Hawaii Officials Warn of Above-Normal Hurricane Season with 5-13 Storms Expected

Sunset over green rolling hills and misty mountains with a winding road.

State and federal officials announced an above-normal 2026 hurricane season forecast for Hawaii, with 5-13 tropical cyclones predicted for the central Pacific basin. Multiple sources reported on the preparedness briefing where Governor Green proclaimed May as Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Month. NOAA forecasts 70% chance of above-normal hurricane season with 5-13 tropical cyclones in central […]

Emergency Water Repairs to Affect 20 Haiku Properties for 3 Hours

Snorkeling in tropical ocean — Emergency Water Repairs to Affect 20 Haiku Properties for 3 Hours | Maui Tom's News

Maui County will shut off water service to 20 residences on Kahiapo Place in Haiku for approximately 3 hours starting at 9:10 a.m. on May 22 for emergency repairs. Water outage affects Kahiapo Place area in Haiku, Upcountry Maui starting 9:10 a.m. May 22. Service interruption expected to last approximately 3 hours for emergency repairs. […]

FEMA Awards Over $191K to Hawaii for COVID-19 Emergency Response Costs

FEMA Awards Over $191K to Hawaii for COVID-19 Emergency Response Costs | Maui Tom's News

FEMA approved $1.3 million in disaster recovery funding across multiple jurisdictions, including over $191,000 to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for COVID-19 prevention costs. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency received more than $191,000 for costs related to preventing COVID-19 spread. The funding comes through FEMA’s Public Assistance program for post-disaster infrastructure and public safety projects. Additional awards […]

Kula Hospital Remains Closed After March Flood Damage, Patients Relocated

Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm Maui — Kula Hospital Remains Closed After March Flood Damage, Patients Relocated | Maui Tom's News

Kula Hospital has been closed since March flooding damaged the facility, forcing relocation of 105 long-term care patients to other Maui facilities or Oahu. The hospital’s future remains uncertain as safety concerns prevent reopening. March storms brought 50 inches of rain causing significant water damage to the five-story Kula Hospital building. All 105 long-term care […]

Travel Blog Highlights Red Sand Beach Near Hana Despite Local Concerns

near red sand beach in hana, maui — Travel Blog Highlights Red Sand Beach Near Hana Despite Local Concerns | Maui Tom's News

A travel blog promotes Kaihalulu Bay (Red Sand Beach) near Hana as a must-visit destination, acknowledging local opposition to tourist visits but providing detailed access information anyway. The article describes Red Sand Beach as Maui’s most stunning beach with unique red sand and turquoise water in a natural cove. The author acknowledges local concerns about […]

June 3 Lahaina Recovery Meeting to Cover Infrastructure Projects

Hawaiian coastal town aerial view — June 3 Lahaina Recovery Meeting to Cover Infrastructure Projects | Maui Tom's News

The County will hold its monthly Lahaina community meeting on June 3 to discuss restoration projects, water infrastructure, and recovery programs. Multiple agencies will provide individual assistance at resource tables after the meeting. Meeting covers Royal Complex restoration, DOT projects, and the upcoming Lahaina Watermain Project. County Office of Recovery will provide updates on Hoʻokumu […]

Power Shutoffs May Hit West Maui Due to Wildfire Risk Conditions

Golden hour beach with palms — Power Shutoffs May Hit West Maui Due to Wildfire Risk Conditions | Maui Tom's News

Hawaiian Electric is considering proactive power shutoffs in parts of West Maui and other areas due to high winds and dry conditions that increase wildfire risk. Multiple news outlets reported on the utility’s 24-48 hour monitoring period and emergency preparations. Hawaiian Electric may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs in West Maui and parts of Ōmaʻopio […]

Maui Develops Battery Waste Solution from 2023 Fire Cleanup Experience

Hale Pa'i, 980 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, Hawaii, on National Register of Historic Places, with 19th-century school bell, Pele Lanakila o ka Puu (Victory Bell on the Hill) salvaged from chapel fire on — Maui Develops Battery Waste Solution from 2023 Fire Cleanup Experience | Maui Tom's News

Maui County created a method to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries damaged in the 2023 wildfires, processing several tons of EV batteries and helping with LA fires cleanup. The “Maui Method” uses a seven-step process including saltwater brine soaking to safely neutralize damaged lithium-ion batteries. Several tons of abandoned electric vehicle batteries on county lands […]

Emergency Water Repairs to Affect 15 Upcountry Homes for Two Hours

Palm fronds dominate the foreground with a tropical hillside in the background, suggesting a lush, coastal landscape.

Maui County is conducting emergency water mainline repairs on Nehe Place in Upcountry Maui, causing a planned 2-hour outage starting at 2:30 p.m. on May 21. Water service will be interrupted for approximately 2 hours beginning at 2:30 p.m. on May 21. The outage affects about 15 residences in the Nehe Place area of Upcountry […]

Federal Bill Aims to Address Hawaii’s Critical Doctor Shortage Problem

Front view of Blue Ginger Café, a small blue building with a metal roof, red shrubs in front, and bicycles nearby on the left.

Senator Schatz introduced bipartisan legislation to identify areas with general surgeon shortages in Hawaii, where the state has a 14% shortage overall and Hawaii Island faces a 40% shortage. Hawaii has a 14% statewide shortage of general surgeons, with Hawaii Island facing a severe 40% shortage. Many residents must travel off-island to receive surgical care […]