Invasive Beetle Detection Continues in Waikapū Area of Maui
Five dead coconut rhinoceros beetles have been found in Waikapū detection traps, prompting ongoing surveys and requests for residents to monitor palm trees and green waste piles. Three dead female coconut rhinoceros beetles were confirmed from Waikapū traps on June 4, followed by two more on June 8. No live beetles or larvae have been […]
Scientists Mark 100th Anniversary of Maunaloa’s 1926 Eruption
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory commemorated the centennial of Maunaloa’s 1926 eruption that destroyed Ho’ōpūloa village and crossed what is now Highway 11. The eruption was notable for being the first Hawaiian lava flow photographed from the air and attracted hundreds of spectators. The 1926 eruption began April 10 at the summit and migrated to the […]
New FEMA flood maps place 3,700 Oahu properties in high-risk zones
Updated FEMA flood maps have designated 3,700 additional Oahu parcels as high-risk flood areas, requiring property owners with federally backed loans to purchase flood insurance and comply with new building regulations. Property owners in newly designated Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally backed loans must obtain flood insurance within 45 days or lenders can force-place […]
Rep. Case Secures Hawaii Funding Despite Opposing Federal Spending Bills
Congressman Ed Case secured millions in Hawaii-specific funding for housing and infrastructure while opposing two federal spending bills due to cuts in affordable housing and environmental programs. Case secured $43 million for Native Hawaiian housing programs that the previous administration proposed eliminating. The bills include $175 million for transportation safety oversight critical for Hawaii’s aviation […]
State House District 14 Candidate Receives Four Labor Union Endorsements
Sne Patel, running for State House District 14 which includes Lahaina and West Maui, received endorsements from four major labor unions. The unions cited his focus on using local workers for West Maui’s recovery and rebuild efforts. Four labor unions endorsed Sne Patel’s campaign for State House District 14, which covers Lahaina and West Maui […]
Motorcycle Fatality on Piiholo Road Brings 2026 Traffic Deaths to Five
A 48-year-old Haiku man died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Piiholo Road in Makawao on June 10. This marks Maui County’s fifth traffic fatality of 2026, down from 11 at this time last year. The motorcyclist failed to navigate a left curve on Piiholo Road near Mahiai Place and was ejected after hitting an […]
Makawao Ave. Nighttime Closures June 16-18 for Water Line Repairs
Makawao Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Baldwin Avenue and Makani Road from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for three nights (June 16-18) while the Department of Water Supply conducts waterline repairs. Road closure affects Makawao Avenue between Baldwin Avenue and Makani Road for three consecutive nights. Through traffic will be detoured via […]
North Kihei Road Section Reopens Following Storm Damage Repairs
A section of South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street has reopened after storm-related repairs were completed ahead of schedule. The roadway was damaged by March Kona storms and repair work finished 10 days early. South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street reopened June 10, completing storm damage repairs. March Kona […]
Commercial fishing reopened in protected Hawaiian marine sanctuary areas
President Trump signed a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and other Pacific marine sanctuaries. The move has drawn support from fishing industry managers but criticism from conservation and Native Hawaiian groups. The proclamation affects Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, established in 2006 and expanded in […]
County Commission Finds Widespread Dysfunction in Maui Volunteer Boards
A Maui County review of 15 boards and committees found chronic mismanagement, poor attendance, and structural problems throughout county governance. The Cost of Government Commission recommends systemic reforms and dissolving some boards entirely. Many county boards failed to meet regularly, with some having no meetings for years due to volunteer recruitment difficulties. The Real Property […]