Hospitality Industry Executive Changes and Leadership Appointments
Multiple hospitality companies announced new executive appointments and promotions across operations, finance, and technology roles. These leadership changes involve companies managing hotel properties and hospitality technology platforms. Maestro PMS appointed Adam Wilson as president to enhance their property management platform and expand integrations. Schulte Hospitality Group hired Sanjhi Agrawal as EVP of operations accounting and […]
HTA Launches 2026 Grant Programs for Maui Tourism Businesses and Nonprofits
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications through June 8 for two programs that provide $10,000 grants to Maui organizations developing community-centered tourism experiences and stewardship initiatives. Applications due June 8 for two four-month cohort programs running July-October 2026. Community Stewardship program targets Maui nonprofits incorporating visitors into conservation efforts through voluntourism or guided access. […]
Paradise High Football Team to Play Lahaina High in Unity Bowl on Maui
Paradise High School and Lahaina High School will play in an inaugural Unity Bowl football game in September, bringing together two communities that suffered devastating wildfires. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers donated $15,000 to help Paradise High travel to Maui for the game. Paradise High and Lahaina High will play football in September’s inaugural Unity Bowl, […]
Hawaii Economic Forecast Warns of Tourism Slowdown, Rising Costs
Rising oil prices from Middle East conflict are increasing travel costs and slowing tourism growth, while Hawaii continues recovering from March storm damage. Economic growth is expected to weaken significantly through 2027. Tourism arrivals projected to grow only 2% in 2026 and just 0.2% in 2027 due to higher jet fuel costs. Airlines cutting capacity […]
Maui Energy Conference to Address Solar Costs and Renewable Goals May 20-21
The 13th Annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference will be held at Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 20-21, focusing on energy policy, solar adoption challenges, and Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Key discussions will cover controversial LNG proposals and concerns about reduced solar incentives affecting the state’s ambitious rooftop solar targets. Conference at Maui Arts & Cultural […]
County Council Member Sugimura Enters 2026 Maui County Mayor Race
Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura officially filed nomination papers to run for mayor in 2026. Her campaign focuses on housing, infrastructure, government efficiency, and economic resilience. Sugimura’s platform prioritizes housing solutions, infrastructure development, and improved permitting processes. Campaign emphasizes making government more efficient and responsive to residents’ daily needs. Economic resilience and supporting […]
County Seeks Input on New Lahaina Community Center and Field House Plans
Maui County is hosting a public meeting May 19 to gather community input on a new community center and field house near Lahaina Recreation Center. The facilities will serve as gathering spaces and emergency shelters. Public meeting scheduled for May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center social hall. Community center will include commercial kitchen, […]
War Memorial Stadium Reopens Temporarily for High School Graduations
Mayor Bissen is temporarily opening the closed War Memorial stadium for Maui High and Baldwin High graduation ceremonies on May 17-18, 2026. Expect increased traffic and facility closures in the area during these events. War Memorial stadium will open May 17-18 for two high school graduation ceremonies despite ongoing upgrades. Maui High graduation is May […]
Agriculture Leader Bobby Pahia Files for Upcountry Council Seat
Bobby Pahia, a family business owner with experience in land use planning and water management, has officially filed to run for the Upcountry Maui County Council seat. His campaign focuses on protecting land, providing cost-of-living relief, and supporting local families. Pahia brings decades of experience in land use planning, water management, and infrastructure maintenance to […]
Illegal Oahu Rentals Face $40K Fines as Honolulu Steps Up Enforcement
Honolulu fined two illegal vacation rentals $40,000 and is aggressively enforcing short-term rental rules, potentially shutting down properties between booking and guest arrival. Properties in residential neighborhoods outside resort zones like Waikiki and Ko Olina are generally prohibited from operating as vacation rentals. Two Oahu vacation rental properties were fined $40,000 by Honolulu for operating […]