Red Cross Seeks Maui Volunteers for Hurricane Season Emergency Shelters
The Hawaii Red Cross is training community volunteers to run emergency shelters ahead of an expected busier hurricane season due to El Niño conditions. The program aims to have trained volunteers available in all island communities in case access roads are blocked during storms. El Niño conditions are expected to increase hurricane and storm activity […]
Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals on Most Mainland Routes Starting July
Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving complimentary meals on most Hawaii-mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with a paid pre-order program featuring Maui chef-designed dishes. Passengers can purchase meals ranging from $10.99-$16.99 through advance ordering. Free economy meals end July 1 on most Hawaii-continental US routes, replaced by paid pre-order system. Maui chef Sheldon Simeon […]
Large South Swell Expected This Weekend, Coastal Impacts Possible
A major south-southwest swell arriving Saturday night could bring High Surf Warning conditions and coastal infrastructure impacts through early next week. Current south shore surf is minimal but expected to rise to seasonal average by Tuesday. A large south-southwest swell from a New Zealand storm will arrive Saturday night with waves potentially exceeding High Surf […]
Hawaii Visitor Spending Up 14% Despite Full Flights and Rising Complaints
April 2026 data shows visitors are spending $278 per person per day, up 14.1% from last year, even as many travelers complain about high costs and say they’re done with Hawaii. Planes remain fully booked despite widespread price concerns. Hawaii visitors spent $278 per person per day in April 2026, representing a 14.1% increase from […]
Court Slashes Attorney Fees in Lahaina Fire Settlement to Benefit Victims
Multiple news sources report that a Maui judge has dramatically reduced legal fees in the $4.03 billion Lahaina wildfire settlement. The ruling ensures fire survivors will retain significantly more of their settlement money. Hawaii Circuit Judge Peter Cahill capped attorney fees at $222 million, far below the $1 billion lawyers had requested The fee structure […]
Earth, Wind & Fire Concert Returns to MACC After 13-Year Break
The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on June 14, marking their first Maui show in 13 years. The concert coincides with a new HBO documentary about the group. Earth, Wind & Fire performs June 14 at MACC’s A&B Amphitheater with special guest John Cruz. Tickets […]
Tokuda Secures Extended Military Disaster Response for Hawaii Communities
Rep. Tokuda helped pass defense legislation that extends military disaster response time from 72 hours to one week and blocks Army land condemnation in Hawaii. The bill also increases military housing investment to reduce pressure on local housing supply. Military disaster response window extended from 72 hours to one week for natural disasters like recent […]
Maui County Council Passes $1.6 Billion Budget with Housing and Recovery
The Maui County Council unanimously approved a $1.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, as reported by multiple news sources. The spending plan includes significant allocations for affordable housing, wildfire recovery efforts, and social services before heading to the mayor for final approval. Budget totals $1.6 billion with $1.2 billion for county operations and $351 […]
Philippines Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Waves, Threat to Hawaii Passes
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the Philippines killed at least 32 people and generated tsunami waves that reached as far as Japan, but the Pacific-wide tsunami threat has been lifted. The magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning, killing 32 people and injuring over 200. A 1-meter tsunami hit nearby Philippine […]
Emergency Water Main Break Shuts Off Service to 100 Makawao Area Properties
A water main break on Makawao Avenue requires emergency repairs, cutting water service to about 100 properties for approximately 5 hours starting at 11:10 AM on June 7. Water outage affects Makawao Avenue between Makani Road and Pukalani Superette, including nearby side streets. Approximately 100 residences and 6 fire hydrants are impacted by the emergency […]