FEMA Awards Over $191K to Hawaii for COVID-19 Emergency Response Costs
FEMA approved $1.3 million in disaster recovery funding across multiple jurisdictions, including over $191,000 to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for COVID-19 prevention costs. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency received more than $191,000 for costs related to preventing COVID-19 spread. The funding comes through FEMA’s Public Assistance program for post-disaster infrastructure and public safety projects. Additional awards […]
Emergency Water Repairs to Affect 20 Haiku Properties for 3 Hours
Maui County will shut off water service to 20 residences on Kahiapo Place in Haiku for approximately 3 hours starting at 9:10 a.m. on May 22 for emergency repairs. Water outage affects Kahiapo Place area in Haiku, Upcountry Maui starting 9:10 a.m. May 22. Service interruption expected to last approximately 3 hours for emergency repairs. […]
State Parks Plans Restroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena State Park
The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. Permanent restrooms will replace portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. New outdoor shower facilities will be added for visitors to rinse off. Paved parking areas will be […]
County Bill Requires Notice to Farm Tenants Before Land Subdivision
A Maui County Council committee passed a bill requiring landowners to notify agricultural lessees by certified mail before filing subdivision permits. The measure stemmed from Maui Gold Pineapple being unaware of subdivision plans on land they lease. The Housing and Land Use Committee approved the notification requirement by a 5-2 vote. Landowners would need to […]
Property Owners Sue Township Over Restrictive STR Rules in Class Action
Homeowners filed a class action lawsuit against Milton Township, claiming new short-term rental restrictions violate constitutional rights and are designed to eliminate STRs through excessive regulation. The lawsuit challenges restrictions including a seven-day minimum stay requirement and six-week annual rental cap. Property owners argue the ordinance bans basic activities like birthday parties and family gatherings […]
County Opens Public Input Period for New Lahaina Recreation Facilities
The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation has launched a public comment period for planned community center and field house facilities in Lahaina, as reported by multiple local news sources. The virtual open house allows residents to provide feedback on layout and programming through June 14. County launched website for public input on Lahaina […]
Hawaii Officials Warn of Above-Normal Hurricane Season with 5-13 Storms Expected
State and federal officials announced an above-normal 2026 hurricane season forecast for Hawaii, with 5-13 tropical cyclones predicted for the central Pacific basin. Multiple sources reported on the preparedness briefing where Governor Green proclaimed May as Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Month. NOAA forecasts 70% chance of above-normal hurricane season with 5-13 tropical cyclones in central […]
Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Rattles Hawaii Islands, No Tsunami Warning
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off Hawaii’s Big Island Friday night at 9:46 p.m., causing strong shaking felt across multiple islands including Maui. Multiple sources confirm there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii, though officials warn residents to check for damages and remain alert for aftershocks. 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred at 9:46 p.m. Friday, 12 […]
Invasive Fire Ant Detections Spike on Maui, Threatening Tourism and Property
Multiple news sources report that Maui is facing a critical surge in invasive fire ant detections after years of successful control efforts. Officials warn the island may be at a tipping point, with new site discoveries quadrupling in 2024 and the pests now threatening tourism, agriculture, and residential areas. Fire ant detections jumped from an […]
Federal Disaster Aid Approval Rates Vary by State Politics, Affecting Recovery
Federal disaster aid approval rates show sharp political disparities, with 89% of Republican-led state requests approved versus 23% for Democratic-led states. The inconsistent system delays housing recovery and rebuilding efforts nationwide. Disaster aid approval rates vary dramatically between Republican-led states (89%) and Democratic-led states (23%) under current administration. Federal disaster aid decisions rely on political […]