Legislature Passes Bill to Speed Infrastructure Rebuilding in Lahaina
A new bill would exempt government infrastructure projects in Maui County from lengthy Special Management Area reviews, potentially speeding up critical utility and road rebuilding in fire-affected areas. HB1823 would waive SMA permit requirements for federal, state, and county infrastructure projects with minimal environmental impact. The bill addresses delays not covered by previous exemptions for […]
State Parks Plans Bathroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena Beach
The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park in June, including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. New comfort stations will replace existing portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. Outdoor showers will be added as a new amenity for beach visitors. Parking […]
Emergency Water Repairs Cut Service to 100 Upcountry Properties Friday Night
Water service was interrupted for approximately 4-5 hours starting 8:35 PM on May 23 in parts of Upcountry Maui due to emergency mainline repairs. About 100 residences in the Makawao Avenue area were affected. Emergency mainline break required 4-5 hour water service interruption starting 8:35 PM May 23. Outage affected area from Makawao Avenue to […]
HECO Begins Two-Year Utility Pole Upgrades Along Key Lahaina Highway
Hawaiian Electric started replacing wooden utility poles with steel and composite materials along Honoapi’ilani Highway in Lahaina as part of wildfire risk reduction efforts. The two-year project will focus on critical evacuation routes while underground lines remain limited due to costs. Crews are replacing 20 wooden poles with 19 stronger steel or composite poles along […]
Power Plant Closures on Maui and Big Island Delayed Due to EPA Ruling
The EPA rejected Hawaii’s plan to shut down aging power plants on Maui and Hawaii Island, forcing Hawaiian Electric to keep the Kahului generating station and others running longer than planned. The Kahului generating station will continue operating beyond its planned retirement date due to grid reliability concerns. Hawaiian Electric says delays in renewable energy […]
State Attorney General Continues Public Corruption Probe Updates
Hawaii’s Attorney General provides routine biweekly updates on an ongoing public corruption investigation involving $35,000 in transferred funds. The AG emphasizes protecting investigation integrity while working expeditiously. Special Investigation and Prosecution Division continues reviewing records, conducting interviews, and evaluating subpoenaed information. Recent media coverage has increased public interest and speculation about the investigation. Attorney General […]
Small Business Bills Tracked by NFIB in 2026 Hawaii Legislative Session
The National Federation of Independent Business monitored 22 bills affecting small businesses during Hawaii’s 2026 legislative session. Several potentially costly measures including minimum wage increases and expanded leave requirements were deferred or failed to advance. Bills to raise minimum wage to $18/hour by 2027 and eliminate tipped wage credits failed to advance. Legislation expanding collective […]
Two Americans Killed Fighting With Communist Group in Philippines
Two Americans, including one radicalized at San Francisco State University, died in a firefight while fighting for a designated terrorist organization in the Philippines. Both were involved with Filipino-American activist groups that allegedly serve as fronts for Communist recruitment. Lyle Prijoles, 40, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, 26, were killed fighting for the New People’s Army, […]
June 3 Lahaina Recovery Meeting to Cover Infrastructure Projects
The County will hold its monthly Lahaina community meeting on June 3 to discuss restoration projects, water infrastructure, and recovery programs. Multiple agencies will provide individual assistance at resource tables after the meeting. Meeting covers Royal Complex restoration, DOT projects, and the upcoming Lahaina Watermain Project. County Office of Recovery will provide updates on Hoʻokumu […]
Timeshare Rental Platform RedWeek Grows as Hawaii Vacation Option
RedWeek’s verified timeshare rental marketplace is gaining popularity among travelers seeking safer online booking options, with Hawaii remaining one of their strongest destination categories including verified listings across all major islands. RedWeek operates as a trusted marketplace connecting timeshare owners with renters through verified listings and protected payments. The platform has A+ BBB accreditation and […]