Maui County Eyes $119M–$328M Desalination Plants to Meet Growing Water Demand
Maui County is in early planning stages for desalination facilities to address worsening water shortages, particularly in South and West Maui. Costs could range from $119 million to $328 million depending on capacity, and no construction timeline has been set. South and West Maui face the most acute water demand growth, with islandwide demand projected […]
Water Main Break and Sinkhole Close Lower Honoapiilani Road
A section of Lower Honoapiilani Road between Kahana Place and Omaikai Place has been temporarily closed due to a water main break and sinkhole. Public Works has been notified and officers are stationed at both ends of the closure. Lower Honoapiilani Road is closed between Kahana Place and Omaikai Place as of August 21, 2026. […]
State Board Blocks 30-Year East Maui Water Diversion License Auction
Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected a proposal to auction a 30-year license to divert up to 88 million gallons per day from East Maui streams. The board also rejected a separate water license for Maui County and sent the current diversion permit back through a court-ordered contested-case hearing. The state board […]
State Land Board Blocks East Maui Water License Auction, Orders Hearing
Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected a proposal to auction a 30-year East Maui commercial water license, instead advancing a court-ordered contested-case hearing over permits held by Mahi Pono and East Maui Irrigation Co. The board unanimously denied putting a 30-year East Maui water license up for public auction following hours of […]
Storm-Damaged Water Lines Being Repaired Across Multiple Maui Regions
Maui County’s Department of Water Supply is actively repairing storm-related waterline breaks in Upcountry, ʻUlupalakua, Honokohau, and West Maui. Some areas have had service restored, while others remain under active repair or water conservation notices. Olinda Road water service was restored Tuesday evening; Piʻiholo Road repairs are still ongoing. ʻUlupalakua waterline breaks were fixed Tuesday […]
Maui Wind Farm Turns to Dogs and Pheromones to Protect Native Geese
A 20-turbine wind farm on Maui is testing airport-style deterrent dogs and pheromones to reduce fatal interactions with endangered Hawaiian geese (nēnē). The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has adjusted the project’s permitted take limits for protected species as a result. The Kaheawa Wind Power facility on Maui is working with state wildlife […]
Ulupalakua Water Outage: Crews Working to Restore Service
An emergency mainline break has disrupted water service in the Ulupalakua area, with residents and businesses experiencing low to no water pressure. County crews are on site making repairs, and portable water tanks have been stationed near the general store. A mainline break in Ulupalakua has caused a water service outage with no confirmed restoration […]
Maui Road Closures Update: Most Routes Reopen After Storm Damage
Maui County issued multiple road closure updates on August 17, 2026, following storm-related tree and electrical line damage across the island. Two affected roadways have fully reopened, while one remains partially restricted. These updates were reported across three separate Maui County public alerts. Iao Valley Road has reopened after being closed due to downed trees […]
Maui Road Work Causes Lane Closures on Key Routes Through Aug. 20
The Hawaii Department of Transportation is conducting road work on several major Maui highways through August 20, causing lane closures on routes including Honoapiʻilani Highway and Piʻilani Highway. No closures are scheduled Friday, August 21 in observance of Statehood Day. Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) has multiple lane closures in the Lahaina area Monday–Thursday for guardrail […]
State Board to Vote on 30-Year Private Water Lease, Sidelining County Control
Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources is voting on a plan to auction a 30-year East Maui irrigation lease that would effectively give private farm operator Mahi Pono control of the system, bypassing the county-led water authority Maui voters approved in 2022. The DLNR proposal would grant Mahi Pono a license for up to […]