Maui County Hosts Free Recovery Event for Lahaina Seniors on Aug. 19
The County of Maui Office of Recovery is hosting a free community gathering for Lahaina kūpuna on August 19 at the Lahaina Civic Center, featuring Hawaiian music, food, and on-site recovery resource providers. The event runs 3–6 p.m. and is open to the public. The free Hot Kūpuna Nights event takes place August 19, 2026, […]
Maui County Council Approves Free Bus Rides During Special Events
The Maui County Council passed a bill allowing the county transportation director to suspend bus fares for up to 14 days per year during permitted special events, parades, or emergencies. The move expands an existing fare-free program and aims to reduce single-vehicle traffic on the island. The transportation director can now waive bus fares for […]
Hawaiian Electric Urges Maui Customers to Prep for Approaching Storm
Hawaiian Electric is warning Hawaii residents, including those on Maui, to prepare for a storm expected to impact the islands as early as Saturday. The utility is advising customers to stock supplies, review emergency plans, and monitor weather forecasts closely. A storm could affect Maui as early as Saturday, prompting Hawaiian Electric to issue preparation […]
South Maui Water System Near Capacity; County Eyes $53M Desalination Plant
Maui’s Central-South Maui water system is operating nearly at full capacity during dry months, prompting the county to explore a $53 million desalination plant in Kīhei. The project is in early planning stages and received a cautious reception from community members who want conservation measures prioritized first. The Central-South Maui water system delivers 26.79 billion […]
Maui County Eyes $6M Takeover of West Maui Private Water Systems
The Maui County Council has given preliminary approval to purchase private water infrastructure in West Maui from West Maui Land for $6 million. Supporters say public ownership will improve reliability, while some council members warn of potential long-term costs. Maui County Council granted preliminary approval to acquire West Maui Land’s water systems, which serve roughly […]
State Deploys Free Mental Health Counselors Across Maui After June Floods
Hawaii’s Department of Health launched Project Ho’oulu, a free outreach-based crisis counseling program for flood survivors across Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Oahu. Thirteen counselors are currently serving Maui County communities, including Central, South, and West Maui. Project Ho’oulu has been active since June 12, 2026, sending crisis counselors directly into flood-affected neighborhoods, shelters, schools, and […]
UHERO: Maui Fire Survivors Gain Housing Ground But Jobs and Income Still Lag
Multiple news outlets covered the release of a new University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) report marking three years since the August 2023 Maui wildfires. The report, based on the ongoing Maui Recovery Survey, finds meaningful progress in housing stability but persistent gaps in employment, household income, and financial assistance for fire-affected residents. About […]
Maui Designer Launches Affordable Rebuild Guidance for Lahaina Homeowners
Multiple outlets reported that Lahaina-based Melissa Dyckman Interiors has launched a new one-on-one advisory service called Lahaina Rebuild Design Guidance to help fire survivors navigate key design and construction decisions. The service is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to full interior design, aimed at reducing costly mistakes during the rebuilding process. Coverage noted the service […]
Puunene Brush Fire Extinguished Within 30 Minutes on August 11
Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency issued two alerts covering a brush fire that broke out and was quickly contained in Central Maui on August 11, 2026. Both alerts confirm the fire started and was extinguished within roughly half an hour, with no reported evacuations. A brush fire was reported at 10:03 AM on August 11, […]
Maui County Expands Free Bus Access to Students, Seniors, and Higher-Income Residents
The Maui County Council passed Bill 95, broadening eligibility for the fare-free bus program to include students of all ages, residents 55 and older, and households earning up to 300% of the poverty threshold. The bill also allows fare suspensions during special events or emergencies for up to 14 days per fiscal year. Bill 95 […]