Maui County is advancing legislation inspired by Vienna's housing model that would require surplus rental housing funds to be reinvested directly into creating more affordable housing units. This initiative aims to address the island's ongoing housing shortage that affects both residents and the tourism workforce.

• New bill prevents rental housing fund money from sitting unused by mandating surpluses go toward building more affordable units
• Vienna-inspired approach could significantly increase housing availability for local workers in hospitality and service industries
• Improved housing supply may help stabilize the local workforce that supports Maui's vacation rental and tourism sectors
• Legislation addresses long-standing concerns about housing fund effectiveness in tackling Maui's affordability crisis
• Better housing options for residents could reduce displacement pressures that have impacted local communities

Source: Maui Now

The Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization is offering a complimentary webinar to help local property owners navigate the growing national crisis in wildfire insurance coverage.

• Local property owners and residents can attend at no cost to learn about wildfire insurance options and challenges
• The workshop addresses the nationwide insurance crisis that particularly impacts fire-prone areas like Maui
• Expert guidance will be provided on protecting properties and understanding coverage options in high-risk wildfire zones
• This educational opportunity comes as Maui continues recovery efforts and works to improve wildfire preparedness
• The session offers valuable information for both residential property owners and those managing vacation rental properties

Source: Maui Now

A collaboration between Pacific Whale Foundation and Norwegian Cruise Line will create expanded opportunities for children's whale watching experiences around Maui. The partnership aims to enhance educational marine tourism offerings during peak whale season.

• Pacific Whale Foundation teams up with Norwegian Cruise Line to grow keiki (children's) whale watching programs
• Expanded tours will provide more family-friendly marine wildlife experiences during humpback whale season
• Partnership combines Pacific Whale Foundation's conservation expertise with Norwegian's tourism resources
• New offerings will enhance educational opportunities for young visitors to learn about Maui's marine ecosystem
• Program expansion supports both local marine conservation efforts and family tourism on the island

Source: Maui Now

Hula Grill Kaanapali is offering visitors a unique dining and educational experience by hosting weekly whale talks throughout February and March. The oceanfront restaurant's program takes advantage of Maui's prime humpback whale watching season, combining great food with marine wildlife education.

• Whale talks will be held every Tuesday during February and March 2026 (Maui Now)
• The educational sessions take place at Hula Grill Kaanapali, offering diners oceanfront views during whale season (Maui News)
• The program coincides with peak humpback whale migration season in Hawaiian waters (Maui News)
• Guests can combine dining at the popular Kaanapali restaurant with learning about marine wildlife (Maui Now)

Sources

• Maui News
• Maui Now

The state of Hawaii is set to fund 75 environmental projects using $130 million generated from new green fees, addressing critical conservation needs across the islands.

• New conservation fees will generate $130 million to fund environmental protection initiatives statewide
• 75 separate environmental projects are planned to address Hawaii's conservation challenges
• The funding will support various environmental needs that have been identified across the Hawaiian islands
• These initiatives represent a significant investment in preserving Hawaii's natural resources for residents and visitors
• The comprehensive approach aims to tackle multiple environmental priorities simultaneously

Source: Maui Now

Hawaiian Electric has called off its precautionary power shutoff monitoring while repair teams continue working to restore electricity to areas affected by recent weather conditions.

• The Public Safety Power Shutoff watch has been officially discontinued, indicating improved weather conditions and reduced fire risk
• Utility crews are actively working to restore power to customers who lost electricity due to recent weather events
• The end of the safety watch suggests that wind conditions and fire danger have decreased to manageable levels
• Visitors and residents can expect continued restoration efforts until all weather-related outages are resolved
• This development indicates that Maui's power grid is stabilizing after the recent weather challenges

Source: Maui Now

Dangerous surf conditions with waves reaching 45 feet are expected along Maui's north-facing coastlines, prompting officials to issue high surf warnings for residents and visitors.

• Wave heights of up to 45 feet are forecasted for north-facing beaches, creating extremely hazardous ocean conditions
• Visitors should avoid swimming, snorkeling, or any water activities along affected shorelines during this period
• Strong currents and powerful waves pose serious risks of injury or drowning, even for experienced ocean enthusiasts
• Popular north shore beaches and coastal areas may experience significant wave runup and dangerous conditions
• Travelers should monitor official weather updates and heed all posted warnings before heading to beach destinations

Source: Maui Now

Local lawmakers are coordinating their approach to secure state funding for housing initiatives as part of ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. The upcoming legislative session is expected to present significant challenges for obtaining necessary resources.

• Maui County legislators are developing a unified strategy to request state funding specifically for fire recovery housing projects
• The upcoming legislative session is anticipated to be more challenging than previous years for securing recovery funds
• Housing remains a critical priority for the community as wildfire recovery efforts continue across Maui Nui
• Coordinated advocacy efforts aim to ensure Maui's housing needs remain visible at the state level
• These funding efforts directly impact the island's ability to house displaced residents and support long-term community recovery

Source: Maui Now

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has announced a $3.5 million investment in Maui's wildfire recovery efforts, with educational scholarships for Lahainaluna High School students serving as a cornerstone of the initiative.

• Educational scholarships for Lahainaluna students represent a key component of Bezos's multi-million dollar commitment to the island's recovery
• The $3.5 million investment demonstrates continued private sector support for Maui's long-term rebuilding efforts following the devastating wildfires
• Focus on education signals investment in Maui's future workforce and community resilience, benefiting both residents and the island's tourism economy
• This funding adds to ongoing recovery initiatives that aim to restore Maui's infrastructure and support systems for residents and visitors alike
• The investment highlights how community recovery efforts continue to attract national attention and support for the island's healing process

Source: Maui Now

David Sellers, a Maui-based architect, is being honored with a humanitarian award for his significant contributions to the ongoing Lahaina rebuilding process following the devastating wildfires.

• Architect David Sellers will receive a prestigious humanitarian award recognizing his dedication to Lahaina's post-wildfire reconstruction
• His work represents a key part of the community-driven effort to restore West Maui's historic town
• The recognition highlights the important role local professionals are playing in the recovery process
• Lahaina's rebuilding continues to progress with support from committed community members and industry experts
• This award demonstrates the collaborative spirit driving Maui's healing and restoration efforts

Source: Maui Now