New EV Fast Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport on West Maui
A new 24/7 electric vehicle charging station with four fast chargers is now operational at Kapalua Airport, funded through a federal program. The station serves both residents and visitors in West Maui with 150 kW DC fast charging capabilities. Four 150 kW DC fast chargers are now available 24/7 at Kapalua Airport with both NACS […]
Federal Bill Aims to Address Hawaii’s Critical Doctor Shortage Problem
Senator Schatz introduced bipartisan legislation to identify areas with general surgeon shortages in Hawaii, where the state has a 14% shortage overall and Hawaii Island faces a 40% shortage. Hawaii has a 14% statewide shortage of general surgeons, with Hawaii Island facing a severe 40% shortage. Many residents must travel off-island to receive surgical care […]
Emergency Water Repairs to Affect 15 Upcountry Homes for Two Hours
Maui County is conducting emergency water mainline repairs on Nehe Place in Upcountry Maui, causing a planned 2-hour outage starting at 2:30 p.m. on May 21. Water service will be interrupted for approximately 2 hours beginning at 2:30 p.m. on May 21. The outage affects about 15 residences in the Nehe Place area of Upcountry […]
Maui Develops Battery Waste Solution from 2023 Fire Cleanup Experience
Maui County created a method to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries damaged in the 2023 wildfires, processing several tons of EV batteries and helping with LA fires cleanup. The “Maui Method” uses a seven-step process including saltwater brine soaking to safely neutralize damaged lithium-ion batteries. Several tons of abandoned electric vehicle batteries on county lands […]
Mayor Bissen Announces Re-election Campaign for Maui County
Mayor Richard Bissen filed for re-election, citing continued work needed on housing, infrastructure, and wildfire recovery. His administration reports 190% increase in affordable housing production and securing $1.6 billion in federal recovery funding. Bissen’s administration increased affordable housing production by 190% since 2023 with nearly 900 homes delivered. The county secured approximately $1.6 billion in […]
Agriculture Leader Bobby Pahia Announces County Council Campaign
Bobby Pahia, a family business owner and agriculture leader, has filed to run for Maui County Council with priorities focused on protecting land, providing cost-of-living relief, and empowering collective leadership. Pahia brings decades of experience in land use planning, water management, and infrastructure maintenance. His campaign centers on three priorities: protect ‘āina, provide cost-of-living relief, […]
Medical Air Transport Program Updates Referral Process for Molokai, Lanai
Pūlama Ka Heke has expanded its medical air transport program to allow specialists to submit referrals directly when primary care providers cannot, aiming to reduce delays in off-island medical care. The ERMAT program now allows treating specialists to submit referrals directly when primary care providers are unable to do so. All referrals must include confirmed […]
South Kihei Road Storm Repairs Resume May 28 with Daytime Closures
Storm damage repairs on South Kihei Road will resume May 28 with weekday lane closures through June 20. Local access only will be allowed during working hours with detours required for through traffic. Repair work paused temporarily due to material delivery delays but resumes May 28. Daytime closures from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays […]
Kaanapali Beach Lifeguard Tower Plans Move Forward After Missing Tourist
A missing North Carolina swimmer at Kaanapali Beach has renewed focus on planned lifeguard services for the area. County officials say a lifeguard tower design is underway after securing private property permissions. A 75-year-old North Carolina visitor went missing while snorkeling near Black Rock at Kaanapali Resort on May 8. Coast Guard and county rescue […]
Stowe Board Proposes 850-Unit Cap and License Transfer Restrictions
Stowe’s selectboard is considering amendments that would cap short-term rentals at 850 units and prevent license transfers when non-resident owners sell properties. The regulations would exempt homestead residents and set an August 2026 registration deadline. Proposed cap of 850 short-term rental properties with grandfathering for those registered by Aug. 6, 2026. Non-resident owners who miss […]