Appeals Court Sends Honuaʻula Phase II Back to Maui Planning Commission
A Hawaii appellate court ruled the Maui Planning Commission used the wrong legal standard when it approved Phase II of the Honuaʻula master-planned community in South Maui, ordering the commission to reconsider whether a supplemental environmental impact statement is required. The court upheld the commission on drainage, due process, and delegation issues, while workforce housing […]
Lahaina O-Bon Festival Returns Aug. 14 After Temples Lost in 2023 Fire
The West Maui Buddhist Council is hosting a combined O-Bon Festival on August 14, 2026, at Lahaina Jodo Mission, continuing a cultural tradition despite all three of Lahaina’s Buddhist temples being destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. The free community event runs 5–9 p.m. and is open to residents and visitors. The Lahaina O-Bon Festival takes […]
Maui County Installs Solar Arrays on Water Reservoir Rooftops
Maui County’s water utility mounted solar panels on circular concrete reservoir rooftops at multiple sites to offset electricity costs, which account for a large share of water system operating expenses. The project required specialized engineering to avoid roof penetrations, manage ballast weight, and maintain inspection access. The County of Maui water utility installed 105–141 kW-DC […]
Animated Film Series Preserving Lāhainā Stories to Debut August 27
Maui Public Art Corps will unveil ‘Perfect Days,’ a collection of four animated short films drawn from Lāhainā community memories, on August 27 at the Lāhainā Think Space in Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. The project stems from a wildfire-recovery storytelling initiative focused on mental health and cultural preservation. The free public exhibition opens August 27 and […]
HTA Releases 2026–28 Tourism Management Plans Targeting Stressed Hotspots
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has published new three-year Destination Management Action Plans for all major islands, identifying high-traffic sites under strain and outlining community-guided steps to manage visitor impact. Maui’s plan focuses on the Hāna Highway corridor and Ke’anae Peninsula. HTA’s 2026–28 DMAPs cover Maui, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, O’ahu, Kaua’i, and Hawai’i Island, each targeting specific […]
South Kīhei Road Near Kam II Beach Park Reopens Aug. 11, Ahead of Schedule
South Kīhei Road, closed since a March Kona Low caused major storm damage, will reopen to traffic on August 11, 2026 — earlier than the originally estimated fall completion date. The County used federal emergency funding to complete layered repairs to the roadway, drainage, waterline, and surrounding park area. South Kīhei Road near Kamaʻole II […]
Lahaina Marks Three Years Since Devastating 2023 Wildfire
Lahaina residents and community members observed the third anniversary of the August 2023 wildfire on Saturday, reflecting on ongoing grief while noting early signs of community rebuilding and return. Three years after the fire, many Lahaina residents say they still lack closure, with friends who lost lives and homes still unresolved. The Lahaina United Methodist […]
Maui County Takes Over State Wildfire Case Management Program
The Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program has shifted from state to county leadership, with Maui County now coordinating recovery support for wildfire survivors. A key focus will be preparing residents for the end of FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance in February 2027. Gov. Green and Mayor Bissen announced the program transition from the Hawaii Dept. of […]
Potential Tropical System Could Threaten Maui by Next Weekend
Scattered showers are expected on Maui Sunday, while a tropical wave southeast of Hawaii has an 80% chance of development and may approach the islands next weekend. Models are split on the track, so residents should monitor forecasts closely. Windward and mauka areas of Maui face the best chance of showers Sunday, with some heavier […]
Lahaina Marks Three Years Since Wildfires with Community Remembrance Event
Multiple sources reported on the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, which killed more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of structures in Lahaina. Maui County hosted a free all-day community gathering called ‘Kuhinia Maui’ on August 8, 2026, bringing together residents for music, cultural activities, and reflection. The event signaled continued […]