Property Owners Sue Township Over Restrictive STR Rules in Class Action
Homeowners filed a class action lawsuit against Milton Township, claiming new short-term rental restrictions violate constitutional rights and are designed to eliminate STRs through excessive regulation. The lawsuit challenges restrictions including a seven-day minimum stay requirement and six-week annual rental cap. Property owners argue the ordinance bans basic activities like birthday parties and family gatherings […]
County Opens Public Input Period for New Lahaina Recreation Facilities
The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation has launched a public comment period for planned community center and field house facilities in Lahaina, as reported by multiple local news sources. The virtual open house allows residents to provide feedback on layout and programming through June 14. County launched website for public input on Lahaina […]
Hawaii Officials Warn of Above-Normal Hurricane Season with 5-13 Storms Expected
State and federal officials announced an above-normal 2026 hurricane season forecast for Hawaii, with 5-13 tropical cyclones predicted for the central Pacific basin. Multiple sources reported on the preparedness briefing where Governor Green proclaimed May as Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Month. NOAA forecasts 70% chance of above-normal hurricane season with 5-13 tropical cyclones in central […]
Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Rattles Hawaii Islands, No Tsunami Warning
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off Hawaii’s Big Island Friday night at 9:46 p.m., causing strong shaking felt across multiple islands including Maui. Multiple sources confirm there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii, though officials warn residents to check for damages and remain alert for aftershocks. 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred at 9:46 p.m. Friday, 12 […]
Invasive Fire Ant Detections Spike on Maui, Threatening Tourism and Property
Multiple news sources report that Maui is facing a critical surge in invasive fire ant detections after years of successful control efforts. Officials warn the island may be at a tipping point, with new site discoveries quadrupling in 2024 and the pests now threatening tourism, agriculture, and residential areas. Fire ant detections jumped from an […]
Federal Disaster Aid Approval Rates Vary by State Politics, Affecting Recovery
Federal disaster aid approval rates show sharp political disparities, with 89% of Republican-led state requests approved versus 23% for Democratic-led states. The inconsistent system delays housing recovery and rebuilding efforts nationwide. Disaster aid approval rates vary dramatically between Republican-led states (89%) and Democratic-led states (23%) under current administration. Federal disaster aid decisions rely on political […]
Heavy Rains Expected to Increase Maui Wildfire Risk as Vegetation Dries
Recent heavy rainfall across Hawaii has sparked vegetation growth that officials warn will become fire fuel when it dries out during expected drier fall conditions. Wildfire prevention efforts have expanded statewide since the 2023 Maui fires. Recent Kona Low rains triggered vegetation growth that will increase fire risk when it dries out this fall. Hawaii […]
Celebrity Real Estate Investment Trends Shape Maui Property Market
High-profile celebrities and tech billionaires are increasingly purchasing luxury properties across Maui, with investments concentrated in areas like Haiku, Wailea, and Upcountry affecting the island’s real estate market dynamics. Celebrity buyers are focusing on specific neighborhoods including Haiku/Huelo for privacy, Wailea/Makena for luxury oceanfront properties, and Upcountry areas for pastoral settings. Properties in celebrity-favored areas […]
County Committee Approves Contested Kaʻehu Bay Land Purchase Despite Family Objections
Maui County Council committee voted 6-3 to advance a $480,000 purchase of Kaʻehu Bay shoreline property despite objections from a Native Hawaiian family claiming disputed ownership. The family requested deferral for further consultation on title issues. Committee approved buying 0.41-acre Kaʻehu Bay parcel from LDS Church for $480,000, below its $571,500 appraised value. Native Hawaiian […]
Montgomery Council Member Attended Hawaii Conference During Budget Week
A Montgomery County Council member participated virtually in budget sessions while attending county association conferences in Maui. The trip’s funding source and appropriateness during critical budget deliberations is being questioned. Council Member Laurie-Anne Sayles attended National Association of Counties conferences in Maui during a critical county budget week in May. She participated virtually in budget […]