Hawaii Tourism Authority Seeks New CEO to Lead State Tourism Strategy
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has begun accepting applications for a new president and CEO to guide the state’s tourism industry, as reported by multiple news outlets. The search comes as HTA looks for leadership to balance economic growth with community and cultural priorities. HTA launched search for president and CEO position to lead the state […]
Greenville Officials Seek Solutions for Short-Term Rental Neighborhood Issues
Greenville City Council is exploring ways to address resident complaints about short-term rental disruptions like parties and noise, but faces significant limitations from state laws and court rulings that restrict local regulation. City staff identified approximately 252 short-term rentals within city limits, mostly listed on Airbnb. Residents are complaining about parties, noise, and parking problems […]
EPA Blocks Closure of Major Power Plants in Kahului and Hilo
The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a proposal to shut down power generation facilities in Kahului and Hilo. This decision maintains existing electrical infrastructure serving central Maui and the Big Island. EPA declined to approve the closure of power plants located in Kahului and Hilo. The decision preserves current electricity generation capacity for both islands. […]
Ethics Questions Raised Over Official’s Private Jet Trip to Packers Game
A Maui mayor’s office director allegedly traveled by private jet to a Packers game in Sentry Insurance’s luxury box, raising ethics concerns about gifts from companies receiving county funding. The county later allocated $100,000 to the Sentry PGA tournament in its budget. Social media video allegedly shows Maui Mayor’s communications director at Packers game in […]
Federal Agency Blocks Closure of Kahului and Hilo Power Plants
The EPA rejected Hawaii’s plan to shut down fuel oil-fired power units at generating stations in Kahului and Hilo, citing concerns about grid reliability and legal issues with forced closures. EPA partially disapproved Hawaii’s regional haze plan that would have closed power units at Kahului and Kanoelehua-Hill generating stations. The federal agency cited concerns about […]
Hyatt Regency Maui Welcomes First Penguin Chick in Nearly 17 Years
An African penguin chick hatched at Hyatt Regency Maui on April 24, marking the first birth at the resort in nearly 17 years. The chick will make its public debut on June 8 during World Ocean Day celebrations. The penguin chick hatched on April 24 and is healthy and thriving according to resort wildlife staff. […]
Factory-Built Housing Gets Green Light for Lahaina Burn Zone Rebuilds
Maui County has approved new procedures allowing factory-built housing as permanent dwellings in the Lahaina Burn Zone. The policy aims to reduce construction costs and speed up the rebuilding process for fire survivors. Factory-built or prefabricated housing is now permitted as permanent housing in the Lahaina Burn Zone under new county regulations. The policy is […]
Memorial Day Lantern Floating Event Returns to Honor Fallen Soldiers
The annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating ceremony at Ala Moana Beach will take place Memorial Day, with about 6,000 lanterns expected to be released at sunset. The event helps families like the Wessels, who lost their son Army Spc. Kevin Wessel from Maui in Iraq, find healing through remembrance. The Memorial Day Shinnyo Lantern Floating ceremony […]
New Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport
A new EV fast-charging station with four 150 kW chargers opened at Kapalua Airport as part of Hawaii’s effort to expand electric vehicle infrastructure. The site operates 24/7 and supports both residents and visitors traveling to West Maui. Four DC fast chargers with multiple connector types are now available 24/7 at Kapalua Airport. The station […]
Lahaina Action Committee President Enters West Maui House Race
Sne Patel, longtime president of LahainaTown Action Committee, announced his candidacy for State House District 14 representing West Maui. Eight candidates have pulled papers for the seat, with three officially filed including Patel. Patel has led the LahainaTown Action Committee for over a decade and served on the Economic Recovery Commission. He cites West Maui […]