A University of Hawaii economic study shows Maui continues to face significant job and revenue losses from reduced tourism following the 2023 wildfires, with impacts spreading statewide through supply chain connections.

• Maui County lost an average of 18,000 jobs in late 2023, declining to about 9,000 jobs throughout 2024.
• Statewide economic impact in 2024 reached 23,100 jobs and $2.3 billion in lost output.
• Up to 28% of economic losses occurred in other counties, primarily Honolulu, due to supply chain connections.
• Initial tourism substitution to other Hawaiian islands was temporary and largely disappeared by 2024.
• The study confirms tourism-dependent economies like Maui remain vulnerable to extended recovery periods after disasters.

Source: Hawaii Free Press

Tourist spending in Hawaii increased 10.3% in February while UHERO released analysis on Maui's post-fire tourism economic impact. Several other legal and political developments are affecting the state.

• February tourist spending increased 10.3% compared to the previous period.
• UHERO published analysis examining the economic impact of Maui's tourism downturn following the fires.
• Honolulu officials are considering significant pay raises, with council member salaries potentially increasing 86% over four years.
• A federal lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools has generated death threats against plaintiffs, raising security concerns.
• Carbon credit business issues have forced Gunstock Ranch into bankruptcy proceedings.

Source: Hawaii Free Press

Governor Green appointed two new Circuit Court judges - Annalisa Bernard Lee for Maui's Second Circuit and Michael Soong for Kauai's Fifth Circuit. Both currently serve as District Court judges and their appointments require State Senate confirmation.

• Annalisa Bernard Lee promoted from District to Circuit Court judge for Second Circuit covering Maui.
• Michael Soong appointed Circuit Court judge for Fifth Circuit covering Kauai and Niihau.
• Both appointees are currently serving District Court judges being elevated to higher court positions.
• Appointments must be confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate to become final.

Source: Hawaii Free Press

Multiple sources report that Maui's tourism industry posted significant gains in February 2026, with both visitor arrivals and spending increasing substantially compared to the previous year. The recovery continues more than two years after the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires affected the island's tourism sector.

• Maui welcomed 223,227 visitors in February 2026, an 11.5% increase over February 2025
• Visitor spending on Maui reached $571.5 million, up 6.8% from $535.1 million in February 2025
• Average daily visitor count was 63,300 people on the island
• Hotel occupancy in Maui County improved to 78%, with Lahaina, Kāʻanapali and Kapalua region reaching 76.3% occupancy
• First two months of 2026 brought 459,407 total arrivals to Maui with $1.24 billion in spending, a 15.5% increase over early 2025
• Statewide, Hawaii welcomed 787,024 visitors in February who spent $1.91 billion, increases of 3.6% and 10.3% respectively
• Airlines operated 4,860 transpacific flights providing over 1 million seats, an 8.4% increase in flight capacity (Maui Now)
• Canadian arrivals dropped 4.6% due to social and political challenges (Maui Now)
• Officials are monitoring potential impacts from recent Kona Low storms on March tourism figures (Maui Now)

Sources

• Maui Now: Maui visitor arrivals and spending climb in February
• Hawaii Free Press: VISITOR SPENDING AND VISITOR ARRIVALS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 2026

A nonprofit has reactivated its anti-displacement fund to help Native Hawaiian homeowners repair storm damage from March 2026's kona storms. The fund aims to raise $20 million for home repairs and prevent displacement across affected Hawaiian Home Lands.

• Hawaii Community Lending revived the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund with $1 million seed money, targeting $20 million in first phase funding.
• March 2026 kona storms damaged Hawaiian Home Lands properties statewide, including collapsed cesspools in Anahola and flooding in Leialii and Kepaʻakea.
• The fund will provide grants, loans and technical assistance for Native Hawaiian homeowners facing insurance gaps and rising repair costs.
• Program seeks contractors through its Kūkulu Partner Program to conduct assessments and perform repair work.
• Funding comes from individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government entities through the nonprofit's website.

Source: Maui Now

Construction has begun on a new fire station in Olowalu that will reduce emergency response times by at least 15 minutes compared to dispatching from Lahaina. Additional funding is still needed to complete the project.

• The new Olowalu Fire Station will reduce emergency response times by at least 15 minutes compared to the nearest station in Lahaina.
• Groundbreaking ceremony was held March 20 with Mayor Bissen and Fire Chief Ventura in attendance.
• The project still requires additional funding beyond what's currently secured for completion.
• The station site was selected by the Maui Fire Chief in 2022 and built on donated land from Olowalu Homes Inc.
• The facility will serve as a community hub for fire education and prevention programs in addition to emergency response.

Source: Dailydispatch

Maui United Way has activated its emergency response fund with $100,000 from Kaiser Permanente to address recent severe flooding that has compounded ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. The organization is coordinating with county agencies and community partners to provide immediate aid including meals, grants, and connectivity support across affected areas.

• Recent severe flooding has created additional challenges for areas still recovering from 2023 wildfires.
• Kaiser Permanente provided $100,000 seed funding while Southwest Airlines is matching community donations up to $10,000.
• Over 1,300 meals have been distributed to remote areas including Hāna and Molokaʻi through partnership with World Central Kitchen.
• Seven internet satellites have been deployed across Hāna and Molokaʻi to maintain connectivity during response efforts.
• Maui United Way has already deployed $5.5 million in wildfire recovery funds this fiscal year and continues long-term support efforts.

Source: Maui Now

Maui Brewing Company has released a new light lager beer and will serve it on all Hawaiian Airlines flights starting in April. The company is hosting a launch party at their Kihei taproom on April 10.

• Maui Brewing's new light lager will be served on all Hawaiian Airlines flights beginning in early April.
• The company is hosting a launch party at their Kihei taproom on April 10 from 4-6 PM with live music and giveaways.
• The new beer is available now at Hawaii retailers and restaurants, with broader distribution planned for fall.
• Maui Brewing continues expanding its product line including hard seltzers, vodka sodas, and upcoming non-alcoholic options.

Source: Thebrewermagazine

Maui Food Bank CEO Lisa Paulson will step down April 15 to pursue national advocacy work. She led the organization since August 2024 during a period of 65% increased food insecurity.

• CEO Lisa Paulson leaves April 15 after leading the food bank since August 2024.
• Her tenure coincided with a 65% surge in food insecurity across Maui County.
• Paulson previously served as executive director of Maui's Hotel and Lodging Association.
• The board will search for a replacement while current leadership maintains operations.
• Food bank serves as vital community resource supporting families across the county.

Source: Maui News

A documentary featuring Lahaina residents' recovery stories will screen in Santa Barbara, highlighting ongoing challenges nearly three years after the 2023 wildfires. The film focuses on long-term rebuilding efforts and community displacement issues.

• Documentary 'Lahaina: Voices of Change' screens Friday at Santa Barbara's Lobero Theatre with panel discussion featuring Maui community leaders.
• Film highlights that many Lahaina residents still face displacement and housing uncertainty nearly three years after the fires.
• Recovery process shown as prolonged and uneven, requiring sustained effort over years rather than immediate post-disaster response.
• Event aims to benefit grassroots recovery efforts in Lahaina through community fundraising.
• Documentary emphasizes ongoing rebuilding challenges for both homes and livelihoods in the affected community.

Source: Newspress