Category: The Maui Brief

Community Volunteer Day Set for Kula Fire Restoration Nursery This Friday

Multiple sources report that the Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui and Kula Community Watershed Alliance are hosting a volunteer event to restore native ecosystems damaged by the August 2023 wildfires. The volunteer day will focus on propagating native Hawaiian plants for replanting in fire-affected areas of Kula. Volunteer event scheduled for Friday, May 29, from […]

French Riviera Hotels Selected as Filming Locations for White Lotus Season 4

Multiple sources have confirmed that the fourth season of HBO’s The White Lotus will film at two luxury French Riviera hotels. The upcoming season will unfold against the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, continuing the series’ tradition of featuring high-end resort properties as central characters in the drama. Hôtel Martinez in Cannes and Airelles […]

Council Committee Advances New Hotel Zones for Vacation Rental Properties

Maui County Council’s Housing Committee voted 6-1 to advance new H-3 and H-4 hotel zoning districts for 4,500 grandfathered vacation rentals, overriding planning commissions’ recommendations for denial. The new H-3 and H-4 hotel zoning categories would provide a pathway for 4,500 vacation rentals on the Minatoya List to seek hotel zoning. All three county planning […]

Keoni Kuoha Enters Race for Upcountry Maui State House Seat

Keoni Kuoha announced his candidacy for Hawaii State House District 12, representing Upcountry Maui communities. His platform focuses on affordable housing, protecting natural resources, and strengthening schools. Kuoha is running against incumbent Kyle Yamashita and two other candidates for the District 12 seat covering Makawao, Pukalani, Kula and surrounding areas. His campaign priorities include building […]

New Wailuku Film Festival Launches June 17-21 with 100+ Films

The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, 2026, featuring over 100 films from Pacific and global filmmakers at venues in Wailuku and Kahului. Tickets are now on sale for $15-20 with no added fees. Festival showcases 100+ films including 55+ from Hawaii filmmakers at Historic ʻĪao Theater and other Maui venues. Tickets cost $15 […]

South Maui Council Member Tom Cook Seeks Re-election in 2026

Maui County Council member Tom Cook filed for re-election to his South Maui seat, focusing his campaign on housing solutions, infrastructure improvements, and wildfire recovery efforts. Cook has served on the Maui County Council since 2023 and brings over 50 years of construction and contracting experience. His campaign priorities include improving permitting efficiency for housing […]

Maui County Honors Outstanding Older Americans at May Ceremony

Joseph Pontanilla and Roselani Enomoto received 2026 Maui County Outstanding Older American awards during a ceremony recognizing community contributions of local seniors. The event honored 13 nominees for their volunteer work and community service across Maui County. Joseph Pontanilla and Roselani Enomoto won the male and female Outstanding Older American awards for Maui County. The […]

Southwest Operates Short Inter-Island Route Between Kona and Maui Airports

Southwest Airlines runs one of its shortest US routes between Kona and Kahului airports, an 84-mile inter-island flight connecting the Big Island to Maui. Southwest’s Kona-Kahului route covers 84 miles and ranks as the airline’s third-shortest US domestic flight. The inter-island service connects Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport to Kahului Airport on Maui. Southwest operates […]

Wellness Workshop for Lahaina Fire Survivors Set for June 6

A detox and wellness workshop will be held at Lahaina Jodo Mission on June 6 to support community healing after the wildfires. The event includes health education, acupuncture, and heavy metal testing for fire survivors. Workshop runs June 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lahaina Jodo Mission with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. […]

Molokaʻi Free Shuttle Service Available as Gas Prices Hit $7 Per Gallon

MEO’s free Rural Shuttle Service on Molokaʻi offers residents transportation alternatives as gasoline prices reach $7 per gallon. The service runs Monday through Friday with limited Saturday service to various island destinations. Gasoline prices on Molokaʻi have reached $7 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. MEO’s Rural Shuttle Service operates at no cost to riders […]