New Administrator to Lead Hawaii Emergency Management Agency July 1
Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency will transition to new leadership next month, with David Lopez replacing James Barros as administrator. Multiple sources report that Lopez brings extensive disaster recovery experience from coordinating Maui wildfire recovery efforts. James Barros will step down as HIEMA Administrator on July 1, 2026, after three and a half years of service […]
Vrbo Denies Refund Despite Hawaii Emergency Declaration, Leaves Host Decision
Multiple news sources report on a Massachusetts family’s dispute with Vrbo after losing $12,000 when the platform declined to activate its emergency policy during Hawaii’s March state of emergency. The case highlights how vacation rental platforms handle emergency cancellations and the discretion given to individual property hosts. Massachusetts family lost $12,000 on Vrbo rental after […]
Hawaii Named Top US Travel Destination for Baby Boomers in 2026 Survey
A YouGov survey found 52% of baby boomers rate Hawaii as their top US travel destination, with this demographic spending over $6,000 per trip and taking at least three vacations annually. Baby boomers average three trips per year and spend more than $6,000 per getaway according to PhocusWright research. 52% of boomers gave Hawaii the […]
Hawaii Man Gets 24-Month Prison Sentence for Fraudulent Lahaina Fire FEMA Claims
Daylyn Harris was sentenced to 24 months in prison for falsely claiming Lahaina wildfire losses to obtain over $60,000 in FEMA disaster relief he wasn’t entitled to receive. Harris falsely claimed he lived in Lahaina during the wildfire and suffered housing, income, and property losses. He and co-defendant Chelsea Johnson fraudulently obtained more than $60,000 […]
Governor Green Considers Gas Tax Pause as Fuel Prices Rise Statewide
Governor Green is reviewing options to temporarily suspend state and county gas taxes this summer to provide drivers relief from rising fuel costs. The potential pause could save consumers about 30 cents per gallon. Governor Green is considering pausing state and county gas taxes for part of the summer due to soaring pump prices. The […]
State Leadership Transitions as Governor Green Travels Out of State
Governor Green is traveling out of state through June 23, with Acting Governor Regan and Attorney General Lopez also leaving temporarily, making Budget Director Seth Colby acting governor for several days. Governor Green retains executive authority while traveling with family through June 23, 2026. Acting Governor Keith Regan will oversee daily operations but will be […]
Pacific Marine Monuments Reopened to Commercial Fishing Near Hawaii
President Trump signed an executive order reopening portions of Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, including areas around Papahānaumokuākea near Hawaii. The policy aims to boost economic opportunities for American fishermen and coastal communities. Commercial fishing is now allowed in the Mau Zone and Ho’omalu Zone of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The order opens fishing […]
Health Care Services Coming to Big Island, Child Safety Training Available
Military medical personnel will provide free healthcare on Hawaii Island June 19-28, while the state offers online training for reporting child abuse and neglect. Free medical, dental and eye care will be available on Hawaii Island from June 19-28 through military partnership program called Tropic Care. Services are open to all residents regardless of insurance […]
Barcelona Travel Study Reveals Tourism Pressure Patterns Similar to Hawaii
Travel writers visited Barcelona to study advanced overtourism effects, finding a city that’s overwhelmed but welcoming, with real housing pressures similar to those building in Hawaii. Anti-tourist protests were smaller and less confrontational than media coverage suggested. Barcelona receives 25 million visitors annually and faces housing costs up 68% for rent and 38% for home […]
Maui Real Estate Agent Receives Industry Recognition for 2025 Sales
Dave Futch, a Maui realtor with over 30 years of local experience, earned RealTrends Verified Top Agent recognition based on $10.94 million in 2025 sales volume across 10 transactions. Futch has worked in Maui real estate since 1993 and specializes in North Shore and Upcountry regions. He ranked No. 291 in Hawaii by sales volume […]