UHERO Study Quantifies Ongoing Economic Losses from Wildfire Tourism Drop
A University of Hawaii economic study shows Maui continues to face significant job and revenue losses from reduced tourism following the 2023 wildfires, with impacts spreading statewide through supply chain connections. Maui County lost an average of 18,000 jobs in late 2023, declining to about 9,000 jobs throughout 2024. Statewide economic impact in 2024 reached […]
February Tourist Spending Rises 10.3% as Economic Recovery Continues
Tourist spending in Hawaii increased 10.3% in February while UHERO released analysis on Maui’s post-fire tourism economic impact. Several other legal and political developments are affecting the state. February tourist spending increased 10.3% compared to the previous period. UHERO published analysis examining the economic impact of Maui’s tourism downturn following the fires. Honolulu officials are […]
Maui County Opens Grant Applications for Affordable Housing Development
Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Department of Housing is seeking nonprofit partners to develop affordable housing on county-owned land through its Experimental and Demonstration Housing Projects Fund. The initiative aims to address the local housing crisis through innovative approaches targeting families earning 80% or less of area median income. Applications are being sought from […]
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 […]