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 […]
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. […]
New Wailuku Film Festival Launches with 100+ Films This June
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, 2026, featuring over 100 films including 55+ from Hawaii filmmakers, with screenings in Wailuku and at MACC. Festival tickets go on sale today for $15 (Wailuku venues) and $20 (MACC finale). Event showcases 55+ films from Hawaii filmmakers plus international works from Pacific and global creators. Programming […]
Hawaii Uses Odometer Readings for New Mileage-Based Road User Fees
Hawaii has implemented a mileage-based user fee system that charges drivers per mile driven rather than per gallon of fuel, using odometer readings during annual safety inspections to protect privacy. Hawaii assesses mileage-based fees through odometer readings during annual vehicle safety inspections, with payment due at registration renewal. The system replaces traditional fuel taxes and […]
Council Advances 170-Unit Housing Development Near Congested Paia Town
Maui County Council committee voted to advance a 170-home development proposal on former sugarcane land near Paia, despite existing traffic and parking issues in the already crowded north shore town. The development would include 120 single-family homes, 50 multi-family units, commercial businesses, and a medical clinic on 40 acres. A 200-stall public parking lot is […]
Emergency Water Repairs Cut Service to 75 Wailuku Homes for 3 Hours
Emergency water repairs caused a 3-hour outage affecting 75 residences in the Ekoa Place, Alaneo Place, and South Alu Road areas of Wailuku starting at 9:30 AM on May 26. Water service was disrupted for approximately 3 hours starting at 9:30 AM due to emergency repairs. The outage affected 75 residences and 15 fire hydrants […]
Wailuku First Friday Community Event Returns June 5 with Local Music
Wailuku First Friday returns June 5 from 6-9 p.m. on Market Street featuring local Hawaiian musicians, food vendors, and shopping. The free family event includes performances by Grammy-nominated Gregory Juan and local group Kuikawa. Market Street will close to vehicle traffic at 5:30 p.m. with free parking available at Wailuku Municipal Garage after 6 p.m. […]
National Guard Ends Multi-Month Storm Recovery Operations Across Islands
The Hawaii National Guard concluded its statewide response to severe March and April 2026 Kona Low storms on May 22, after deploying up to 500 personnel for rescues, damage assessments, and recovery operations across all islands including Maui. Guard conducted 68 damage assessments on Maui County including aerial surveys of Molokai for the mayor. Three […]
Maui County Advances $30M Tax Increase on Short-Term Rentals
Maui County Council moved forward with plans to increase property taxes by $30 million, targeting short-term rentals, non-owner-occupied homes, and timeshares while reducing taxes on owner-occupied and long-term rental properties. Maui County Council approved a $30 million property tax increase affecting short-term rentals, non-owner-occupied homes, timeshares, and some bed-and-breakfast properties. The plan reduces taxes on […]