Maui Ocean Center Highlighted as Major Educational Tourist Attraction
Multiple news sources have featured the Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii’s largest aquarium, as a significant tourist destination that educates visitors about local marine life and Hawaiian history. The coverage emphasizes the facility’s role in ocean conservation education and its unique attractions for travelers visiting Maui. Maui Ocean Center is Hawaii’s largest aquarium, operating since 1998 […]
Kauai Man Convicted on Federal Child Pornography Charges
A 40-year-old Hanapepe resident was convicted by federal jury on charges of producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography after targeting vulnerable children online. Roger Biggs faces mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence with sentencing scheduled for September 2026. FBI investigation began after anonymous online complaint and multiple CyberTipline reports from social media platforms. Evidence showed Biggs […]
Convention Center Prohibits Off-Duty Officers from Carrying Weapons
The Hawaii Convention Center bars off-duty police officers from carrying firearms inside the facility, even though HPD policy requires officers to carry weapons while off duty. Off-duty police officers attending personal events at the Hawaii Convention Center must disarm before entering. Only uniformed officers or those on official duty are allowed to carry firearms in […]
Hawaii Reports 70% Jump in Concealed Carry Permits, Maui Lower Than Average
Hawaii’s Attorney General released 2025 concealed carry permit statistics showing statewide increases, with Maui County having notably fewer permit holders relative to its population compared to other counties. Statewide concealed carry permits increased 70.5% to 3,764 total licenses by end of 2025. Maui County was underrepresented with only 6.3% of state permits despite having 11.3% […]
County Approves $240K for Remaining Wildfire Legal Costs
Maui County Council committee approved an additional $240,000 to cover remaining legal fees from wildfire litigation after insurance coverage gap. This closes out the county’s out-of-pocket legal expenses with all future costs covered by insurance. County committee unanimously approved $240,000 to cover outstanding legal fees from 2023 Lahaina wildfire litigation. The cost resulted from a […]
Big Island Approves New Property Tax Structure Targeting High-Value Homes
The Hawaii County Council has approved new property tax rates for fiscal year 2026-27 that reduce taxes for primary residences while significantly increasing rates for luxury second homes. Multiple sources report the changes are designed to address a $15 million budget shortfall and rising wastewater infrastructure costs. Primary residences and affordable rental housing will see […]
Power Shutoffs May Hit West Maui Due to Wildfire Risk Conditions
Hawaiian Electric is considering proactive power shutoffs in parts of West Maui and other areas due to high winds and dry conditions that increase wildfire risk. Multiple news outlets reported on the utility’s 24-48 hour monitoring period and emergency preparations. Hawaiian Electric may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs in West Maui and parts of Ōmaʻopio […]
Officials Warn Property Owners: Prepare for Active Hurricane Season
State and county officials are urging Hawaii residents to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season, which begins June 1, with multiple sources reporting warnings of increased storm activity. NOAA forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones due to developing El Niño conditions, compared to the typical 4-5 storms per year. NOAA predicts 5-13 tropical cyclones this season […]
Hawaii Enacts Tax Structure Changes to Address $3B Revenue Shortfall
Governor Josh Green signed legislation making targeted changes to Hawaii’s tax structure in response to a projected $3 billion revenue shortfall from federal actions, as reported by multiple news outlets. The law preserves most income tax relief for low- and middle-income households while revising future tax adjustments and eliminating certain tax credits. Senate Bill 3125 […]
Public Input Sought for Planned Lahaina Community Center and Field House
Maui County has launched a virtual platform seeking community feedback on planned recreational facilities in Lahaina. Multiple county announcements detail the public input process running through mid-June. County Department of Parks and Recreation launched website for public comments on upcoming Lahaina community center and field house through June 14, 2026 Virtual open house seeks input […]