Community Volunteer Day Set for Kula Fire Restoration Nursery This Friday
Multiple sources report that the Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui and Kula Community Watershed Alliance are hosting a volunteer event to restore native ecosystems damaged by the August 2023 wildfires. The volunteer day will focus on propagating native Hawaiian plants for replanting in fire-affected areas of Kula. Volunteer event scheduled for Friday, May 29, from […]
Makena State Park Upgrades Include New Toll Booths, Pay Stations
The state announced bathroom and shower improvements for Big Beach but permit filings reveal the project also includes two toll booths and three pay stations at park entrances. Current $10 vehicle plus $5 per person fees for non-residents would continue. State publicly announced comfort station and shower upgrades but permit filing also lists toll booth […]
South Kihei Road Sinkhole Repairs to Continue Through Fall
Repairs to the sinkhole near Kamaole Beach Park II on South Kihei Road will take until fall due to complex underground damage from March storms. All area businesses and residences remain accessible despite ongoing construction. The sinkhole was caused by record rainfall from March kona low storms that overwhelmed the drainage system. Repairs require custom […]
Maui County Acquires Private Water System in West Maui Infrastructure Deal
Maui County has agreed to take over Maui Land & Pineapple Company’s drinking water system as part of efforts to bring more of the island’s fragmented water infrastructure under public control. The move aims to address ongoing disputes between public and private interests over water management. County will assume ownership of MLP’s drinking water system, […]
Hawaii Counties Gain New Regulatory Authority Over Short-Term Rentals
Hawaii has implemented new framework changes affecting short-term rental operators, giving local counties expanded regulatory control over STR operations. Hawaii has moved forward with regulatory framework changes that hand a ‘regulatory kill switch’ to local counties for short-term rental oversight. The changes are part of broader 2026 short-term rental law updates affecting operators across multiple […]
National Guard Ends Multi-Month Storm Recovery Operations Across Islands
The Hawaii National Guard concluded its statewide response to severe March and April 2026 Kona Low storms on May 22, after deploying up to 500 personnel for rescues, damage assessments, and recovery operations across all islands including Maui. Guard conducted 68 damage assessments on Maui County including aerial surveys of Molokai for the mayor. Three […]
Wailuku First Friday Community Event Returns June 5 with Local Music
Wailuku First Friday returns June 5 from 6-9 p.m. on Market Street featuring local Hawaiian musicians, food vendors, and shopping. The free family event includes performances by Grammy-nominated Gregory Juan and local group Kuikawa. Market Street will close to vehicle traffic at 5:30 p.m. with free parking available at Wailuku Municipal Garage after 6 p.m. […]
Emergency Water Repairs Cut Service to 75 Wailuku Homes for 3 Hours
Emergency water repairs caused a 3-hour outage affecting 75 residences in the Ekoa Place, Alaneo Place, and South Alu Road areas of Wailuku starting at 9:30 AM on May 26. Water service was disrupted for approximately 3 hours starting at 9:30 AM due to emergency repairs. The outage affected 75 residences and 15 fire hydrants […]
Council Advances 170-Unit Housing Development Near Congested Paia Town
Maui County Council committee voted to advance a 170-home development proposal on former sugarcane land near Paia, despite existing traffic and parking issues in the already crowded north shore town. The development would include 120 single-family homes, 50 multi-family units, commercial businesses, and a medical clinic on 40 acres. A 200-stall public parking lot is […]
Hawaii Uses Odometer Readings for New Mileage-Based Road User Fees
Hawaii has implemented a mileage-based user fee system that charges drivers per mile driven rather than per gallon of fuel, using odometer readings during annual safety inspections to protect privacy. Hawaii assesses mileage-based fees through odometer readings during annual vehicle safety inspections, with payment due at registration renewal. The system replaces traditional fuel taxes and […]