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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 Council Member Sugimura Enters 2026 Maui County Mayor Race
Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura officially filed nomination papers to run for mayor in 2026. Her campaign focuses on housing, infrastructure, government efficiency, and economic resilience. Sugimura’s platform prioritizes housing solutions, infrastructure development, and improved permitting processes. Campaign emphasizes making government more efficient and responsive to residents’ daily needs. Economic resilience and supporting […]
Maui County Seeks Input on New Lahaina Community Center and Field House
Maui County is hosting a public meeting May 19 to gather community input on plans for a new multipurpose community center and field house near the Lahaina Recreation Center. The facilities will serve as gathering spaces and emergency resources for West Maui residents. Public meeting scheduled for May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center […]
Maui County Parks Department Placeholder – No Current News Available
Maui County’s Parks and Recreation department has no current news to report, directing visitors to check press release sections for updates. No specific parks or recreation news is currently available from Maui County. Additional information can be found in department and county press release sections. This appears to be a placeholder message on the county’s […]