Makawao Avenue Weekend Road Closures Run Through Aug. 16
Maui County’s Department of Public Works will close sections of Makawao Avenue on three consecutive weekends starting August 1 as part of an ongoing reconstruction project. Full lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6:30 p.m. Sunday each weekend. Full weekend closures on Makawao Avenue are scheduled Aug. 1–2, Aug. 8–9, […]
Hawaii Awards $1.8M in Wildfire Mitigation Grants Across Five Islands
Multiple sources report that eight organizations across five Hawaiian islands have received a combined $1.8 million through the 2026 Hawaii Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program. The grants, administered by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization in partnership with DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, fund projects focused on reducing hazardous vegetation, improving evacuation routes, and […]
Honokohau Valley Water Main Break Could Mean Days Without Service
A mainline break has cut water service to the Honokohau Valley area as of July 29. Repairs are underway but restoration could take several days, with no estimated timeline given. A mainline break has caused an emergency water outage in the Honokohau Valley area. Maui County Department of Water Supply crews are on scene, but […]
Lahaina Rec Center Gets $2.4M Playground Groundbreaking After Fire, Floods
Multiple sources reported that Maui County officials, community members, and project partners gathered on July 30, 2026, to break ground on a new $2.4 million playground at the Lahaina Recreation Center. The project, which survived both the 2023 Maui wildfires and 2026 Kona low storms, marks a visible step forward in West Maui’s ongoing recovery. […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Project Advances Through State Permitting
A proposal to restore eroding Kaanapali Beach by redistributing 75,000 cubic yards of offshore sand has entered the state permitting process. If approved, construction could begin fall 2027. The Pilikahakai Foundation and Ka’anapali Operations Association filed an application with the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands to restore the beach to its approximate 1988 […]
Three Years Out: Maui Fire Survivors Gaining Jobs and Housing, But Struggles Persist
Multiple outlets reported on the latest findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES), a University of Hawaiʻi-led research partnership tracking the health and living conditions of more than 2,500 fire survivors. The study finds recovery is progressing in some areas but remains uneven three years after the August 2023 disaster. Researchers warn that declining […]
Maui Council Moves 2,000+ Apartment-Zone Vacation Rentals Toward Hotel Rezoning
The Maui County Council voted 7-1 to refer roughly 2,056 apartment-district vacation rental units to the Planning Commission for potential rezoning into new hotel districts, where short-term rental use would be explicitly permitted. The move could exempt these properties from Bill 9’s phase-out of STRs in apartment zones. The Council passed two resolutions referring ~2,056 […]
Arrest Made After Group Assault of California Visitors at Kaanapali Resort
A 20-year-old Makawao man was arrested on suspicion of felony assault following a July 17 incident in which a large group attacked seven California visitors at the Kaanapali Alii pool area. About 30 people were involved in the altercation, which left multiple victims with visible injuries. A suspect was arrested on felony assault charges in […]
UH Study: Maui Fire Survivors Gaining Ground, But Housing and Mental Health Struggles Persist
Multiple outlets reported on a new University of Hawaiʻi study released July 27, 2026, marking three years since the 2023 Maui wildfires. The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) found meaningful gains in employment and housing stability among survivors, but persistent food insecurity, mental health challenges, and declining community support remain serious concerns. Researchers warn that […]
Hurricane Fausto Passes North of Hawaii, Bringing Hazardous Surf
Multiple news sources report that Hurricane Fausto, a weakening Category 1 storm, is tracking north of the Hawaiian Islands and is not expected to make landfall. While direct wind and rain threats remain low, forecasters warn of dangerous surf and strong currents building along east-facing shores through Tuesday. Separately, Category 5 Hurricane Genevieve is active […]