New Registry Platform Tracks Hawaii STR Compliance Amid 2026 Law Changes
A new platform called JP-Homes has launched to help travelers and property owners verify which vacation rentals comply with Hawaii’s updated 2026 zoning laws. The service aims to prevent booking cancellations and legal issues as enforcement of new short-term rental regulations intensifies. JP-Homes provides real-time verification of which buildings meet Hawaii’s 2026 resort-zone requirements for […]
Maui County Considers Using 20% of Vacation Rental Tax for Climate Fund
Maui County Council will discuss legislation Thursday to dedicate 20% of transient accommodations tax revenue to a new Climate Action and Resiliency Fund. The proposal would allocate about $13 million annually from vacation rental and hotel taxes to fund over 100 climate resilience projects. The proposed fund would receive 20% of annual transient accommodations tax […]
Maui County Accepts Liquor License Renewals Through June 15
The Department of Liquor Control is accepting renewal applications for FY 2027 liquor licenses until June 15, 2026. Property owners with liquor licenses should submit applications early to avoid processing delays. Liquor license renewal applications for FY 2027 are due by June 15, 2026. The renewal period started April 1 and runs for two and […]
New Hawaii Law Restricts Corporate Political Spending Starting July 2027
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 […]
Credit Union and Airline Expand Financial Education Program for Maui Youth
HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union and Southwest Airlines continue their partnership to provide Maui students with financial education and leadership training through student-operated credit unions. The program has expanded from one to three Maui schools since 2023. HawaiiUSA operates three student-run credit unions at Maui schools, up from one in 2023. Southwest Airlines sponsors student travel […]
Tourism Authority’s Visitor Crisis Support Program to be Featured at Lahaina Meeting
The Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society manager will present on their crisis support services for tourists at a May 19 Rotary Club meeting. The program operates under contract with Hawaii Tourism Authority to help visitors experiencing emergencies on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts the Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society to provide crisis […]
Fatal Traffic Accident Closes Kūihelani Highway Near Airport Route
A 27-year-old Kahului man died in a collision with a bus on Kūihelani Highway Thursday morning. This is Maui County’s second traffic fatality of 2026. The crash occurred at 6:06 a.m. on May 14 near the East Waikō Road intersection on Route 380. A Nissan Versa collided with the rear of a slowing bus and […]
Kīlauea Eruption Episode 47 Ends After 9-Hour Lava Display
The latest Kīlauea eruption episode ended early May 15 after 9 hours of lava fountaining that created a 20,000-foot ash plume. The volcano has returned to a paused state with no current activity. Episode 47 lasted 9 hours from May 14 afternoon until early May 15 morning before stopping abruptly. Lava fountaining created an ash […]
Central Maui Recreation Facilities Face Closures Through December
Multiple Maui County parks and recreation facilities in Wailuku will experience closures and delays from May through December 2026 for construction and events. The disruptions affect the municipal golf course, War Memorial Complex, and Wells Park. Waiehu Municipal Golf Course will have intermittent play delays May 18-June 12 due to irrigation pond liner replacement work. […]
Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Event Set for May 21 in Kahului
Maui Building Source will host a Chamber of Commerce networking event on May 21 from 5-7 PM at their Kahului showroom. The event targets business professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members with networking opportunities and refreshments. Event takes place Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5-7 PM at 370 Dairy Road in Kahului. Admission costs $20 for […]