Maui Mayor Race Features Debate Over Short-Term Rental Housing Policy
The 2026 Maui mayoral election includes incumbent Richard Bissen and County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura, with short-term rental conversion to affordable housing emerging as a key campaign issue. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen faces County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura and other candidates in the mayoral race. Short-term rental conversion to address affordable housing shortages […]
Habitat for Humanity Builds Mass Timber Volunteer Housing in Lahaina
Habitat for Humanity is constructing its first mass timber home in Lahaina to house volunteers helping with fire recovery efforts. The modular structure will later be sold as affordable housing once rebuilding is complete. The three-bedroom ‘Bunkhouse’ uses pre-manufactured laminated wood panels for quick assembly and energy efficiency. The home will house volunteers in bunk […]
Construction Workforce Training Program Expands to Maui
A free six-week construction training program launched on Maui to prepare workers for carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and masonry jobs. The program aims to address industry labor shortages and help young people afford to stay in Hawaii. BIA Hawaii’s PACT program provides tuition-free construction training and recently graduated its first Maui cohort in April. Participants […]
Habitat for Humanity Builds Innovative Volunteer Housing in Lahaina
Habitat for Humanity is constructing a mass timber ‘Bunkhouse’ in Lahaina to house volunteers helping with wildfire recovery efforts. The innovative building uses prefabricated wood panels for rapid assembly and will later be sold as affordable housing. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom ‘Bunkhouse’ will house volunteers in bunk beds for 3-5 years during Lahaina rebuilding efforts. The […]
Maui’s Makawao Hosts Major Independence Day Celebration and Rodeo
Makawao on Maui features one of Hawaii’s top July 4th celebrations, including the historic Paniolo Parade and the state’s oldest rodeo competition. The multi-day event draws visitors to experience Hawaiian cowboy culture and traditional festivities. Makawao’s Paniolo Parade shuts down Baldwin Avenue the weekend before July 4th with traditional Hawaiian cowboy regalia and decorated floats. […]
Sacred Hearts School Thrives at Kaanapali Campus Two Years After Fire
Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina continues operating at its temporary Kaanapali campus, serving 167 students with support from the resort community while making plans to rebuild at the original Lahaina site. The school is completing its second year at the temporary Kaanapali Resort campus after being destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires. Student academic performance […]
Cruise Ship Schedules and Whale Season Impact Hawaii Tourism
Limited cruise lines offer inter-island Hawaii sailings due to federal restrictions, with most ships requiring foreign port stops. Peak whale watching season from January-March drives cruise timing preferences. Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers year-round inter-island Hawaii cruises due to U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act restrictions. Most cruise ships must include foreign port stops or point-to-point […]
DOT Reports Major Flight Delays and Baggage Issues in March 2026 Data
The Department of Transportation released March 2026 airline performance data showing significant flight cancellations, baggage problems, and operational issues across US carriers during a busy travel period. DOT’s March 2026 data reveals widespread flight cancellations and delays affecting domestic air travel. Airlines experienced high rates of mishandled baggage and mobility equipment issues. Performance problems occurred […]
First Pacific Tropical Storm Forms, Currently No Threat to Hawaii
Tropical Storm Amanda became the first named storm of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season but remains far from Hawaii with no current threat to the islands. Amanda is located 1,475 miles southwest of Baja California with 40 mph winds. The storm is moving northwest and expected to weaken over the weekend. No coastal watches or […]
Disaster Unemployment Aid Available Until June 15 for March Storm Impacts
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms, floods, and landslides can apply for disaster unemployment assistance until June 15. Benefits range from $346 to $868 weekly through October 2026. Disaster Unemployment Assistance covers job losses from March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties. Eligible applicants include business […]