UH Secures $5.9M to Track Maui Fire Survivors’ Health Through 2031
The University of Hawaii received nearly $5.9 million in federal NIH grants to extend a long-term health study of 2023 Maui wildfire survivors, now expanding to include 800 children alongside roughly 1,000 adults. Researchers will monitor physical health, mental health, and recovery outcomes through 2031. Two NIH grants totaling $5.9M will extend the Maui Wildfire […]
Maui Fire Aftermath Spurs Federal Bill on Gender-Based Violence in Disaster Recovery
Multiple sources report that data gathered following the 2023 Lahaina wildfire has helped drive new federal legislation aimed at addressing domestic abuse and exploitation during disaster recovery. A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress would require FEMA to improve shelter safety, establish reporting protocols for gender-based violence, and reform how agency workers conduct household check-ins after […]
Hawaiian Electric Raises $29.5M in Bank Stock Sale to Fund Wildfire Settlement
Multiple financial news outlets reported that Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) sold a portion of its remaining stake in American Savings Bank during ASB’s September 16 IPO, netting $29.5 million. The proceeds will go toward funding HEI’s outstanding Maui wildfire settlement payments, reducing the company’s need for future capital raises. HEI sold approximately 2.0 million ASB […]
Paia Rezoning Draws Fire Evacuation Safety Concerns at Planning Commission
A Wailuku resident is urging the Maui County Council to pause action on the EC Pāʻia Town Project rezoning until a formal wildfire evacuation study is completed for the area. The letter argues that the current traffic analysis does not account for emergency evacuation conditions on Pāʻia’s single-highway exit route. The Maui County Planning Commission […]
Delta Flight 394 Diverted from OGG to Honolulu After Fumes and Fuel Discharge
Multiple news outlets reported that a Delta Air Lines flight departing Kahului Airport on the evening of September 19 was diverted to Honolulu after fumes were detected shortly after takeoff. The incident prompted an emergency response in Honolulu, with several passengers and a flight attendant receiving medical attention. Delta has pledged refunds for affected passengers […]
UH Lands $3.6M NIH Grant to Study Plantation-Era Toxins and Wildfire Health Risks
A University of Hawaii research team will use a $3.6 million NIH grant to study whether legacy agricultural pollutants — disturbed by the 2023 Maui wildfires — are causing ongoing health impacts for Hawaii residents. The five-year study will track 1,000 participants and test soil, water, and biological samples across four exposure groups. UH Manoa […]
Maui County Plans Public Ferry to Lāna’i in 2027, Moloka’i by 2029
Maui County is moving forward with a publicly operated interisland ferry service, aiming to take over the existing Lāna’i route next year and restore Moloka’i service by 2029. The plan involves purchasing Expeditions’ fleet for over $46 million and requires an annual subsidy of nearly $2 million. Maui County plans to acquire and operate the […]
PGA Jr. League Regional Tournament Brings 16 Youth Golf Teams to Wailea
Wailea Golf Club is hosting a PGA Jr. League Regional tournament this weekend, drawing 16 youth All-Star teams competing for spots in national championships. The event runs Friday through Sunday at Wailea’s Gold Course. 16 youth All-Star teams, including two from Oʻahu, are competing at Wailea Golf Club September 19–21 for national championship berths. The […]
Maui Pig Sanctuary Seeks Help After Back-to-Back Storm Damage
The Maui Pig Sanctuary in Makawao sustained significant damage from spring flooding and two hurricanes and is seeking donations and volunteers to fund repairs. The nonprofit, which also offers public tours and therapy visits, houses 105 pigs across two properties. Kona low flooding in March and subsequent Hurricanes Lala and Lowell damaged the sanctuary’s Makawao […]
South Maui Growth Plan Raises Infrastructure Cost and Evacuation Concerns
The Maui County Council is reviewing the South Maui Community Plan update and finding that most capital projects lack cost estimates, with known costs already totaling $554 million. Council members are also pressing whether evacuation routes in Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena are adequate given wildfire risk. The Council committee is doing a section-by-section review of […]