Category: The Maui Brief

Norway Cruise Operator Offers Northern Lights Travel Discounts

Hurtigruten cruise line is offering up to $1,000 per person savings on Norway Northern Lights tours and up to 30% off coastal voyages for 2026/27 departures. Bookings must be made by May 31, 2026. The flash sale includes up to $1,000 per person off the 17-day Follow the Northern Lights tour package starting at $8,899. […]

Maui County to Acquire Private West Maui Water Systems from MLP

Multiple news outlets report that Maui County has reached a memorandum of understanding with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to acquire the company’s West Maui water infrastructure. The agreement would increase public ownership of West Maui drinking water systems from 45% to 93%, though the County Council must still approve the final purchase. County signed […]

Lahaina Fire Insurance Payouts Reach $1.35 Billion as Recovery Continues

Multiple news outlets report that insurance claims from the August 2023 Maui wildfires have exceeded $1.35 billion according to the Hawaii Insurance Division. The preliminary estimates show significant residential property damage with insurers having paid out over $676 million to homeowners so far. Total wildfire insurance claims have reached $1.35 billion as of September 30, […]

Surfrider Foundation Expands Water Testing and Climate Resilience Efforts

The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter is expanding its water quality monitoring and climate resilience initiatives following extreme weather events including the 2023 wildfires and record-breaking storms in March 2026. The organization is working to protect ocean resources and build community partnerships for long-term environmental sustainability. March 2026 brought a 1-in-1000-year storm system that dumped 2 […]

Beach Water Quality Report Shows Record Testing at 620 Sites Nationwide

The Surfrider Foundation released its 2025 Clean Water Report ahead of Memorial Day weekend, documenting extensive water quality testing efforts across American beaches. The report details volunteer-driven programs that monitor beach bacteria and pollution at sites not covered by government agencies. 60 Blue Water Task Force labs processed 10,157 water samples from 620 distinct sampling […]

Nantucket Short-Term Rental Zoning Bylaw Gets State Approval

The Attorney General approved Nantucket’s bylaw explicitly allowing short-term rentals island-wide after November’s town meeting vote. The measure can now take effect once final posting requirements are completed. The bylaw passed at November’s town meeting by 71% (1,045-421 votes) and survived state review challenges. An opponent argued the measure violated rules against reconsidering failed zoning […]

Maui County Students Awarded $37K in Educational Scholarships

Ten high school seniors from Maui County received Takitani Foundation scholarships totaling $37,000 for academic excellence and community service. The scholarships are part of a statewide program that awarded $232,000 to 63 students across Hawaii. Lauren Ghotane from King Kekaulike High School received the top $8,000 Karen Uno Distinguished Student Scholarship. Maui High School’s Aleizy […]

Hawaii Governor’s Communications Director Wins National Recognition Award

Makana McClellan, Hawaii Governor’s Communications Director, became the first person from Hawaii to receive the National Association of Government Communicators’ Communicator of the Year award. She was recognized for improving state emergency communications during disasters including the 2023 Maui wildfires. McClellan is the first Hawaii resident to receive the national Communicator of the Year honor […]

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 […]