Category: Weather & Safety

UH Documentary About Hawaii Labor Leader Gets National PBS Distribution

A University of Hawaii-West Oahu documentary about labor activist Ah Quon McElrath will air on public television stations across the mainland US. The film highlights McElrath’s role in Hawaii’s labor movement and social justice advocacy. The documentary ‘Ah Quon McElrath: The Struggle Never Ends!’ will broadcast on PBS stations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New […]

UH Scholarship Program Helps Lahaina Fire Survivor Complete College Degree

A Lahainaluna High School graduate used a University of Hawaii wildfire scholarship to complete a diesel mechanics program at Hawaii Community College. The scholarship program covers two years at UH community colleges for all 2024 Lahainaluna graduates affected by the fire. University of Hawaii created scholarships for all 2024 Lahainaluna High School seniors, covering two […]

Hawaii Seeks Public Input on Wildfire Utility Liability Rules

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is developing new rules for utility liability caps in future wildfires, seeking stakeholder input on balancing victim compensation with utility financial stability. The PUC is creating administrative rules under Act 258 to establish liability cap frameworks for electric utilities in wildfire cases. Public input is being sought from residents, advocates, […]

West Papuan Graduate Completes UH Mānoa Studies, Worked on Maui Project

A West Papuan student became the first in his tribe to earn a master’s degree from UH Mānoa’s landscape architecture program. He worked on a community resilience project in West Maui as part of his studies. Dersel Bonai earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from UH Mānoa, becoming the first in his tribal lineage to […]

Hyatt Regency Maui Welcomes First Penguin Chick in 17 Years

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort celebrated the hatching of an African Penguin chick on April 24, the first birth in nearly 17 years. The chick will make its public debut on World Ocean Day, June 8, with a Hawaiian blessing ceremony. The three-week-old chick joins a colony of seven adult African Penguins as part of a […]

Lahaina Fire Insurance Claims Reach $1.35 Billion, More Losses Expected

Multiple news sources report that insurance claims from the August 2023 Maui wildfires have exceeded $1.35 billion as of late September. The Hawaii Insurance Division released preliminary loss estimates showing that insurers have paid out over $676 million so far, with experts predicting total costs will continue rising. Total wildfire-related insurance claims reached $1.35 billion […]

Building Codes and Fire-Resistant Construction Become Critical for Properties

Contractors are being urged to adopt fire-resistant building practices and updated codes as wildfire risks expand beyond traditional high-risk zones, with lithium-ion battery systems creating additional fire hazards. Wildfires are increasing globally and affecting areas previously considered low-risk, requiring updated building approaches. The 2023 Maui wildfires destroyed or damaged over 2,200 buildings, highlighting vulnerability of […]

Lahaina Fire Insurance Payouts Reach $1.35 Billion as Recovery Continues

Multiple news outlets report that insurance claims from the August 2023 Maui wildfires have exceeded $1.35 billion according to the Hawaii Insurance Division. The preliminary estimates show significant residential property damage with insurers having paid out over $676 million to homeowners so far. Total wildfire insurance claims have reached $1.35 billion as of September 30, […]

Surfrider Foundation Expands Water Testing and Climate Resilience Efforts

The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter is expanding its water quality monitoring and climate resilience initiatives following extreme weather events including the 2023 wildfires and record-breaking storms in March 2026. The organization is working to protect ocean resources and build community partnerships for long-term environmental sustainability. March 2026 brought a 1-in-1000-year storm system that dumped 2 […]

Hawaii Governor’s Communications Director Wins National Recognition Award

Makana McClellan, Hawaii Governor’s Communications Director, became the first person from Hawaii to receive the National Association of Government Communicators’ Communicator of the Year award. She was recognized for improving state emergency communications during disasters including the 2023 Maui wildfires. McClellan is the first Hawaii resident to receive the national Communicator of the Year honor […]