Hawaii Counties Gain New Regulatory Authority Over Short-Term Rentals
Hawaii has implemented new framework changes affecting short-term rental operators, giving local counties expanded regulatory control over STR operations. Hawaii has moved forward with regulatory framework changes that hand a ‘regulatory kill switch’ to local counties for short-term rental oversight. The changes are part of broader 2026 short-term rental law updates affecting operators across multiple […]
National Guard Ends Multi-Month Storm Recovery Operations Across Islands
The Hawaii National Guard concluded its statewide response to severe March and April 2026 Kona Low storms on May 22, after deploying up to 500 personnel for rescues, damage assessments, and recovery operations across all islands including Maui. Guard conducted 68 damage assessments on Maui County including aerial surveys of Molokai for the mayor. Three […]
Wailuku First Friday Community Event Returns June 5 with Local Music
Wailuku First Friday returns June 5 from 6-9 p.m. on Market Street featuring local Hawaiian musicians, food vendors, and shopping. The free family event includes performances by Grammy-nominated Gregory Juan and local group Kuikawa. Market Street will close to vehicle traffic at 5:30 p.m. with free parking available at Wailuku Municipal Garage after 6 p.m. […]
Emergency Water Repairs Cut Service to 75 Wailuku Homes for 3 Hours
Emergency water repairs caused a 3-hour outage affecting 75 residences in the Ekoa Place, Alaneo Place, and South Alu Road areas of Wailuku starting at 9:30 AM on May 26. Water service was disrupted for approximately 3 hours starting at 9:30 AM due to emergency repairs. The outage affected 75 residences and 15 fire hydrants […]
Council Advances 170-Unit Housing Development Near Congested Paia Town
Maui County Council committee voted to advance a 170-home development proposal on former sugarcane land near Paia, despite existing traffic and parking issues in the already crowded north shore town. The development would include 120 single-family homes, 50 multi-family units, commercial businesses, and a medical clinic on 40 acres. A 200-stall public parking lot is […]
Hawaii Uses Odometer Readings for New Mileage-Based Road User Fees
Hawaii has implemented a mileage-based user fee system that charges drivers per mile driven rather than per gallon of fuel, using odometer readings during annual safety inspections to protect privacy. Hawaii assesses mileage-based fees through odometer readings during annual vehicle safety inspections, with payment due at registration renewal. The system replaces traditional fuel taxes and […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs to Begin June 1, Fall Completion Target Set
Construction on the South Kihei Road sinkhole repair near Kamaole Beach Park II will begin June 1 with a target completion date of fall 2026. The County secured emergency federal funding and awarded the contract to P.B. Sullivan Construction. Construction bids were awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. The […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs Near Kamaole Beach Park II Target Fall Completion
Maui County awarded emergency repairs for the South Kihei Road sinkhole to P.B. Sullivan Construction, with work beginning June 1st and completion targeted for fall 2026. The county is pursuing federal emergency funding for the complex drainage and roadway reconstruction project. Construction contract awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. […]
Upcountry Maui Water Service Back Online After Emergency Mainline Repairs
Water service has been restored to the Makawao area of Upcountry Maui following emergency repairs to a mainline break that were completed ahead of schedule. Water service restored as of 4:30 p.m. on May 25 in the Makawao Avenue to Makani Road area. The affected zone included properties from Old Haleakala Highway to Haleakala Highway. […]
Maui’s Japanese Cultural Festival Draws Hundreds to UH Campus Event
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui held its 24th annual Matsuri festival at UH Maui College, attracting hundreds of attendees for cultural performances, food, and activities. The event featured performers from Japan and local groups, promoting Japanese culture and community connections. The festival took place May 23 at UH Maui College with the theme ‘tomo’ […]