion budget for 2026-2027 and added $50,000 for county property security after a recent incident where a congressional candidate allegedly threatened workers at a county building. The funding cannot be used for screening machines and awaits mayor approval. Council approved $50,000 in additional security funding after a gun […]
Maui County Planning Department Schedules Public Sessions on Zoning Rewrite
Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Planning Department will begin public presentations on a comprehensive rewrite of the county’s zoning code. The multiyear effort aims to modernize land use regulations throughout Maui County. The Planning Department will present an update on the Title 19 rewrite to the County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee on […]
Honolulu Delays Foreclosure Despite $3M in Illegal STR Fines
A year after Honolulu City Council approved foreclosure on an illegal short-term rental with $3 million in fines, the city has not taken the property to court. The delay undermines the city’s enforcement credibility despite collecting more violation fines overall. Honolulu has not proceeded with foreclosure on Alewa Heights property one year after council approval, […]