UH Launches Cesspool Conversion Training to Meet 2050 Elimination Goal
University of Hawaii colleges on Maui and Big Island are offering a new certificate program to train wastewater specialists for converting the state’s 83,000 cesspools by 2050. The program responds to urgent infrastructure needs highlighted by recent flooding events. Hawaii Community College and UH Maui College launched a 23-credit certificate program for onsite wastewater treatment […]
County announces meetings on comprehensive zoning code rewrite project
The County of Maui Department of Planning will present updates on the Title 19 zoning code rewrite beginning June 17, according to reports from multiple sources. The multi-year effort aims to modernize the foundational laws governing land use and development throughout Maui County. Planning Department will present to County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee […]
Music and Food Festival Returns to Support Lahaina Recovery Efforts
The Hua Momona Foundation will host its third annual music and food festival August 21-22 at Hyatt Regency Maui, raising funds for Lahaina rebuild efforts and community programs. The two-day event features headliners Taimane and Los Lobos with multiple acclaimed chefs participating. Last year’s festival raised over $200,000 for local food distribution, housing replacement, and […]
Iao Valley’s Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Reopens Following March Storm Damage
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened after repairs from March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. Visitors are advised to use caution due to ongoing hazards. The county park reopened Saturday after severe damage from back-to-back Kona low storms in March. Picnic Pavilions 1 and 2 remain closed as repair work […]
First Wildfire Settlement Payments Set to Begin This Summer
Multiple sources report that the first installment of Maui wildfire settlement funds could begin reaching victims in July or August, following a court ruling on attorney fees. Over $1.1 billion is currently held in trust as part of the $4 billion total settlement. First settlement payments to Maui wildfire victims expected to begin in July […]
DLNR Clarifies Makena State Park Upgrade Plans Amid Social Media Rumors
The state is clarifying its proposal to add restrooms, showers, and paved parking at Makena State Park after social media misinformation spread about the project. No changes are planned to beach access or visitor fees. Proposed upgrades include two restrooms, two showers, paved parking improvements, and staff infrastructure at Makena State Park. Access to the […]
Hawaiian Electric Pays $100M in Wildfire Settlement for Risk Failures
A federal judge approved a $100 million settlement against Hawaiian Electric for allegedly failing to prepare for wildfire risks before the August 2023 Lahaina fire. The funds will help the company address ongoing wildfire-related obligations and legal costs. Hawaiian Electric’s insurers will pay $100 million to the company following shareholder claims that executives failed to […]
Lahaina Harbor Begins Major Dredging Project as Recovery Continues
The state has started a $5 million dredging project at Lahaina Harbor, the first in 60 years, as part of ongoing recovery efforts. Full harbor recovery isn’t expected until the end of 2027, though limited commercial operations have resumed. A $5 million dredging project began this week to restore the harbor to its original depths […]
Experts Urge Natural Infrastructure After May Storms Hit Maui and Oahu
Following last month’s flooding from Kona low storms across Maui and Oahu, experts are calling for communities to incorporate more trees and natural systems to absorb water rather than relying solely on traditional drainage infrastructure. Recent Kona low storms caused widespread flooding and evacuations from Haleʻiwa to Lahaina, Kīhei, and ʻĪao Valley. Current infrastructure moves […]
Earth, Wind & Fire Concert at MACC to Include Food Drive for Fire Victims
The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at MACC on June 14 with special guest John Cruz. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring food donations for wildfire victims through the Maui Food Bank. Earth, Wind & Fire returns to Maui for the first time in 13 years with a June 14 concert at […]