County Council Reviews Revised $1.6B Budget with Infrastructure Cuts
Maui County Council will consider a $1.6 billion budget that reduces capital projects by $20 million while increasing day-to-day operations funding. The budget addresses ongoing recovery from wildfires, recent storm damage, and economic pressures from global conflicts affecting fuel costs. Council committee unanimously approved cutting $8.4 million from mayor’s budget proposal, shifting $20 million from […]
Hawaii High Court Reviews Civil Case Delays During Criminal Proceedings
The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering when civil cases should be paused while defendants face criminal charges, in a case involving jailed defense contractor Martin Kao. The ruling could set precedent for how Hawaii courts handle overlapping civil and criminal proceedings. Former Navatek CEO Martin Kao is serving 10+ years for fraud and illegal campaign […]
Jackson Developer Admits to Unlawful Short-Term Rental of Worker Housing
A Jackson business owner admitted to using a deed-restricted worker apartment as an Airbnb rental, violating his 2019 contract with the town, though he denies fraudulent intent. Jeff Neishabouri admitted to short-term renting a deed-restricted apartment required for Jackson Hole workers on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The Town of Jackson sued Neishabouri in March […]
Survey Shows Property Maintenance Stress Affects Most Homeowners’ Mental Health
A new study finds 84% of homeowners experience anxiety from property maintenance and costs, though 97% still consider homeownership worthwhile. Many defer expensive repairs including plumbing, roofing, and electrical work. 84% of homeowners report that property-related stress impacts their quality of life, with some losing sleep or experiencing worsened mental health. 69% of homeowners are […]
MPD Expands Crisis Response Training to Include Resort and Business Staff
Maui Police trained 21 new Crisis Intervention Team members, including staff from Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott and other local businesses, to improve responses to mental health emergencies. The 40-hour certification program teaches de-escalation techniques for mental health and emotional crises. Training participants included police, county staff, and employees from Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott and Wailuku Federal Credit […]
Emergency Water Repairs Cut Service to Makawao Ave Area for 4 Hours
Water service was cut to a section of Makawao Avenue in Upcountry Maui for approximately 4 hours starting at 11:25 a.m. on May 12 due to emergency repairs. The outage affected 20 residences and 2 fire hydrants. Water service disrupted on Makawao Avenue between Makani Road and Mahola Street for emergency repairs. Outage lasted approximately […]
Monthly Community Healing Event Returns to Lahaina This Weekend
Pa’ūpili 3rd Saturdays, a monthly community gathering for Lahaina wildfire recovery, returns May 16 with local vendors, entertainment, and support services. The free event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lahaina United Methodist Church. Over 15 Lahaina-based vendors will offer products, services, and community resources at the event. The gathering features live entertainment from […]
Weekend Road Closures on Makawao Avenue Continue Through June 2026
Makawao Avenue will have weekend road closures from May 16 through June 21, 2026, as part of ongoing reconstruction work. Local traffic access will be maintained during the closures. Full weekend closures from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6:30 p.m. Sunday affect different sections each weekend through June 21, 2026. Local traffic access will be maintained […]
Maui County Seeks Input on New Lahaina Community Center and Field House
Maui County will hold a public meeting May 19 to gather community feedback on plans for a new multipurpose community center and field house near Lahaina Recreation Center. Both facilities will serve as emergency resources and community gathering spaces. Public meeting scheduled May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center social hall for community input. […]
Maui County Offers $150K Grants for Financial Literacy Programs
Maui County’s Office of Economic Development is offering $150,000 in grants for financial literacy programs serving residents, with applications due June 15. The funding prioritizes programs covering budgeting, credit, housing readiness, and small business financial management. Grant applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 15, 2026. Priority given to programs serving underserved communities […]