Maui County to Review Coastal SMA Boundary Rules at July 14 Public Meeting
Multiple sources report that the Maui County Department of Planning is inviting the public to attend a Maui Planning Commission meeting on July 14, 2026, to learn about an assessment of the island’s Special Management Area (SMA) boundary. The SMA governs development controls near the shoreline and has not been updated since 1979. The meeting […]
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Law Streamlining Lahaina Rebuild Permits
Environmental nonprofit Maui Tomorrow Foundation has sued to invalidate Act 070, a state law that exempts many Lahaina reconstruction projects from Special Management Area permit requirements. The law was specifically crafted to accelerate rebuilding in coastal areas of Maui County after the 2023 wildfire. Maui Tomorrow Foundation filed suit alleging Act 070, signed by Gov. […]
First Front Street Commercial Space Since Fire to Open This Fall in Lahaina
A new interim marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele is set to open on Lahaina’s Front Street in September 2026, becoming the first commercial project to return to the area since the 2023 wildfire. The $8 million, two-year project will host 25–50 local vendors at the former Outlets of Maui site. ʻUlu o Lele (‘Growth of […]
Maui Council Creates Hotel Zoning Path to Exempt Some Condos from STR Ban
The Maui County Council voted 7-2 to establish two new hotel zoning classifications that could allow up to 4,500 condominiums facing a short-term rental ban to continue operating as vacation rentals. Properties must go through a planning commission review and Council approval to qualify for the new zoning. The Council passed Bill 88 on June […]
Southwest Flight Diverts to Honolulu After Turning Back Over Pacific
A Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Kahului to Las Vegas turned back roughly 90 minutes into the flight and diverted to Honolulu, landing safely with no injuries. The cause has not been confirmed, and the aircraft remained grounded in Honolulu the following day. Southwest Flight 139 departed Kahului (OGG) on July 5 around […]
Kapalua Golf Owner Commits $500K More to West Maui Watershed Preserve
Tadashi Yanai, owner of Kapalua Golf, donated $500,000 to the Aloha Puʻu Kukui nonprofit, bringing his total giving to the West Maui watershed to $1.5 million since 2024. Funds support invasive species removal and native reforestation across the 8,661-acre Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve. The Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve is a critical source of groundwater for […]
Maui Road Work Causes Lane Closures on Key Routes Through July 10
The Hawaii DOT has scheduled multiple lane closures across Maui through July 10, 2026, affecting Honoapiʻilani Highway and other major routes. Several Lahaina-area closures are 24/7 due to ongoing drain line and catch basin replacement work. Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) sees the heaviest impact, with closures stretching from Wailuku through Lahaina for projects including tree […]
First Commercial Marketplace Set to Reopen on Lahaina’s Front Street This Fall
A temporary retail and community marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele is slated to open in September on the former Outlets of Maui property, becoming the first commercial project to return to Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. The $8 million, two-year project is a partnership between Maui County, Hawaiian Council, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. […]
Grace Pacific Buys Maui Quarry, Plans to Retain Workers After HC&D Exit
Grace Pacific has agreed to purchase HC&D’s Camp 10 quarry in Puunene, Maui’s primary aggregate supplier, after HC&D announced closure plans in June. The buyer says current employees will be offered jobs once the sale is finalized. HC&D announced in late June it would close its Camp 10 quarry in Puunene, threatening dozens of jobs […]
Maui Council Creates Hotel Zoning Path to Dodge STR Ban for ~4,500 Condos
Maui County Council passed Bill 88, creating two new hotel zoning classifications that could allow certain condos facing a short-term rental ban to continue operating as vacation rentals. Any rezoning still requires planning commission review and a Council vote. The Council voted 7-2 on June 19 to create new hotel zoning categories that up to […]