New Laws Target Permit Delays That Slow Housing Construction Statewide
The Hawaii Legislature passed several bills aimed at speeding up building permits by addressing staff shortages and streamlining processes. The measures allow counties to offer higher salaries for permit reviewers and standardize permit data between counties. Counties can now recruit permitting staff at higher salaries and offer incentives to address reviewer shortages. New legislation clarifies […]
Construction begins at popular Hāna state park with parking changes
Multiple sources report that construction work at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in Hāna will begin June 6, affecting visitor access and parking arrangements at one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations. The project aims to improve facilities and road conditions at the heavily visited park. Construction starts June 6 on a new comfort station and Honokalani […]
Civil Beat Survey Asks Maui Council Candidates About STR Phase-Out Plans
A media survey will ask Maui County Council candidates about their approach to the ongoing vacation rental phase-out affecting thousands of properties. The survey responses will be published before July ballots arrive. Civil Beat is surveying all 2026 candidates about key issues affecting their districts and offices. Maui County Council candidates will specifically be asked […]
Royal Caribbean’s Mega Cruise Ship Generates $2.7M Daily Revenue
Analysis estimates Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, earns approximately $2.7 million per day from its 2,800+ cabins. The $2 billion vessel represents a major investment for Royal Caribbean and could generate even higher revenue during peak seasons. Icon of the Seas generates an estimated $2.7 million in daily revenue according to […]
Hawaii Tourism Shows April Revenue Growth Despite Fewer Visitor Arrivals
Multiple news sources report that Hawaii’s tourism industry saw increased spending in April 2026 despite a slight decline in visitor numbers. The preliminary state data shows visitors spent significantly more per day than the previous year. Total visitor spending reached $1.77 billion in April 2026, up 4.8% from $1.69 billion in April 2025 Total visitors […]
South Kihei Road Collapse Repair Expected to Last Through Fall
Crews are repairing a major sinkhole on South Kihei Road caused by March storms, with work not expected to finish until October. Local businesses are struggling with reduced access and hope for county financial assistance. Road collapse repair at South Kihei Road and Alanui Ke’ali’i won’t be completed until fall 2026. March storm damage affected […]
Maui Construction Hits $170M in Q1 Despite Housing Project Decline
Hawaii’s construction industry had a strong first quarter with $2.09 billion statewide, but Maui saw $170 million in activity with declining multi-family housing projects compared to 2025. Maui recorded $170 million in construction activity during Q1 2026, primarily from public projects. Multi-family housing construction on Maui slowed significantly from 2025 levels. Statewide, single-family and multi-family […]
UH Maui College Launches Training Program for Cesspool Conversion Workers
Hawaii Community College and UH Maui College have created a new certificate program to train workers for cesspool conversions, addressing the state’s mandate to eliminate 83,000 cesspools by 2050. The one-year certificate program trains students to work with contractors on cesspool conversions and sustainable wastewater systems. Hawaii’s 2017 cesspool ban requires all 83,000 cesspools statewide […]
Hawaii Sees Fewer Visitors But Record Spending Levels This Spring
Hawaii welcomed slightly fewer visitors in April 2026 but saw a 4.8% increase in total spending to $1.77 billion. Visitors are staying shorter periods but spending significantly more per day, with per-person daily spending jumping 14.1% to $278. April 2026 visitor arrivals dropped 0.5% to 828,959 while total spending rose 4.8% to $1.77 billion. Daily […]
Southwest’s Maui-Kauai Route Shows Low Passenger Demand at 41.5% Capacity
Southwest Airlines’ route between Maui and Kauai ranked among the carrier’s worst-performing routes with only 41.5% of seats filled between March 2025 and February 2026. The airline’s overall Hawaii operations continue to struggle with low load factors despite serving the islands since 2019. Southwest’s Maui (OGG) to Kauai route filled only 41.5% of seats, ranking […]