Maui Fire Settlement Payments of $4B Set to Begin Distribution Soon
More than 20,000 Lahaina wildfire victims will soon begin receiving payments from a $4.03 billion settlement, with disbursements expected to start within weeks and continue over four years. Settlement payments averaging about $190,000 per victim will be distributed over four years in $1 billion annual tranches. Four claims administrators will determine individual payouts based on […]
Royal Caribbean’s Mega Cruise Ship Generates $2.7M Daily Revenue
Analysis estimates Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, earns approximately $2.7 million per day from its 2,800+ cabins. The $2 billion vessel represents a major investment for Royal Caribbean and could generate even higher revenue during peak seasons. Icon of the Seas generates an estimated $2.7 million in daily revenue according to […]
Civil Beat Survey Asks Maui Council Candidates About STR Phase-Out Plans
A media survey will ask Maui County Council candidates about their approach to the ongoing vacation rental phase-out affecting thousands of properties. The survey responses will be published before July ballots arrive. Civil Beat is surveying all 2026 candidates about key issues affecting their districts and offices. Maui County Council candidates will specifically be asked […]
Construction begins at popular Hāna state park with parking changes
Multiple sources report that construction work at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in Hāna will begin June 6, affecting visitor access and parking arrangements at one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations. The project aims to improve facilities and road conditions at the heavily visited park. Construction starts June 6 on a new comfort station and Honokalani […]
New Laws Target Permit Delays That Slow Housing Construction Statewide
The Hawaii Legislature passed several bills aimed at speeding up building permits by addressing staff shortages and streamlining processes. The measures allow counties to offer higher salaries for permit reviewers and standardize permit data between counties. Counties can now recruit permitting staff at higher salaries and offer incentives to address reviewer shortages. New legislation clarifies […]
Disaster Unemployment Aid Available Until June 15 for March Storm Impacts
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms, floods, and landslides can apply for disaster unemployment assistance until June 15. Benefits range from $346 to $868 weekly through October 2026. Disaster Unemployment Assistance covers job losses from March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties. Eligible applicants include business […]
First Pacific Tropical Storm Forms, Currently No Threat to Hawaii
Tropical Storm Amanda became the first named storm of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season but remains far from Hawaii with no current threat to the islands. Amanda is located 1,475 miles southwest of Baja California with 40 mph winds. The storm is moving northwest and expected to weaken over the weekend. No coastal watches or […]
DOT Reports Major Flight Delays and Baggage Issues in March 2026 Data
The Department of Transportation released March 2026 airline performance data showing significant flight cancellations, baggage problems, and operational issues across US carriers during a busy travel period. DOT’s March 2026 data reveals widespread flight cancellations and delays affecting domestic air travel. Airlines experienced high rates of mishandled baggage and mobility equipment issues. Performance problems occurred […]
Cruise Ship Schedules and Whale Season Impact Hawaii Tourism
Limited cruise lines offer inter-island Hawaii sailings due to federal restrictions, with most ships requiring foreign port stops. Peak whale watching season from January-March drives cruise timing preferences. Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers year-round inter-island Hawaii cruises due to U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act restrictions. Most cruise ships must include foreign port stops or point-to-point […]
Sacred Hearts School Thrives at Kaanapali Campus Two Years After Fire
Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina continues operating at its temporary Kaanapali campus, serving 167 students with support from the resort community while making plans to rebuild at the original Lahaina site. The school is completing its second year at the temporary Kaanapali Resort campus after being destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires. Student academic performance […]