New Maui Film Festival Features Award-Winning Lahaina Fire Documentary
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, featuring ‘Lahaina Rising,’ a 92-minute documentary about the 2023 Lahaina wildfire that won best feature film at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The five-day Wailuku Film Festival is hosted by the Maui County Film Office and features work from over 55 Hawaii filmmakers plus international creators. ‘Lahaina […]
Oahu Condo Market Shifts Toward Local Buyers as STR Rules Tighten
New data shows 83% of Oahu property sales in 2025 went to local buyers, with short-term rental permits now restricted to resort zones like Waikiki. The condo market faces challenges from rising maintenance fees and surprise assessments that can reach tens of thousands. Short-term rental permits are now limited to resort-zoned areas like Waikiki and […]
FEMA Updates Housing Rules, 569 Rebuild Permits Issued for Fire Survivors
FEMA released new guidance on temporary housing payments and maintenance requirements for wildfire survivors, while 569 rebuild permits have been issued with 310 homes currently under construction. A Housing & Resource Fair will be held June 6 at Royal Lahaina Resort to connect survivors with housing programs and rental listings. FEMA temporary housing residents must […]
Federal Aid Deadlines Approaching for March Kona Low Storm Damage
Multiple state and federal agencies are reminding Maui residents that deadlines are approaching for disaster assistance related to March 2026 Kona Low flooding and storms. Property owners have until mid-June to apply for FEMA aid, SBA loans, and unemployment assistance. June 14 is the final deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA low-interest […]
Water Outages Planned for Molokai and Upcountry Maui Areas
Maui County has announced water service disruptions affecting multiple areas this week. Emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance will impact water service in Molokai and Upcountry Maui locations. Emergency water outage in Kamalo to Ualapue area of Molokai lasted approximately 6 hours starting 9:20 a.m. on June 1 due to mainline break repairs Scheduled maintenance will […]
County Seeks Public Feedback on June Monthly Emergency Siren Test
Maui County conducted its monthly emergency siren test on June 1st and is asking residents to report what they heard. The county issued alerts both before and after the test to encourage public participation in the feedback process. Monthly test of Hawaii All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren System occurred at 11:45 AM on June 1st Residents […]
County Seeks Public Input on Disaster Recovery Buyout Program Changes
Maui County has opened a public comment period for proposed updates to its Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery program. Multiple sources report the changes focus on the Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program and establish new criteria for property assistance. Public comment period runs from June 1 through July 1, 2026, for the County’s second […]
PGA Tour Drops Kapalua Tournament Due to Water Dispute, Ends Hawaii Swing
Multiple news sources report that the PGA Tour has eliminated its Hawaii swing, including the Sentry tournament at Kapalua, due to water disputes on Maui. The tournament sponsor is moving to Torrey Pines in California starting in 2027. The 2026 Sentry tournament at Kapalua was cancelled due to a water dispute on Maui that made […]
Officials Warn of Above-Normal Hurricane Season Starting June 1
Maui County and state officials are urging residents and visitors to prepare for an above-normal hurricane season that began June 1, as reported by multiple sources. NOAA forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific basin with a 70% chance of above-normal activity through November 30. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November […]
Ocean Conservation Guidelines Promoted for Hawaii Visitors This June
Hawaii Magazine highlights ocean protection practices during World Ocean Month, emphasizing wildlife respect, beach cleanliness, and reef-safe behaviors that could affect visitor experiences at rental properties. Touching or harassing endangered species like Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals can result in significant fines and criminal penalties. Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen and […]