DOH Issues Water Quality Advisory for Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina
The Hawaii Department of Health has detected elevated fecal bacteria levels at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina, advising against swimming until levels drop below the safety threshold. The advisory remains in effect until retesting confirms contamination has subsided. Enterococci bacteria measured at 406 per 100mL — more than three times the 130 per 100mL safety threshold […]
Decomposing Whale Carcass Poses Health Risk Along Molokaʻi South Shore
A humpback whale that died July 10 off Molokaʻi’s south shore is creating a public health hazard as tides move the remains along coastal areas. DLNR is urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water in the affected zone. DLNR is advising people to avoid the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore due to […]
Wailuku Film Festival Draws 5,300+ Visitors in Debut Run
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival ran June 17–21, 2026, attracting more than 5,300 attendees, screening 100+ films, and generating over 12.5 million media impressions. Wailuku businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales throughout the event. The five-day festival drew over 5,300 total attendees, with multiple screenings at the historic ʻĪao Theater selling out. More than […]
Lahaina Marks Wildfire’s Third Anniversary with Interfaith Service and Time Capsule
The Lahaina Interfaith Council will hold an Honor & Remembrance service on Aug. 1, 2026, ahead of the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfire. A community time capsule project and a two-day ‘Lights for Lahaina’ gathering in September are also planned. An interfaith remembrance service is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. at Lahaina […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Plan Proposed to Reverse Decades of Erosion
Multiple sources report that the Pilikahakai Foundation and West Maui resort managers have unveiled a plan to restore Kaanapali Beach, one of Maui’s most iconic shorelines. The proposal aims to reverse significant erosion caused by rising sea levels and increased wave energy by redistributing offshore sand back onto the beach. The project would restore the […]
S. Kihei Road Closed at Kulanihakoi and Waipuilani Intersections
Maui County has closed S. Kihei Road to southbound traffic at Kulanihakoi Street and to northbound traffic on Waipuilani Street. No end date or reason for the closure was provided. S. Kihei Road is closed to southbound traffic at the Kulanihakoi Street intersection. Northbound traffic on Waipuilani Street is also affected by the closure. Property […]
Road to Hana Visitor Confrontation Reignites Traffic Management Debate
A viral video showing a heated road dispute between an East Maui resident and a California visitor on Hana Highway has renewed pressure on officials to address chronic traffic and safety problems along the route. Residents say existing programs, including a $350,000 HTA pilot effort, have not resolved ongoing issues. A confrontation on Hana Highway […]
Hawaii AG Sues EPA Over HECO’s Reversal on Maui Power Plant Shutdowns
Hawaii’s Attorney General has filed a legal challenge against the EPA after Hawaiian Electric reversed its earlier commitment to retire aging, polluting oil-burning generators on Maui and the Big Island. The dispute centers on whether those voluntary retirement agreements are still binding under Hawaii’s air quality plan. Hawaiian Electric’s Kahului and Māʻalaea generating stations were […]
Lahaina Bypass Extension Draws Community Pushback Over Route and Cost
The state is moving forward with a 4.5-mile Lahaina Bypass extension in West Maui, funded in part by $100 million in disaster relief, but residents are raising concerns about the proposed connector routes and whether the money is being spent wisely. The proposed extension would run from Keawe Street to the Pu’ukoli’i area, designed to […]
Pukalani Resident Urges County to Fund Grazing as Fire Fuel Removal Tool
A Pukalani homeowner argues that current fire code compliance — mowing only — leaves cut grass on the ground as a lingering fire hazard. He calls on county officials to support grazing programs as a practical, permitted-free method of actual fuel removal. Current Maui fire code requires fuel breaks to be mowed, but cut grass […]