Investment Fund Buys $34M Stake in Hawaiian Electric After Wildfire Settlement
Horizon Kinetics Asset Management purchased $34 million worth of Hawaiian Electric shares in May 2026, suggesting investor confidence following the utility’s Maui wildfire settlement completion. The timing appears to signal belief that the company is moving past legal challenges. Investment fund bought 2.2 million Hawaiian Electric shares worth $34 million after the utility cleared major […]
Utility Companies Face Insurance Crisis Due to Wildfire Liability
Power companies are struggling to find affordable insurance coverage after facing billions in wildfire-related lawsuits, including Hawaiian Electric after the 2023 Maui fires. This could impact utilities’ ability to fund grid improvements and infrastructure. Utility companies from Hawaii to Texas have faced tens of billions in wildfire damages linked to their equipment. Hawaiian Electric was […]
Journalism Awards Recognize Investigation of Maui Fire System Failures
A Washington Post investigation examining institutional failures after the Maui fires won recognition from environmental journalism awards. The reporting focused on utility system breakdowns and recovery challenges facing affected communities. Washington Post reporters won journalism awards for investigating systemic failures in Maui fire response and recovery. The investigation examined both human impacts and institutional accountability […]
Federal Rebuild Programs for Fire Survivors Face August Deadline
Lahaina wildfire survivors have until August 31 to apply for federal reconstruction and reimbursement programs, though the county hopes to extend to December. 195 homes have been rebuilt so far from the $1.6 billion disaster relief funding. August 31 deadline approaches for reconstruction and reimbursement programs, with potential extension to December. First-time homebuyer program is […]
Lahaina Historic Site Parking Fees Return After Fire Recovery Period
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation will reinstate paid parking at Baldwin Home lot on May 18 to fund historic site restoration. The lot was free since the 2023 Lahaina Fire to support recovery efforts. Paid parking returns May 18 at Baldwin Home lot after being free since 2023 fire. Parking revenue will fund restoration of eight […]
State Urges Property Owners to Update Insurance Before June Hurricane Season
Hawaii’s Insurance Division recommends property owners review and update their insurance policies before hurricane season begins June 1, as El Niño conditions may increase storm activity. Standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover hurricane or flood damage. Hurricane season begins June 1 with El Niño conditions potentially increasing Central Pacific storm activity. Standard homeowners and renters […]
Monk Seal Harassment Suspect Claims Misunderstanding, Faces Federal Court
The visitor who threw a rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui claims he was trying to protect sea turtles and didn’t know about Hawaii’s monk seals. He faces federal charges and a court appearance on May 27. Igor Lytvynchuk’s attorney says his client thought he was protecting sea turtles from an aggressive seal. […]
Documentary on Maui Off-Grid Architecture Released on YouTube
A 13-minute documentary featuring architect David Sellers and sustainable building practices on Maui has been released on YouTube. The film explores off-grid living and climate-resilient construction following the Lahaina wildfire. The documentary ‘Journey Beyond the Grid’ follows Maui-based architect David Sellers who specializes in off-grid, sustainable design. The film was shot entirely on Maui and […]
Wildfire Settlement Payouts Begin This Year But Won’t Fully Cover Losses
Maui fire survivors will receive their first settlement payments in 2026, with $550 million distributed this year from the $4 billion settlement. Economists warn the payments won’t fully compensate families for their losses, especially with rising costs. Settlement payments will boost Maui County personal income by 5.4% in 2026, the largest gain of any county. […]
Wildfire Survivors Face Ongoing Mental Health Crisis Three Years Later
Mental health challenges persist for Maui wildfire survivors nearly three years after the disaster, with economic instability and housing issues worsening psychological recovery. Provider shortages and recent storms have further complicated healing efforts. Mental health professionals report survivors still experiencing trauma, grief, and instability nearly three years after the August 2023 fires. Economic stress from […]