Maui County Council Passes $1.6 Billion Budget with Housing and Recovery
The Maui County Council unanimously approved a $1.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, as reported by multiple news sources. The spending plan includes significant allocations for affordable housing, wildfire recovery efforts, and social services before heading to the mayor for final approval. Budget totals $1.6 billion with $1.2 billion for county operations and $351 […]
Tokuda Secures Extended Military Disaster Response for Hawaii Communities
Rep. Tokuda helped pass defense legislation that extends military disaster response time from 72 hours to one week and blocks Army land condemnation in Hawaii. The bill also increases military housing investment to reduce pressure on local housing supply. Military disaster response window extended from 72 hours to one week for natural disasters like recent […]
Water Outage in Upcountry Maui Extended Through Saturday Evening
Maui County has reported an extended water service outage affecting the Makawao Avenue area in Upcountry Maui due to emergency mainline repairs. The outage, which began Friday evening, has been extended multiple times as crews work to fix the break. Water service outage affects Makawao Avenue between Makani Road and Pukalani Superette, including side streets […]
Hawaii Visitor Numbers Drop in April But Tourist Spending Hits $1.7B
Hawaii saw fewer tourists in April with 829,000 visitors, but they spent more money at $278 per person daily, totaling $1.7 billion statewide. Maui hotels experienced higher occupancy and room rates as the island continues recovery. Visitor arrivals decreased slightly from last year, with US West market down 4.8% but US East and Japan markets […]
Emergency Water Main Break Shuts Off Service to Upcountry Properties
A water main break on Makawao Avenue requires emergency repairs that will cut water service to about 80 properties for approximately 4 hours starting at 11:45 am on June 6. Water outage affects Makawao Avenue area between Makani Road and Pukalani Superette. Emergency repairs on mainline break expected to take approximately 4 hours starting 11:45 […]
Kamehameha Day Parade to Close Ka’ahumanu Avenue June 20
The annual Kamehameha Day parade and festival will take place June 20, 2026, closing Ka’ahumanu Avenue from 9:30-11:30 a.m. followed by festivities at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center until 5 p.m. Ka’ahumanu Avenue will be closed from Lunaliho Street to Kahului Beach Road from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for the parade. The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. featuring pāʻū […]
New Marine Education Program Targets Tourism Staff After Monk Seal Incident
Hawaii Marine Animal Response launched a training program for hospitality workers to educate visitors about protecting endangered marine life, following a recent incident where a tourist threw rocks at a monk seal on Maui. The Marine Stewards Program provides training materials and credentials for tourism industry staff to educate guests about marine wildlife protection. The […]
Lahaina Harbor Begins $5M Dredging Project as Major Repairs Continue
The state started a $5 million dredging project at Lahaina Harbor this week, marking one of the most expensive repairs still needed before full reopening by end of 2027. Eight commercial tour companies now have limited access to the harbor. A $5 million harbor dredging project began this week and is scheduled for completion in […]
Court Rules to Limit Legal Fees in Maui Wildfire Settlement Claims
A recent court ruling will cap attorney fees related to the Maui wildfire settlement, ensuring more compensation reaches survivors directly. Both the Governor’s office and Hawaii News Now reported that the decision aligns with the survivor-focused approach of existing recovery programs. Court ruling limits attorney fees tied to August 2023 Maui wildfire settlement claims, directing […]
New UH Program Trains Workers for Maui Cesspool Conversion Requirements
Hawaii Community College and UH Maui College launched a certificate program to train wastewater specialists as the state works to eliminate 83,000 cesspools by 2050. The one-year program addresses growing demand for professionals who can convert cesspools to compliant wastewater systems. New 23-credit certificate program teaches cesspool conversion and wastewater system installation on Maui and […]