March Storm Damage Leaves Multiple Road Sinkholes Awaiting Costly Repairs
Maui County is still working to repair numerous sinkholes and road collapses from March storms, with costs and timelines uncertain as officials seek federal emergency funding. Some repairs, including a 150-foot section of South Kīhei Road, are expected to take several months. A 150-foot collapsed section of South Kīhei Road near Kama’ole Beach Park II […]
Hawaii Visitor Spending Rises 4.8% in April Despite Fewer Tourist Arrivals
Hawaii tourism data for April 2026 shows a positive financial trend despite slightly fewer visitors. Both the state government and Hawaii Free Press reported that while visitor arrivals decreased marginally, increased daily spending per person drove overall tourism revenue growth. Total visitor spending reached $1.77 billion in April 2026, up 4.8% from the same month […]
Hua Momona Foundation to Host Global Sustainability Conference on Maui
The Hua Momona Foundation will hold its first RISE Maui sustainability summit August 17-21 at Hyatt Regency Maui and Hua Momona Farms. The event brings together global leaders and local community members to discuss environmental stewardship, innovation, and cultural preservation. The five-day summit takes place at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Hua Momona Farms in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]