New FEMA flood maps place 3,700 Oahu properties in high-risk zones
Updated FEMA flood maps have designated 3,700 additional Oahu parcels as high-risk flood areas, requiring property owners with federally backed loans to purchase flood insurance and comply with new building regulations. Property owners in newly designated Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally backed loans must obtain flood insurance within 45 days or lenders can force-place […]
Makawao Ave. Nighttime Closures June 16-18 for Water Line Repairs
Makawao Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Baldwin Avenue and Makani Road from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for three nights (June 16-18) while the Department of Water Supply conducts waterline repairs. Road closure affects Makawao Avenue between Baldwin Avenue and Makani Road for three consecutive nights. Through traffic will be detoured via […]
North Kihei Road Section Reopens Following Storm Damage Repairs
A section of South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street has reopened after storm-related repairs were completed ahead of schedule. The roadway was damaged by March Kona storms and repair work finished 10 days early. South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street reopened June 10, completing storm damage repairs. March Kona […]
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 […]
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 […]
Legal Challenges May Delay Lahaina Fire Settlement Payments to Survivors
Maui wildfire survivors may face further delays in receiving settlement money from the $4 billion fund as some attorneys are expected to challenge a recent court ruling that reduced legal fees. The first payments were scheduled to begin this week but could be postponed if legal appeals are filed. Judge Peter Cahill reduced attorneys’ fees […]
Hawaii Leads Nation in Laser Strikes Against Aircraft Near Airports
Hawaii has one of the highest rates of people pointing lasers at aircraft in the U.S., creating serious flight safety risks during takeoffs and landings at island airports. Federal officials report Hawaii tops the nation in per-capita laser strikes against aircraft. Laser beams can blind or disorient pilots during critical takeoff and landing phases near […]
Lahaina Fire Survivors Set to Receive Settlement Payments After 3 Years
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, settlement payments are ready for distribution to victims, with court rulings limiting attorney fees to 5% and insurer claims to 10% of the fund. Settlement distribution is beginning for 21,750 claimants who filed nearly 95,000 claims from the August 8, 2023 Lahaina fire. Judge limited attorney fees […]