Maui Resident Loses $600 to Storm Repair Scammer, Others Warned

Jaws beach in Maui, HI. Shot by @sichpicsss — Maui Resident Loses $600 to Storm Repair Scammer, Others Warned | Maui Tom's News

A Kihei woman was conned out of $600 by a fraudulent contractor who advertised storm repair services on Nextdoor then disappeared. Local nonprofits report similar scams are common and urge residents to only work with trusted organizations. A 67-year-old Kihei resident paid $600 upfront to a contractor she found on Nextdoor who then vanished without […]

Heavy Rain and Flooding Risk Expected on Maui Through Weekend

Rain over ocean — Heavy Rain and Flooding Risk Expected on Maui Through Weekend | Maui Tom's News

Strong trade winds are bringing heavy rain and potential flooding to Maui through the weekend, with conditions expected to improve by Sunday evening. Flood Watch in effect for Maui County with risk of rapid flooding from heavy downpours. Unstable weather system could produce thunderstorms through Saturday. Small Craft Advisory issued for Maui waters through early […]

Heavy Rain System Brings Flood Watches to Maui and Most Hawaiian Islands

Rainbow eucalyptus trees with multicolored, peeling bark and dense green undergrowth in a wooded area. Best viewed in a sunny outdoor setting, highlighting the vibrant trunk colors.

Multiple news sources report that an upper-level low pressure system has triggered flood watches across most Hawaiian islands through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service issued warnings as heavy rain and thunderstorms moved across the island chain, with Oahu experiencing the most severe impacts including road closures and flash flooding. Flood watches issued for Maui, […]

Hawaii’s Economic Outlook Deteriorates as Global Oil Prices Impact Tourism

oh hey, maui — Hawaii's Economic Outlook Deteriorates as Global Oil Prices Impact Tourism | Maui Tom's News

Multiple news sources report on a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization forecast showing Hawaii’s economy facing new challenges from rising oil prices linked to U.S.-Iran conflict and ongoing storm recovery. The report indicates tourism growth will slow significantly while costs increase across sectors. UHERO’s second quarter 2026 forecast shows Hawaii’s near-term economic outlook has […]

New Hawaii Law Restricts Corporate Political Spending Starting July 2027

Halawa Valley Molokai Hawaii — New Hawaii Law Restricts Corporate Political Spending Starting July 2027 | Maui Tom's News

Hawaii enacted legislation prohibiting corporations and LLCs from spending money on elections or ballot measures. The law takes effect July 1, 2027 and applies to all business entities organized under state law. Act 011 bans corporations, LLCs, partnerships and other business entities from spending on elections or ballot issues. The law applies to all entities […]

Maui County Honored with National Disaster Resilience Award for Wildfire Response

an aerial view of a lush green valley — Maui County Honored with National Disaster Resilience Award for Wildfire Response | Maui Tom's News

The University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center awarded Maui County its 2026 Community Resilience Leadership Award for recovery efforts following the 2023 wildfires. This marks the first time the award has been given to an entire county government. Maui County received the first-ever county-wide Community Resilience Leadership Award from the National Disaster Preparedness […]

Indiana Power Company Constructs Natural Gas Plant, Brings 4,000 Jobs

Plumeria obtusa flowers and leaves at Keawakapu Beach, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii. — Indiana Power Company Constructs Natural Gas Plant, Brings 4,000 Jobs | Maui Tom's News

Duke Energy began construction on a natural gas power plant in Indiana that will create nearly 4,000 jobs and power 1.1 million homes when completed in 2029-2030. The new facility will generate 1,476 megawatts of power, 500 megawatts more than the current coal plant it’s replacing. Construction will employ approximately 700 workers with priority given […]

State Approves $200M for Lahaina Elementary Rebuild and Infrastructure

Beach scene with clear blue water — State Approves $200M for Lahaina Elementary Rebuild and Infrastructure | Maui Tom's News

Hawaii legislature allocated nearly $200 million to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School and improve Lahaina infrastructure. The funding includes $146 million for the school, $12 million for harbor improvements, and $76.7 million for highway relocation. King Kamehameha III Elementary will receive $146 million for rebuild on new 14-acre site below Lahaina Bypass, contingent on […]

Environmental Coalition Backs Green Fee Spending, Pushes for Better Oversight

Green rolling hills farmland — Environmental Coalition Backs Green Fee Spending, Pushes for Better Oversight | Maui Tom's News

Hawaii’s new Green Fee is funding $100+ million in environmental projects including wildfire prevention and marine protection. A coalition of 70+ groups wants stronger public tracking of how the money is spent. Green Fee generates over $100 million annually for conservation and climate projects statewide. Funding includes $15.7 million for wildfire risk reduction and $6.64 […]

British Election Results May Signal Challenges for US Progressive Politics

Office building modern exterior — British Election Results May Signal Challenges for US Progressive Politics | Maui Tom's News

A political columnist analyzes Britain’s recent election where Labour Party lost support over immigration policies, drawing parallels to US Democratic Party challenges with progressive positions. Britain’s Labour Party lost support as voters expressed concerns about immigration and social disorder issues. Reform UK, an anti-immigration party, gained ground by breaking traditional two-party dominance. The column draws […]