March Flooding Creates Federal Aid Centers Amid Record Wet Season

Multiple sources report that Maui County experienced its second wettest season in 30 years, with March flooding prompting federal disaster assistance. FEMA and SBA are operating recovery centers through mid-June to help flood-affected residents and businesses. Maui County recorded its second wettest season in 30 years from October 2025 through April 2026, with rainfall 100-250% […]
Armed Man Threatens County Workers in Government Building, Arrested

A man brandished a gun during an argument with Maui County workers in a government building Friday morning, leading to his arrest on terroristic threatening charges. Police were not called until over an hour after the incident occurred. Kirill Basin pulled a gun on county workers during an argument in a Maui County government building. […]
Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Launches Chef Sheldon Simeon Menu July 1

Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving complimentary meals on domestic long-haul flights starting July 1, replacing them with a pre-order menu featuring dishes by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon priced at $10.99-$16.99. Free meals in main cabin on domestic long-haul flights will end July 1, 2024. New pre-order menu features dishes by James Beard-recognized Maui chef Sheldon […]
Coast Guard Rescues 21 from Charter Boat Near Maalaea Harbor

Coast Guard crews evacuated 21 passengers from the charter vessel Maui Diamond after smoke was reported in the engine room near Maalaea Harbor. No injuries occurred and the vessel was safely anchored. Coast Guard Station Maui evacuated one child and 20 adults from the charter vessel Maui Diamond near Maalaea Harbor on May 28. The […]
Maui Visitor Spending Up Despite April Drop in Tourist Arrivals

Hawaii saw higher visitor spending in April 2026 even though fewer tourists arrived compared to previous periods. April 2026 visitor spending increased despite a decrease in overall visitor arrivals to Hawaii. The spending increase suggests tourists may be staying longer or spending more per visit. This trend could indicate higher-value visitors are choosing Hawaii destinations. […]
Charter Boat Passengers Safely Rescued Near Maalaea Harbor

Coast Guard crews safely evacuated 21 passengers from a charter vessel experiencing engine room smoke near Maalaea Harbor. No injuries were reported and the vessel was able to return to harbor on its own. The Maui Diamond charter vessel reported smoke from its engine room while offshore near Maalaea Harbor on Thursday. Coast Guard crews […]
State Corruption Probe Involves Top Officials, Could Disrupt Key Programs

A growing corruption investigation has led to the departure of three high-level Hawaii officials, including Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke who is now on unpaid leave. The probe involves millions in COVID-test contracts and could disrupt state programs and services. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke is on unpaid leave, Human Services Director Ryan Yamane retired, and former […]
Atlantis Submarines Maui Resumes Operations After Nearly 3-Year Shutdown

Atlantis Submarines Maui has returned to operations nearly three years after losing almost all equipment in the 2023 Lahaina fire. The company is bringing back furloughed employees and resuming tourist submarine tours from Lahaina Harbor. Atlantis Submarines Maui resumed operations after losing nearly all equipment in the 2023 Lahaina fire. The company’s shuttle boat was […]
Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Changes Uniforms on Non-Hawaii Routes Only

Alaska Airlines will require Hawaiian flight attendants on Seattle-based international routes to non-Hawaii destinations to wear neutral uniforms instead of traditional aloha attire. Flights to and from Hawaii will keep leis, flowers, and aloha shirts for all crew members. About 250 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants on Alaska-branded Seattle routes to Europe and Asia must wear […]
Harbor Dredging Work Begins Monday as Part of Lahaina Restoration Efforts

State officials will begin routine dredging work at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor on Monday to remove accumulated sediment and restore safe vessel access, according to multiple reports. The project is part of ongoing restoration efforts following the 2023 wildfires and includes a rare opportunity to dredge the main harbor basin. Dredging work starts Monday, June […]