County Council Reviews Revised $1.6B Budget with Infrastructure Cuts
Maui County Council will consider a $1.6 billion budget that reduces capital projects by $20 million while increasing day-to-day operations funding. The budget addresses ongoing recovery from wildfires, recent storm damage, and economic pressures from global conflicts affecting fuel costs. Council committee unanimously approved cutting $8.4 million from mayor’s budget proposal, shifting $20 million from […]
Maui Energy Conference to Address Solar Costs and Renewable Goals May 20-21
The 13th Annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference will be held at Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 20-21, focusing on energy policy, solar adoption challenges, and Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Key discussions will cover controversial LNG proposals and concerns about reduced solar incentives affecting the state’s ambitious rooftop solar targets. Conference at Maui Arts & Cultural […]
Hawaii Economic Forecast Warns of Tourism Slowdown, Rising Costs
Rising oil prices from Middle East conflict are increasing travel costs and slowing tourism growth, while Hawaii continues recovering from March storm damage. Economic growth is expected to weaken significantly through 2027. Tourism arrivals projected to grow only 2% in 2026 and just 0.2% in 2027 due to higher jet fuel costs. Airlines cutting capacity […]
Paradise High Football Team to Play Lahaina High in Unity Bowl on Maui
Paradise High School and Lahaina High School will play in an inaugural Unity Bowl football game in September, bringing together two communities that suffered devastating wildfires. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers donated $15,000 to help Paradise High travel to Maui for the game. Paradise High and Lahaina High will play football in September’s inaugural Unity Bowl, […]
African Mountain Fire Study Shows Climate Change Impact on Remote Ecosystems
Research on a 2012 wildfire in Africa’s Rwenzori Mountains found it was the first major fire in 12,000 years in an ecosystem previously too cold and wet to burn. Scientists warn that climate change may be making similar high-altitude ecosystems worldwide more vulnerable to fire. The 2012 wildfire in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains was unprecedented in […]
Search Called Off for North Carolina Tourist Missing at Kaanapali Beach
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Monday evening for a 75-year-old North Carolina man who disappeared while snorkeling off Kaanapali Beach on Friday. Multiple news outlets reported that extensive search efforts involving several agencies covered over 1,200 square miles but failed to locate the missing tourist. John Weems, 75, of North Carolina, was last […]
March Flood Damage Reaches $79M as Maui County Begins Infrastructure Repairs
Maui County estimates nearly $79 million in infrastructure damage from March floods, with repairs starting this week. South Kihei Road remains partially closed as residents and businesses continue rebuilding efforts. County infrastructure damage from March floods estimated at nearly $79 million with repairs beginning this week. Portions of South Kihei Road remain closed as crews […]
FEMA Aid Applications for March Flooding Close June 14
Property owners and renters affected by March’s Kona Low flooding have until June 14 to apply for FEMA assistance and SBA disaster loans. The programs provide financial aid for repairs, temporary housing, and other disaster-related expenses. FEMA Individual Assistance deadline is June 14 for March 10-24 Kona Low flood damage. Aid covers temporary housing, home […]
Lahaina Community Center and Field House Plans Open for Public Input
Maui County is hosting a public meeting May 19 to gather community input on plans for a new multipurpose community center and field house near the Lahaina Recreation Center. The facilities will include basketball courts, meeting spaces, a commercial kitchen, and emergency shelter capabilities. Public meeting scheduled for May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic […]
Maui County Offers $150K Grants for Financial Education Programs
Maui County’s Office of Economic Development is offering $150,000 in grants for financial literacy programs targeting residents and small businesses. Applications are due June 15, 2026. Grant funding prioritizes programs covering budgeting, credit, banking, housing readiness, and small business financial management. Programs integrating workforce development and entrepreneurship support are strongly encouraged. Priority goes to initiatives […]