Pacific Whale Foundation leads Maui's official marine debris response, coordinating volunteers to remove fishing nets, buoys, and plastic waste from beaches and reefs. The program tracks debris sources and locations to build data for potential policy changes.

• Teams remove heavy marine debris including a 2,500-pound net mass discovered at Waiehu Beach Park.
• Monthly volunteer efforts of 50-100 people clean shorelines and underwater reefs at multiple locations.
• Debris originates from Asian countries and U.S. fisheries, carried by currents to Hawaii's windward shores.
• Collected materials are recycled into products like plastic lumber and repurposed dive weights.
• Property owners can report large debris through DLNR's online form or by calling 833-4DA-NETS.

Source: Mauimagazine

Multiple weather forecasts from Maui Now show continued breezy to windy northeast trade wind conditions across Maui through Wednesday. The pattern brings varying shower chances and temperatures depending on location across the island.

• Northeast trade winds of 15-25 mph expected to continue through Wednesday across most areas
• West and South sides will see mostly sunny conditions with minimal shower chances
• North Shore faces highest rain probability at 50-70% with scattered to numerous showers
• Central Maui and Upcountry areas expecting partly sunny to sunny skies with isolated to scattered showers
• Temperatures ranging from highs in the mid-70s to upper 70s at lower elevations, cooler in mountain areas

Sources

• Maui Now: Maui Weather Forecast for March 31, 2026
• Maui Now: Maui Weather Forecast for March 30, 2026

Multiple news sources report on ongoing recovery efforts following recent flooding on Maui and Molokai. Communities are receiving emergency aid while businesses reopen and residents continue cleanup efforts from the kona low storms that brought record rainfall.

• Maui United Way activated the Maui Nui Resilience and Emergency Response Fund with $100,000 from Kaiser Permanente and Southwest Airlines matching donations up to $10,000
• Over 1,300 meals have been distributed to residents in remote areas including Hana and Molokai through partnership with World Central Kitchen
• Maui's only Target store in Kahului reopened after 16 days of closure due to flood damage that reached employees' knees
• Target donated over 55 pallets of food to Maui Food Bank and provided a $25,000 emergency grant (Hawaii News Now)
• Molokai families lost homes and belongings, with limited resources on the island making recovery particularly challenging
• Back-to-back kona low storms brought over 30 inches of rainfall in some areas starting March 11, with total damage expected to exceed $1 billion (Cntraveler)
• Recovery efforts continue in Lahaina, Kahului, Kula, and Kihei on Maui, with most roads open except for limited overnight closures on Farrington Highway through April 3 (Cntraveler)

Sources

• Maui News: Emergency fund to aid recovery efforts on Molokai, Maui
• Hawaii News Now: Maui's only Target reopens after 16-day closure from flood damage
• Hawaii News Now: 'Crazy roller coaster': Molokai flood victims ask for help amid recovery efforts
• Cntraveler: Traveling to Hawaii After the Floods—What to Know and How to Help

Mayor Bissen will deliver his 2026 State of the County Address on March 5, focusing on wildfire recovery, housing solutions, and economic development including visitor industry balance.

• The address will highlight progress on housing, recovery, and economic stability while outlining future community strengthening actions.
• Key priorities include advancing local housing solutions and continuing wildfire recovery efforts focused on housing stability and infrastructure.
• Economic development plans will emphasize supporting local businesses and maintaining a balanced visitor industry.
• The event is free and will be broadcast live on multiple platforms including County social media and local television.
• Cultural and natural resource protection through sustainable stewardship will be addressed as a county priority.

Source: Maui County

A new measure is being considered that would reorganize Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) with the goal of reducing electricity bills for residents and businesses across the islands.

• The proposed legislation targets HECO's structure to address Hawaii's notoriously high energy costs that impact both residents and the tourism industry
• Lower electricity bills could translate to reduced operating costs for vacation rentals and local businesses on Maui
• The measure represents ongoing efforts to make Hawaii's energy market more affordable and sustainable
• Any changes to energy costs could affect visitor accommodation pricing and island living expenses
• The proposal is still in early stages and would need legislative approval before implementation

Source: Hawaii News Now

Hawaii has finished its first major dredging project at Maunalua Bay's entrance channel in over six decades, improving navigation and access for boaters and marine activities.

• First comprehensive dredging of the bay's entrance channel since the 1960s enhances safety for recreational and commercial vessels
• Improved water depth and navigation should benefit local fishing, diving, and water sports operations popular with visitors
• The long-overdue maintenance addresses decades of sediment buildup that had been restricting boat access
• Enhanced marine access could boost tourism activities and support local businesses dependent on bay access
• The project demonstrates state investment in maintaining critical marine infrastructure for residents and visitors

Source: Hawaii News Now

A comprehensive audit of Maui County's operations has revealed several areas where the government may be vulnerable to fraudulent activities. The assessment aims to strengthen financial oversight and protect taxpayer resources that fund essential services for residents and visitors.

• Independent auditor completed systematic review of County of Maui's fraud prevention measures and internal controls
• Assessment identified specific operational gaps that could potentially expose county finances to misuse or fraud
• Findings will help county officials prioritize improvements to financial oversight systems that protect public funds
• Enhanced fraud prevention measures could lead to better allocation of taxpayer money toward essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and tourism support
• County expected to implement recommended changes to strengthen accountability and transparency in government operations

Source: Maui Now

Local Maui officials and residents are voicing strong opposition to plans for additional telescope installations on Haleakala, citing concerns about preserving the sacred mountain's cultural significance and natural beauty.

• Maui community leaders are united in their resistance to expanding telescope facilities on Haleakala summit
• Opposition stems from cultural concerns about protecting the sacred nature of the mountain for Native Hawaiian communities
• Environmental impact on Haleakala National Park's pristine ecosystem is a major concern for residents
• The debate highlights ongoing tensions between scientific research interests and local community values
• Visitors to Maui may see continued discussions about balancing tourism, cultural preservation, and development on the island

Source: Maui News

Maui County Council has authorized comprehensive studies to explore expanding public rail transportation options, including potential connections to UH Manoa. The studies will examine feasibility, costs, and community impact of improved transit infrastructure for residents and visitors.

• Council unanimously approved funding for detailed transportation feasibility studies focusing on rail expansion possibilities
• Proposed rail connections would potentially link key areas including the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus
• Studies will assess environmental impact, construction costs, and timeline for potential rail infrastructure development
• Enhanced public transportation could significantly improve mobility options for both Maui residents and visiting tourists
• Final recommendations and implementation timeline will depend on study results expected to be completed within 18 months

Source: Hawaii News Now

Hawaii lawmakers are advancing legislation that would mandate enhanced building codes for new construction to improve hurricane resistance. The proposed measures aim to better protect both residents and visitors during severe weather events.

• Proposed legislation would establish stricter building codes specifically designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and related damage
• New construction standards would apply to both residential and commercial properties, potentially affecting future vacation rental developments
• The bills are currently making their way through the Hawaii State Legislature with support from safety advocates
• Enhanced building requirements could increase construction costs but would provide better protection for occupants during severe weather
• The legislation comes as Hawaii continues to assess infrastructure resilience following recent hurricane seasons

Source: Hawaii News Now