Category: Short-Term Rentals

Maui Police Honor Fallen Officer During National Police Week Observance

The Maui Police Department is participating in National Police Week events in Washington D.C. and illuminating the Wailuku Police Station in blue throughout May to honor fallen officers. MPD delegation attending memorial events in Washington D.C. to honor Officer Suzanne O at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Wailuku Police Station will display blue lighting […]

Maui County Council Elections Shape Up as Two Key Members Exit

Two Maui County Council incumbents have officially filed for re-election while Council Chair Alice Lee and Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura are stepping down, creating open seats. The filing deadline is June 2 with primary elections in August. West Maui’s Tamara Paltin and East Maui’s Shane Sinenci have officially filed for re-election. Council Chair Alice […]

HGTV Stars Owe $40K in Fines for Unpermitted Vacation Rentals

Renovation Aloha hosts Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama face $40,000 in unpaid fines for operating two illegal short-term rentals in Honolulu without proper permits. The properties were operating outside resort zones without special permits required by city regulations. One Kaneohe property was fining $1,000/night for 3-night stays without permits, resulting in $10,000 fine and now requires […]

Ho’okipa Hosts First-Ever State High School Surfing Championship

Maui County has reported on the successful hosting of Hawaii’s inaugural state high school surfing championships at Ho’okipa Beach Park on May 1-2, 2026. The event drew significant participation and praise for the venue’s world-class conditions. 174 high school surfers (87 boys and 87 girls) competed in the first-ever HHSAA state surfing championship Over 1,000 […]

Maui County Offers $150K Grants for Financial Literacy Programs

Maui County’s Office of Economic Development is offering $150,000 in grants for financial literacy programs serving residents, with applications due June 15. The funding prioritizes programs covering budgeting, credit, housing readiness, and small business financial management. Grant applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 15, 2026. Priority given to programs serving underserved communities […]

Maui County Seeks Input on New Lahaina Community Center and Field House

Maui County will hold a public meeting May 19 to gather community feedback on plans for a new multipurpose community center and field house near Lahaina Recreation Center. Both facilities will serve as emergency resources and community gathering spaces. Public meeting scheduled May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center social hall for community input. […]

Weekend Road Closures on Makawao Avenue Continue Through June 2026

Makawao Avenue will have weekend road closures from May 16 through June 21, 2026, as part of ongoing reconstruction work. Local traffic access will be maintained during the closures. Full weekend closures from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6:30 p.m. Sunday affect different sections each weekend through June 21, 2026. Local traffic access will be maintained […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]