Upcountry Maui Water Service Back Online After Emergency Mainline Repairs
Water service has been restored to the Makawao area of Upcountry Maui following emergency repairs to a mainline break that were completed ahead of schedule. Water service restored as of 4:30 p.m. on May 25 in the Makawao Avenue to Makani Road area. The affected zone included properties from Old Haleakala Highway to Haleakala Highway. […]
Tiger Shark Attacks Kayakers Near Olowalu, Couple Escapes Unharmed
A couple kayaking near Olowalu encountered a tiger shark that bit their vessel before being fought off with a paddle. Both paddlers made it safely to shore with no injuries. The shark was estimated to be longer than the couple’s 12-foot kayak and left bite marks on the vessel. The attack occurred about one mile […]
State Organizes June 6 Coastal Cleanup Day Across Hawaii Islands
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is coordinating a statewide coastal restoration event on June 6, with two confirmed activities on Maui at Baldwin Beach Park and Spreckelsville. Organizations can host their own restoration activities including beach cleanups, invasive species removal, and native habitat planting. Events can take place at beaches, streams, fishponds, wetlands, […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs Near Kamaole Beach Park II Target Fall Completion
Maui County awarded emergency repairs for the South Kihei Road sinkhole to P.B. Sullivan Construction, with work beginning June 1st and completion targeted for fall 2026. The county is pursuing federal emergency funding for the complex drainage and roadway reconstruction project. Construction contract awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs to Begin June 1, Fall Completion Target Set
Construction on the South Kihei Road sinkhole repair near Kamaole Beach Park II will begin June 1 with a target completion date of fall 2026. The County secured emergency federal funding and awarded the contract to P.B. Sullivan Construction. Construction bids were awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. The […]
Hawaii Reps Propose Federal Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks Trafficking
Representatives Case and Tokuda introduced legislation to increase penalties for interstate illegal fireworks trafficking from 1 year to 20 years in prison and allow money laundering charges. Proposed law would increase maximum prison time for illegal fireworks trafficking from one year to 20 years. Bill allows prosecutors to pursue money laundering charges against interstate fireworks […]
State Parks Plans Bathroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena Beach
The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park in June, including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. New comfort stations will replace existing portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. Outdoor showers will be added as a new amenity for beach visitors. Parking […]
Legislature Passes Bill to Speed Infrastructure Rebuilding in Lahaina
A new bill would exempt government infrastructure projects in Maui County from lengthy Special Management Area reviews, potentially speeding up critical utility and road rebuilding in fire-affected areas. HB1823 would waive SMA permit requirements for federal, state, and county infrastructure projects with minimal environmental impact. The bill addresses delays not covered by previous exemptions for […]
Hawaiian Electric Faces Ongoing Legal Battles Over Maui Fire Liability
Hawaiian Electric continues to deal with litigation related to the Maui wildfires, highlighting ongoing legal and financial risks for the utility company. Hawaiian Electric faces continued litigation stemming from the Maui wildfire incidents. Wildfire liability laws in some Western states can hold utilities responsible for fire damage regardless of fault. Utility companies in fire-prone areas […]
United Airlines Deploys AI System to Hold Flights for Connecting Passengers
United Airlines launched an AI system called ConnectionSaver that delays departing flights by a few minutes to help late connecting passengers make their flights. The system has already helped over 54,000 travelers avoid missed connections at major hub airports. The AI system analyzes real-time data to determine when it’s safe to hold departing flights for […]