Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County is accepting applications through July 10 for $850,000 in grants to fund Makahiki season cultural programs, festivals, and community events. The program aims to celebrate Hawaiian traditions while supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for residents and visitors. Applications are open until July 10, 2026 for grants supporting Makahiki season programs and events. […]
Three-Day Lahaina Community Event Scheduled for July to Mark Recovery Progress
A community gathering called Lahaina Homecoming will take place July 17-19 along Front Street, featuring cultural programming and vendor opportunities as part of ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. The event includes four gatherings over three days along Front Street from Prison to Dickinson Street. Vendor applications are open through June 15 with priority given to Lahaina […]
Judge Slashes Maui Fire Attorney Fees to $222M, More Money for Victims
A Maui judge awarded lawyers $222 million instead of the $1 billion they requested from the $4.03 billion wildfire settlement, allowing fire victims to keep more of their compensation. Legal fees were cut from a requested $1 billion to $222 million from the total $4.03 billion settlement. Lawyers who joined after the settlement was reached […]
New UH Program Trains Workers for Maui Cesspool Conversion Requirements
Hawaii Community College and UH Maui College launched a certificate program to train wastewater specialists as the state works to eliminate 83,000 cesspools by 2050. The one-year program addresses growing demand for professionals who can convert cesspools to compliant wastewater systems. New 23-credit certificate program teaches cesspool conversion and wastewater system installation on Maui and […]
Court Rules to Limit Legal Fees in Maui Wildfire Settlement Claims
A recent court ruling will cap attorney fees related to the Maui wildfire settlement, ensuring more compensation reaches survivors directly. Both the Governor’s office and Hawaii News Now reported that the decision aligns with the survivor-focused approach of existing recovery programs. Court ruling limits attorney fees tied to August 2023 Maui wildfire settlement claims, directing […]
Lahaina Harbor Begins $5M Dredging Project as Major Repairs Continue
The state started a $5 million dredging project at Lahaina Harbor this week, marking one of the most expensive repairs still needed before full reopening by end of 2027. Eight commercial tour companies now have limited access to the harbor. A $5 million harbor dredging project began this week and is scheduled for completion in […]
New Marine Education Program Targets Tourism Staff After Monk Seal Incident
Hawaii Marine Animal Response launched a training program for hospitality workers to educate visitors about protecting endangered marine life, following a recent incident where a tourist threw rocks at a monk seal on Maui. The Marine Stewards Program provides training materials and credentials for tourism industry staff to educate guests about marine wildlife protection. The […]
Kamehameha Day Parade to Close Ka’ahumanu Avenue June 20
The annual Kamehameha Day parade and festival will take place June 20, 2026, closing Ka’ahumanu Avenue from 9:30-11:30 a.m. followed by festivities at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center until 5 p.m. Ka’ahumanu Avenue will be closed from Lunaliho Street to Kahului Beach Road from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for the parade. The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. featuring pāʻū […]
Emergency Water Main Break Shuts Off Service to Upcountry Properties
A water main break on Makawao Avenue requires emergency repairs that will cut water service to about 80 properties for approximately 4 hours starting at 11:45 am on June 6. Water outage affects Makawao Avenue area between Makani Road and Pukalani Superette. Emergency repairs on mainline break expected to take approximately 4 hours starting 11:45 […]
Hawaii Visitor Numbers Drop in April But Tourist Spending Hits $1.7B
Hawaii saw fewer tourists in April with 829,000 visitors, but they spent more money at $278 per person daily, totaling $1.7 billion statewide. Maui hotels experienced higher occupancy and room rates as the island continues recovery. Visitor arrivals decreased slightly from last year, with US West market down 4.8% but US East and Japan markets […]