Maui County Moves to Buy Two West Maui Water Systems for $6M
Maui County is seeking Council approval to purchase the Launiupoko and Olowalu private water systems for up to $6 million, part of a broader effort to bring 93% of West Maui’s drinking water infrastructure under public ownership. Final closing is not expected until April 2027, pending Council and Public Utilities Commission approval. The county would […]
East Maui Water Outage on Wailua Road Affects 31 Homes for ~4 Hours
A mainline break on Wailua Road in East Maui caused an emergency water service outage on July 30, starting at 8:30 a.m. and lasting approximately four hours. About 31 residences were affected. Emergency repairs on a mainline break triggered the outage beginning at 8:30 a.m. on July 30. Approximately 31 residences and 12 standpipes/hydrants lost […]
Maui County Eyes Desalination to Address Water Shortages in West and South Maui
Maui County’s Department of Water Supply is holding public meetings in August to explore desalination as a solution to growing water demand in West and South Maui. Current supplies are already strained, with West Maui peak demand exceeding reliable supply by over 40%. Public meetings on desalination are scheduled for Aug. 5 in Kihei and […]
Makawao Avenue Weekend Road Closures Run Through Late August
Maui County’s Department of Public Works is closing both lanes of Makawao Avenue on select weekends through Aug. 23 for Phase 3 of a road reconstruction project. Weekday single-lane closures also continue during work hours. Full weekend road closures (6 a.m. Saturday to 6:30 p.m. Sunday) affect Makawao Avenue between Makani Road and Maha Road […]
Audubon Society Urges Pueo Protections in Lahaina Bypass Road Study
The National Audubon Society has asked state transportation officials to include a biological review of the Hawaiian short-eared owl (pueo) as part of planning for a Lahaina Bypass connector road near Wahikuli Gulch. The group supports the bypass project but wants wildlife considerations built into the design and construction schedule. A proposed connector road between […]
New State Rule Bans Most Plant Material Shipments to Maui and Lānai
Hawaii’s Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity has enacted Interim Rule 26-2, effective July 29, 2026, prohibiting the transport of coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials — including compost, mulch, wood chips, and most live plants — from other Hawaiian islands to Maui and Lānai. The rule aims to prevent the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros […]
Makawao Avenue Weekend Road Closures Run Through Aug. 16
Maui County’s Department of Public Works will close sections of Makawao Avenue on three consecutive weekends starting August 1 as part of an ongoing reconstruction project. Full lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6:30 p.m. Sunday each weekend. Full weekend closures on Makawao Avenue are scheduled Aug. 1–2, Aug. 8–9, […]
Honokohau Valley Water Main Break Could Mean Days Without Service
A mainline break has cut water service to the Honokohau Valley area as of July 29. Repairs are underway but restoration could take several days, with no estimated timeline given. A mainline break has caused an emergency water outage in the Honokohau Valley area. Maui County Department of Water Supply crews are on scene, but […]
Maui County Holds Public Meetings on Desalination as Long-Term Water Solution
Maui’s Department of Water Supply is hosting two community meetings in August to discuss desalination as a potential long-term water source for South and West Maui. The meetings follow a 2024 feasibility study and will cover costs, project status, and next steps. South Maui meeting is August 5 at Kīhei Community Center; West Maui meeting […]
FEMA Doubles Rent for 600 Maui Fire Survivors Still in Temporary Housing
Multiple sources report that FEMA is raising rents for approximately 600 Maui wildfire survivors still living in federally subsidized temporary housing, with some residents seeing their monthly payments double starting September 1. The increases are part of FEMA’s policy to bring payments to 50% of Fair Market Rent for Maui County and mark the second […]