Lahaina Fire Survivors Set to Receive Settlement Payments After 3 Years
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, settlement payments are ready for distribution to victims, with court rulings limiting attorney fees to 5% and insurer claims to 10% of the fund. Settlement distribution is beginning for 21,750 claimants who filed nearly 95,000 claims from the August 8, 2023 Lahaina fire. Judge limited attorney fees […]
Hawaii Leads Nation in Laser Strikes Against Aircraft Near Airports
Hawaii has one of the highest rates of people pointing lasers at aircraft in the U.S., creating serious flight safety risks during takeoffs and landings at island airports. Federal officials report Hawaii tops the nation in per-capita laser strikes against aircraft. Laser beams can blind or disorient pilots during critical takeoff and landing phases near […]
Legal Challenges May Delay Lahaina Fire Settlement Payments to Survivors
Maui wildfire survivors may face further delays in receiving settlement money from the $4 billion fund as some attorneys are expected to challenge a recent court ruling that reduced legal fees. The first payments were scheduled to begin this week but could be postponed if legal appeals are filed. Judge Peter Cahill reduced attorneys’ fees […]
Ocean Water Quality Near Lahaina Shows Minimal Fire Damage After 3 Years
Marine scientists found West Maui coastal waters were not significantly impacted by toxic debris from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, contrary to initial concerns. A decade of water quality monitoring shows broader challenges with turbidity and nitrates but little fire-related decline. Volunteer scientists collected 5,500+ data points over 10 years, creating comprehensive pre- and post-fire water […]
Three-Day Lahaina Homecoming Event Set for July to Support Fire Recovery
A three-day community gathering called Lahaina Homecoming will take place July 17-19 along Front Street in Lahaina to celebrate culture and support ongoing recovery efforts. Multiple sources report the event will feature cultural programming, storytelling, and opportunities for local vendors as the community continues rebuilding from the 2023 wildfire. Event will run July 17-19, 2026 […]
Hawaiian Electric Issues Wildfire Prep Guidelines as Dry Season Begins
Hawaiian Electric is urging residents statewide to prepare for wildfire season as the islands enter the dry season with potentially less rainfall ahead. Multiple news outlets reported on the utility company’s safety recommendations and ongoing infrastructure improvements to reduce wildfire risks. HECO recommends clearing dry vegetation around homes, trimming tree branches away from power lines, […]
Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County launched a new grant program offering $850,000 to fund Makahiki season events, festivals, and cultural activities. Applications are open through July 10 for organizations wanting to create programs that celebrate Hawaiian culture and engage both residents and visitors. The County’s Office of Economic Development is accepting grant applications through July 10, 2026 for […]
Iao Valley Heritage Park Reopens After March Storm Damage Repairs
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened following repairs from severe March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. The county park reopened Saturday after being closed since March due to Kona low storm damage. Severe erosion and flooding undercut two picnic pavilions, which remain closed for ongoing repairs. All seven cultural heritage […]
Maui’s Mineral-Only Sunscreen Law Blocks New FDA-Approved Ingredient
The FDA approved its first new sunscreen ingredient in decades, but Maui County’s mineral-only sunscreen law prohibits visitors from using products containing the new chemical filter bemotrizinol. Maui County’s 2022 ordinance allows only mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, blocking the new FDA-approved bemotrizinol ingredient. The new ingredient bemotrizinol offers improved UVA protection […]
State Clarifies Big Beach Toll Booth Plans Amid Reservation System Concerns
Maui’s state parks administrator says toll booths planned for Makena State Park will only support existing fee collection, not implement reservation systems. This contradicts 2023 statements from DLNR about considering visitor controls at the popular beach. State parks administrator denies toll booths are for reservation systems or new access restrictions at Big Beach. Toll booths […]