Whitehorse Implements Staged Restrictions on Short-Term Rental Properties
Whitehorse City Council approved new regulations limiting short-term rentals in residential areas, with restrictions on non-resident operators taking effect in October 2027. Current operators can continue under a grandfather clause if they comply with city regulations. New short-term rental operators will be prohibited from renting residential properties that aren’t their primary residence starting October 1, […]
Maui County Council Elections May Shift Policy Direction This Fall
Upcoming Maui County Council elections could create a progressive majority as conservative members step down and competitive races emerge. The results may influence post-wildfire recovery policies, housing decisions, and development regulations. Two conservative council members are not seeking reelection, creating opportunities for progressive candidates to gain control. Elections are viewed as a referendum on local […]
Maui County Reviews $1.6B Budget with Housing and Infrastructure Focus
Maui County Council will hold the first reading of the fiscal year 2027 budget on Friday, featuring $1.6 billion in spending focused on housing and community infrastructure. The council must approve the final budget by June 10. The proposed $1.6 billion budget prioritizes housing development and community infrastructure improvements. Public hearings on Friday will allow […]
BC Privacy Ruling Protects Short-Term Rental Operator Address Privacy
British Columbia’s privacy commissioner ruled that Vancouver must keep short-term rental operator addresses confidential to protect owners from harassment and financial harm. The decision came after a years-long public records dispute by a housing advocate. BC privacy adjudicator ruled short-term rental addresses must remain private to prevent harassment and reputational damage to operators. The decision […]
Traffic Accident Briefly Blocks Kuihelani Highway, Now Reopened
A motor vehicle accident temporarily closed the southbound lane of Kuihelani Highway at Maui Lani Parkway. The roadway has since been reopened to traffic. Southbound lane of Kuihelani Highway was closed due to a motor vehicle accident. The closure affected traffic between Kuihelani Highway and Maui Lani Parkway. County officials have confirmed the roadway is […]
Big Island Council Debates Competing 20-Year Development Plans
Hawaii County Council is split between two development plans that will guide the Big Island’s growth over the next 20 years, rushing to approve one before November elections change council membership. Two competing plans are under consideration: a 310-page General Plan 2045 from the Planning Department and a shorter 72-page alternative from a council member. […]
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 Mayor Bissen Files for Re-Election, Key Council Members Seek New Terms
Mayor Richard Bissen has officially filed to run for re-election as Maui’s mayor, emphasizing the need for steady leadership. Several key Maui County Council incumbents have also committed to seeking re-election. Mayor Bissen has filed his re-election paperwork, campaigning on providing steady leadership for Maui. Multiple current Maui County Council members have officially entered the […]
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 […]