Maui County’s Annual Address to Cover Housing, Recovery, and Tourism Balance
Mayor Bissen will deliver his 2026 State of the County Address on March 5, focusing on wildfire recovery, housing solutions, and economic development including visitor industry balance. The address will highlight progress on housing, recovery, and economic stability while outlining future community strengthening actions. Key priorities include advancing local housing solutions and continuing wildfire recovery […]
Makawao Avenue Road Closures Postponed One Week Due to Weather Forecast
Weekend road closures for Makawao Avenue reconstruction have been delayed to February 28 due to potential rain and flooding. The project will cause full weekend closures through March 22, affecting access to Upcountry areas. Full weekend road closures on Makawao Avenue now start February 28 and continue through March 22. Closures affect 1.8 miles from […]
Military Faces Strong Opposition to New Haleakalā Telescope Project
U.S. Air Force held public hearings for plans to build up to seven telescopes on Haleakalā summit, facing overwhelming opposition from nearly 100 residents who testified against the project. Native Hawaiians and community members cite cultural and spiritual significance of the sacred mountain. Air Force plans up to seven new telescopes on Haleakalā summit for […]
Hawaii Seeks Tax on Car Rentals to Fund $904M Employee Payments
Hawaii teachers union proposes closing a tax ‘loophole’ on car rental companies to help fund $200M in pandemic hazard pay, as the state considers nearly $904M total in COVID-related payments to public employees. Teachers union suggests imposing retail tax on car rental company wholesale vehicle purchases to fund $200M in pandemic pay. Governor Green requests […]
Delta Expands Hawaii Service with New Minneapolis-Maui Direct Route
Delta Air Lines has announced significant expansion of its Hawaii network for winter 2026-2027, including new and returning nonstop routes. Multiple aviation news sources report the airline will add its first-ever direct service from Minneapolis to Maui and restore Boston to Honolulu flights starting December 19, 2026. New daily nonstop service launches December 19, 2026 […]
Lahaina Banyan Tree Health Assessment Planned to Determine Park Reopening
Multiple sources report that Maui County officials are preparing an extensive health assessment of Lahaina’s historic banyan tree to determine when the park can reopen to visitors. The tree has been closed to the public since sustaining damage in the August 2023 wildfire. Arborists from Maui and Oahu will conduct extensive testing to assess the […]
County Auditor Uncovers Potential Fraud Vulnerabilities in Maui Government Operations
A comprehensive audit of Maui County’s operations has revealed several areas where the government may be vulnerable to fraudulent activities. The assessment aims to strengthen financial oversight and protect taxpayer resources that fund essential services for residents and visitors. Independent auditor completed systematic review of County of Maui’s fraud prevention measures and internal controls Assessment […]
Major Harbor Improvements Completed at Maunalua Bay After 60+ Year Gap
Hawaii has finished its first major dredging project at Maunalua Bay’s entrance channel in over six decades, improving navigation and access for boaters and marine activities. First comprehensive dredging of the bay’s entrance channel since the 1960s enhances safety for recreational and commercial vessels Improved water depth and navigation should benefit local fishing, diving, and […]
New Legislative Proposal Could Bring Relief to Hawaii’s High Electricity Costs
A new measure is being considered that would reorganize Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) with the goal of reducing electricity bills for residents and businesses across the islands. The proposed legislation targets HECO’s structure to address Hawaii’s notoriously high energy costs that impact both residents and the tourism industry Lower electricity bills could translate to reduced […]
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 […]