Emergency Agency Lifts Most Evacuation Warnings as Storm Conditions Improve
Maui Emergency Management lifted evacuation warnings and advisories for most county zones as kona storm conditions improve, though some areas remain under advisory due to flooding and sinkhole risks. Most MEMA evacuation warnings and advisories were lifted at 6 PM on March 22 due to improving storm conditions. Some zones remain under evacuation advisory due […]
Kona Storm Recovery Continues with Water Disruptions and Road Closures
Maui County is conducting cleanup and damage assessments following a severe kona storm that caused flooding and wind damage. Water service remains disrupted in Upper Kula, and several roads remain closed or hazardous. Emergency shelters are closing today at 5 p.m. as fewer people need temporary housing. Water service is disrupted in Upper Kula with […]
Heavy Flooding Forces Lahaina Road Closures, Traffic Rerouted
Police have closed Kapunakea at Lahaina Cannery and Front Street due to heavy flooding. Highway traffic is being redirected through Lahaina Cannery. Kapunakea at Lahaina Cannery and Front Street are closed due to heavy flooding. Police are actively managing the road closures and traffic control. Highway traffic is being rerouted through Lahaina Cannery. The closures […]
Maui Council Advances New Hotel Zoning Proposal for Vacation Rentals After Initial Committee Deferral
A proposal to create new hotel zoning regulations for vacation rentals on Maui has moved forward to the planning commissions after initially being deferred by the Housing and Land Use Committee. The measure represents a significant step in the county’s ongoing efforts to regulate short-term rental properties through updated zoning classifications. The Housing and Land […]
West Maui Property Owners Face Temporary Restrictions on New Swimming Pool Construction
Maui County Council has moved forward with a temporary moratorium on constructing new private swimming pools in West Maui. The interim measure aims to address water conservation concerns in the region. The temporary ban specifically targets new private pool construction in West Maui areas Water conservation and resource management appear to be key drivers behind […]
Legal Battle Begins Over Maui’s Short-Term Rental Elimination Plan
Multiple lawsuits have been filed to stop Maui County’s Bill 9, which would phase out short-term rental operations across the island. The legal challenges were anticipated as property owners and industry stakeholders fight to preserve vacation rental opportunities. Property owners have filed court challenges to prevent the implementation of Bill 9’s short-term rental restrictions The […]
Community Debate Continues Over Short-Term Rental Impact on Maui
A recent opinion piece in The Maui News highlights ongoing tensions between vacation rental operators and local residents regarding housing availability and community impact on the island. Local discourse continues around the role of vacation rentals in Maui’s housing market and community dynamics Vacation rental owners face criticism from some community members who cite housing […]
Maui County Council Faces Criticism Over Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Local residents are expressing concerns that recent Maui County Council decisions regarding short-term rentals are primarily aimed at limiting tourism rather than addressing housing issues effectively. Community members view the council’s STR vote as an attempt to restrict Maui’s tourism industry Debate continues over balancing tourism revenue with local housing needs Residents question whether current […]
Maui Council Member Tom Cook Explains Opposition to Controversial Bill 9
Maui County Council Member Tom Cook has publicly detailed his reasons for voting against Bill 9, citing concerns about its impact on property rights and the local economy. Cook’s opposition highlights ongoing tensions in Maui’s approach to regulating short-term rentals and housing policy. Council Member Tom Cook voted against Bill 9, explaining his position in […]
Maui County Council Advances Major Zoning Legislation with Implications for Short-Term Rentals
The Maui County Council has passed Bill 9 on its second reading, marking a significant step forward in proposed zoning changes that could impact vacation rental operations across the island. The legislation now moves toward final implementation as county officials work to address housing and tourism balance concerns. Bill 9 passed second and final reading […]