County Council Member Sugimura Enters 2026 Maui County Mayor Race
Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura officially filed nomination papers to run for mayor in 2026. Her campaign focuses on housing, infrastructure, government efficiency, and economic resilience. Sugimura’s platform prioritizes housing solutions, infrastructure development, and improved permitting processes. Campaign emphasizes making government more efficient and responsive to residents’ daily needs. Economic resilience and supporting […]
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, […]
HTA Launches 2026 Grant Programs for Maui Tourism Businesses and Nonprofits
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications through June 8 for two programs that provide $10,000 grants to Maui organizations developing community-centered tourism experiences and stewardship initiatives. Applications due June 8 for two four-month cohort programs running July-October 2026. Community Stewardship program targets Maui nonprofits incorporating visitors into conservation efforts through voluntourism or guided access. […]
Hospitality Industry Executive Changes and Leadership Appointments
Multiple hospitality companies announced new executive appointments and promotions across operations, finance, and technology roles. These leadership changes involve companies managing hotel properties and hospitality technology platforms. Maestro PMS appointed Adam Wilson as president to enhance their property management platform and expand integrations. Schulte Hospitality Group hired Sanjhi Agrawal as EVP of operations accounting and […]
Guam’s $2M Tourism Program Shows Need to Address Pacific Air Travel Costs
Guam launched a $2 million program to offset rising airfare costs as fuel prices drive up travel expenses to Pacific destinations. The territory faces 20% reduced airline capacity and tripled fuel surcharges threatening tourism recovery. Airline seat capacity to Guam has dropped 20% due to jet fuel prices reaching $150-200 per barrel. Fuel surcharges have […]
Flight Sponsorship Program Brings Displaced Lahaina Residents Home in July
A new competition will provide free round-trip flights for up to 80 displaced Lahaina residents to return for a July healing and community event. Applications are now open for families affected by the 2023 fires or economic displacement. Hawaiian Airlines partnership provides free flights from mainland US for up to 80 people to attend July […]
Maui County Offers $150K Grants for Local Financial Education Programs
The County’s Office of Economic Development is accepting applications for $150,000 in grants to fund financial literacy programs for Maui residents. Applications are due by June 15, 2026. Grant funding targets financial education programs covering budgeting, credit, banking, and small business management. Programs integrating workforce development and entrepreneurship for local economy sectors are prioritized. Applications […]
Tourist Entry Fees and Higher Taxes Roll Out Globally in 2026
Major destinations including Kyoto, Venice, and France are implementing new tourist taxes and entry fees in 2026, ranging from modest daily charges to significant accommodation surcharges. These fees aim to manage overtourism and generate revenue from visitors. Kyoto raised tourist taxes significantly with nightly charges from $1-66 depending on accommodation cost, hitting luxury properties hardest. […]