County Council Committee Backs $4M More for Wailuku Cultural Center Project
A Maui County Council committee approved adding $4 million in bond funding for the under-construction Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts cultural facility in Wailuku, bringing the total project cost to $50.5 million. The additional $4 million would restore items cut during construction including commercial kitchen equipment, security systems, and rooftop solar panels. The original $46.5 million […]
McFarland Commission Backs Tighter Short-Term Rental Rules with Grandfather Clause
McFarland’s Plan Commission unanimously recommended stricter short-term rental regulations including a 7-day minimum stay requirement for all owners and limiting rentals to 180 consecutive days per year. Current permit holders would be grandfathered from most new restrictions. The Plan Commission will send the proposed ordinance changes to the village board for a May 26 vote. […]
Hawaii Campaign Finance Law Changes and Training Sessions Held on Maui
Multiple sources reported on recent campaign finance developments affecting Hawaii, including new legislation and training sessions conducted on Maui. The changes involve restrictions on corporate spending in elections and new compliance requirements. Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2471 into law as Act 11, establishing new campaign finance restrictions on corporations and nonprofit organizations (Maui […]
Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach Tops Hawaii Magazine’s 2026 Best Beaches List
Ka’anapali Beach on Maui’s west side was voted the top beach in Hawaii for 2026 by Hawaii Magazine readers, jumping from fifth place last year. The three-mile beach is praised for its snorkeling, whale watching, and sunset cliff jumping ceremony. Ka’anapali Beach jumped from fifth place in 2025 to become Hawaii’s number one rated beach […]
Maui’s Remote Red Sand Beach Attracts Visitors Despite Dangerous Access Trail
Kaihalulu Beach on Maui continues drawing adventurous travelers with its unique red sand formed by iron oxide, though authorities warn of a steep, slippery access trail that has caused injuries. The beach’s distinctive red color comes from iron oxide in volcanic cliffs that erodes and mixes with black volcanic ash. Visitors must navigate a steep, […]
County Committee Postpones Kahului Overnight Parking Ban Decision
Maui County deferred action on a proposed overnight parking ban in Kahului’s industrial area after hearing concerns about impacts on homeless residents. The committee also reviewed changes to water development fees. Bill 49 would ban overnight parking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on three streets near Kahului businesses. Local businesses requested the ban due […]
Maui County Plans to Buy Private West Maui Water Systems for Public Control
Maui County is pursuing deals to purchase three private water systems in West Maui, which would increase county control from 45% to 93% of the area’s water supply. The acquisitions include watershed land, wells, and infrastructure currently owned by private companies. County seeks to buy water systems in Olowalu, Launiupoko, and from Maui Land and […]
County Moves to Control 93% of West Maui Water Through Private Acquisitions
Multiple sources report that Maui County has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire water infrastructure from Maui Land & Pineapple Company, part of a broader effort to gain control of private water systems in West Maui. The move would increase county control of the region’s water from 45% to 93% and support housing development […]
Local Columnist Reflects on Millennial Generation’s Challenges
A Maui News columnist shares personal reflections on how millennials are navigating economic uncertainty and serving as cultural bridges between generations. Local writer discusses millennials adapting to economic uncertainty despite promises of stability through hard work and education. The column draws parallels between aging public infrastructure and generational pressures on millennials. Author reflects on challenges […]
County Pauses New Speed Humps After Installing 69 Traffic Devices
Maui County installed 69 speed humps and similar traffic-calming devices across the island in the past year, prompting resident complaints and a temporary pause on new installations in Haʻikū. The county installed 69 traffic-calming devices including speed humps and speed tables on roads across Maui in the past year. Nearly half of the installations (37) […]