South Maui Water System Near Capacity; County Eyes $53M Desalination Plant
Maui’s Central-South Maui water system is operating nearly at full capacity during dry months, prompting the county to explore a $53 million desalination plant in Kīhei. The project is in early planning stages and received a cautious reception from community members who want conservation measures prioritized first. The Central-South Maui water system delivers 26.79 billion […]
Maui County Eyes $6M Takeover of West Maui Private Water Systems
The Maui County Council has given preliminary approval to purchase private water infrastructure in West Maui from West Maui Land for $6 million. Supporters say public ownership will improve reliability, while some council members warn of potential long-term costs. Maui County Council granted preliminary approval to acquire West Maui Land’s water systems, which serve roughly […]
Selenium Detected in South Maui Water System, Levels Deemed Safe
Multiple sources, including Maui County and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, report that trace levels of selenium were detected for the first time in the Wailuku water system serving Māʻalaea, Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena. Health officials say the detected levels are well below federal and state safety limits and are unlikely to pose a public health risk. […]
Appeals Court Sends Honuaʻula Phase II Back to Maui Planning Commission
A Hawaii appellate court ruled the Maui Planning Commission used the wrong legal standard when it approved Phase II of the Honuaʻula master-planned community in South Maui, ordering the commission to reconsider whether a supplemental environmental impact statement is required. The court upheld the commission on drainage, due process, and delegation issues, while workforce housing […]
Lahaina Marks Three Years Since Wildfires with Community Remembrance Event
Multiple sources reported on the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, which killed more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of structures in Lahaina. Maui County hosted a free all-day community gathering called ‘Kuhinia Maui’ on August 8, 2026, bringing together residents for music, cultural activities, and reflection. The event signaled continued […]
Maui Council Delays Vote on Hotel Rezoning for ~2,500 Apartment Units
A Maui County Council committee recessed without voting on two resolutions that would rezone additional apartment-district properties into hotel districts, continuing the process of carving out exceptions to Bill 9’s vacation rental phase-out. The committee will resume testimony on August 19. The two paused resolutions (26-129 and 26-130) are part of a four-measure effort that […]
Kahului Town Hall Aug. 12 to Cover Central Maui Plan & Hurricane Prep
Maui County Council Member Kauanoe Batangan is hosting a public town hall on August 12 in Kahului covering the updated Central Maui Community Plan and hurricane preparedness. The event begins at 6 p.m. at Kahului Elementary School and includes a Q&A session. The Central Maui Community Plan is a comprehensive 20-year update to the 2002 […]
Appeals Court Sends Honua’ula Development Back for Environmental Review
Hawaii’s Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled that the Maui Planning Commission must reconsider whether significant changes to the Honua’ula development near Wailea require an updated environmental impact statement. The project’s affordable housing and market-rate unit counts have shifted multiple times since its original 2008 approval. The court found the Maui Planning Commission failed to properly […]
PACs Pour $900K+ Into Maui Races Where STR Policy Is Central Issue
Political action committees have directed more than $900,000 toward Maui mayoral and council races this election cycle, more than double any other county. The future of short-term vacation rentals has been a defining issue driving the political spending. Maui received roughly half of the $1.5 million PACs and super PACs spent on neighbor island county […]
South Kihei Road Near Kamaole II to Reopen Aug. 11, Ahead of Schedule
Maui County will reopen the storm-damaged stretch of South Kihei Road near Kamaole II Beach Park on August 11, 2026, earlier than the originally projected fall completion date. Repairs were federally funded and addressed damage to the roadway, drainage, waterline, and surrounding infrastructure caused by a March Kona low. South Kihei Road near Kamaole II […]