OHA Trustees Reject Proposal to Purchase KITV and KIKU Television Stations
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees voted against funding due diligence for purchasing local TV stations KITV and KIKU. The board cited concerns about the investment while acknowledging potential benefits for Native Hawaiian media representation. OHA trustees declined to advance a proposal to purchase KITV Island News and KIKU TV stations. The board […]
MLP Hires New Cultural Director to Guide Land Stewardship Efforts
Maui Land & Pineapple Company appointed Oralani Koa as Director of Cultural & Community Engagement to integrate Hawaiian cultural perspectives into the company’s land stewardship and community relations. Oralani Koa was named to the newly created Director of Cultural & Community Engagement position at Maui Land & Pineapple Company. Koa previously managed cultural programming at […]
County Committee Approves Hotel Zones That Could Save Some Phased-Out STRs
Maui County’s housing committee voted 6-1 to create new hotel zones that would allow some vacation rentals affected by last year’s phase-out to continue operating. The measure now goes to the full council for final approval. Bill 88 creates two new hotel zone designations that could allow STRs phased out under Bill 9 to continue […]
Hawaii Counties Gain New Regulatory Authority Over Short-Term Rentals
Hawaii has implemented new framework changes affecting short-term rental operators, giving local counties expanded regulatory control over STR operations. Hawaii has moved forward with regulatory framework changes that hand a ‘regulatory kill switch’ to local counties for short-term rental oversight. The changes are part of broader 2026 short-term rental law updates affecting operators across multiple […]
Bail reform changes in Hawaii discussed by industry professional
A Hawaii bail industry veteran discusses concerns about proposed changes to the state’s bail system that could lead to broader release policies. The conversation examines how bail practices have evolved and current reform efforts. Hawaii District Courts currently limit holding misdemeanor suspects to no more than 72 hours. Out of 20,000 HPD arrests, only 23-46 […]
Western Wildfire Study Shows Fewer But More Destructive Blazes
A new study found 31% fewer wildfires in the American West from 2007-2020 compared to 1992-2006, but the total burned area increased by 40% as individual fires grew much larger and more destructive. Large fires over 25,000 acres increased by 63%, while mega-fires over 125,000 acres jumped 136%. Natural wildfires burned 84% more area due […]
Maui County Acquires Private Water System in West Maui Infrastructure Deal
Maui County has agreed to take over Maui Land & Pineapple Company’s drinking water system as part of efforts to bring more of the island’s fragmented water infrastructure under public control. The move aims to address ongoing disputes between public and private interests over water management. County will assume ownership of MLP’s drinking water system, […]
South Kihei Road Sinkhole Repairs to Continue Through Fall
Repairs to the sinkhole near Kamaole Beach Park II on South Kihei Road will take until fall due to complex underground damage from March storms. All area businesses and residences remain accessible despite ongoing construction. The sinkhole was caused by record rainfall from March kona low storms that overwhelmed the drainage system. Repairs require custom […]
Makena State Park Upgrades Include New Toll Booths, Pay Stations
The state announced bathroom and shower improvements for Big Beach but permit filings reveal the project also includes two toll booths and three pay stations at park entrances. Current $10 vehicle plus $5 per person fees for non-residents would continue. State publicly announced comfort station and shower upgrades but permit filing also lists toll booth […]
Washington Tourist Charged for Throwing Rock at Maui Monk Seal Pleads Not Guilty
A Washington state tourist charged with throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal at a Lahaina beach has pleaded not guilty and been ordered to stay away from Hawaii beaches. Multiple news sources report the incident has sparked widespread condemnation and that the defendant claims he was trying to protect sea turtles. Igor […]