Gov. Green Appoints New Circuit Court Judges for Maui and Kauai
Governor Green appointed two new Circuit Court judges – Annalisa Bernard Lee for Maui’s Second Circuit and Michael Soong for Kauai’s Fifth Circuit. Both currently serve as District Court judges and their appointments require State Senate confirmation. Annalisa Bernard Lee promoted from District to Circuit Court judge for Second Circuit covering Maui. Michael Soong appointed […]
Maui Wildfire Recovery Documentary Screens in California This Week
A documentary featuring Lahaina residents’ recovery stories will screen in Santa Barbara, highlighting ongoing challenges nearly three years after the 2023 wildfires. The film focuses on long-term rebuilding efforts and community displacement issues. Documentary ‘Lahaina: Voices of Change’ screens Friday at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre with panel discussion featuring Maui community leaders. Film highlights that […]
February Tourism Recovery Shows Strong Growth for Maui Property Market
Multiple sources report that Maui’s tourism industry posted significant gains in February 2026, with both visitor arrivals and spending increasing substantially compared to the previous year. The recovery continues more than two years after the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires affected the island’s tourism sector. Maui welcomed 223,227 visitors in February 2026, an 11.5% increase over […]
Lahaina Business Owners Struggle with Complex Rebuild Requirements
Commercial property owners in Lahaina face overwhelming permitting challenges and erosion issues that are preventing many from rebuilding 2.5 years after the fire. Only 9 non-residential buildings have been completed despite 163 permits in process. Waterfront properties face the most complex permitting due to shoreline setbacks, historic district rules, and multiple agency requirements. Some elderly […]
FEMA Approves $33.4M for Maui Wildfire and Hawaii Disaster Recovery
Federal emergency management approved $33.4 million in disaster recovery funds for Maui County, including money to rebuild two affordable housing complexes and a senior center damaged in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Maui County will receive $6.9 million to repair Lahaina Crossroads Apartments and $4.1 million for Komohana Hale Apartments. The West Maui Senior Center will […]
Lahaina Wildfire Debris Transfer to Permanent Site Officially Complete
Maui County completed the transfer of over 400,000 tons of Lahaina wildfire debris from temporary storage in Olowalu to a permanent disposal site in Central Maui. The five-month operation finished ahead of schedule with a ceremonial blessing on February 17, 2026. More than 400,000 tons of wildfire debris successfully moved from Olowalu temporary site to […]
Federal Emergency Funding of $33.4 Million Allocated for Hawaii Disaster Recovery Efforts
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $33.4 million in recovery funding for Hawaii, with portions designated for Maui wildfire recovery and Kilauea volcanic eruption response efforts. FEMA has approved significant federal disaster relief funding to aid Hawaii’s ongoing recovery from recent natural disasters Maui communities affected by wildfires will receive dedicated federal support as […]
Lahaina Harbor Welcomes Back Ocean Vessel in Major Recovery Win
A vessel has successfully returned to Lahaina Harbor following a transoceanic journey, marking a significant milestone in the area’s ongoing recovery efforts. This development signals positive progress for harbor operations and the broader Lahaina community. Harbor infrastructure has recovered sufficiently to accommodate returning vessels after extensive restoration work The successful vessel return demonstrates growing confidence […]
Lahaina’s Trilogy Excursions Marks Recovery Milestone with Return of Trilogy VI Vessel
Popular Lahaina-based tour operator Trilogy Excursions celebrates a major step in their post-wildfire recovery with the homecoming of their vessel Trilogy VI. This milestone represents the company’s continued resilience and commitment to rebuilding West Maui’s tourism industry. Trilogy VI’s return symbolizes hope and progress for Lahaina’s tourism recovery following the devastating 2023 wildfires The vessel’s […]
Legal Victory Enables $4 Billion in Wildfire Recovery Funds for Maui Community
A major court ruling has officially approved the distribution of $4 billion in settlement funds to help Maui wildfire victims and rebuild affected communities. This milestone clears the final legal hurdle for compensation payments to begin flowing to residents and businesses impacted by the devastating fires. Settlement payments can now proceed to wildfire victims after […]