Grammy Winner Paul Wertico to Perform at Ritz-Carlton Maui May 21
Jazz drummer Paul Wertico, who won seven Grammy Awards with the Pat Metheny Group, will perform his first Maui show at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on May 21. Seven-time Grammy winner Paul Wertico will debut at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua on May 21. Wertico played drums with jazz legend Pat Metheny for 18 years and won […]
Maui Musician Releases Funk-Ukulele Album with Star-Studded Lineup
Local musician Vince Esquire has released ‘Funkulele,’ a nine-track funk album featuring ukulele and high-profile backing musicians including Tower of Power horns. The project was partially sponsored by Ron Panzo, owner of Nalu’s South Shore Grill. Vince Esquire, who previously toured with Gregg Allman, released an instrumental funk album featuring ukulele as the lead instrument. […]
Maui Prep Girls Golf Team Places Fourth at State Championships
Maui Prep’s girls golf team finished fourth at the state championships, led by senior Sacha Salem who placed 14th individually. The team had won three consecutive league titles before the state tournament. Maui Prep finished fourth at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championships held at Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course. Senior Sacha Salem led […]
Jackson Developer Admits to Unlawful Short-Term Rental of Worker Housing
A Jackson business owner admitted to using a deed-restricted worker apartment as an Airbnb rental, violating his 2019 contract with the town, though he denies fraudulent intent. Jeff Neishabouri admitted to short-term renting a deed-restricted apartment required for Jackson Hole workers on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The Town of Jackson sued Neishabouri in March […]
Hawaii High Court Reviews Civil Case Delays During Criminal Proceedings
The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering when civil cases should be paused while defendants face criminal charges, in a case involving jailed defense contractor Martin Kao. The ruling could set precedent for how Hawaii courts handle overlapping civil and criminal proceedings. Former Navatek CEO Martin Kao is serving 10+ years for fraud and illegal campaign […]
Maui County Street Homelessness Rises 40% Despite Flat Overall Numbers
The 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count conducted in January shows unsheltered homelessness on Maui jumped 40% while total homeless numbers remained essentially unchanged, according to multiple reports released this week. The data reveals a shift from sheltered to unsheltered populations amid ongoing housing challenges. Total homeless count in Maui County decreased slightly from 654 […]
Illegal Oahu Rentals Face $40K Fines as Honolulu Steps Up Enforcement
Honolulu fined two illegal vacation rentals $40,000 and is aggressively enforcing short-term rental rules, potentially shutting down properties between booking and guest arrival. Properties in residential neighborhoods outside resort zones like Waikiki and Ko Olina are generally prohibited from operating as vacation rentals. Two Oahu vacation rental properties were fined $40,000 by Honolulu for operating […]
Agriculture Leader Bobby Pahia Files for Upcountry Council Seat
Bobby Pahia, a family business owner with experience in land use planning and water management, has officially filed to run for the Upcountry Maui County Council seat. His campaign focuses on protecting land, providing cost-of-living relief, and supporting local families. Pahia brings decades of experience in land use planning, water management, and infrastructure maintenance to […]
War Memorial Stadium Reopens Temporarily for High School Graduations
Mayor Bissen is temporarily opening the closed War Memorial stadium for Maui High and Baldwin High graduation ceremonies on May 17-18, 2026. Expect increased traffic and facility closures in the area during these events. War Memorial stadium will open May 17-18 for two high school graduation ceremonies despite ongoing upgrades. Maui High graduation is May […]
County Seeks Input on New Lahaina Community Center and Field House Plans
Maui County is hosting a public meeting May 19 to gather community input on a new community center and field house near Lahaina Recreation Center. The facilities will serve as gathering spaces and emergency shelters. Public meeting scheduled for May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center social hall. Community center will include commercial kitchen, […]