Made in Maui County Festival Draws 7,500+ Across Two-Day Event
The 13th annual Made in Maui County Festival took place Nov. 6-7 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, drawing more than 7,500 attendees and over 140 local vendors. Attendance was on par with the previous year despite a rainy start on Saturday. More than 7,500 people attended the two-day festival, consistent with last year’s […]
Progressives Set to Control Maui County Council Starting January
Following the November election, Maui County Council is shifting to a 6-3 progressive majority, replacing a centrist bloc that has held power since 2022. Incoming members have signaled interest in issues including vacation rentals, housing, and storm recovery. Three new members will be sworn onto the Maui County Council in January, with two expected to […]
Maui County Clears 115 Acres of Fire-Prone Land Above Launiupoko Homes
Maui County has begun a multi-phase vegetation and debris removal project at Kapūʻali (Cut Mountain) in Launiupoko to reduce wildfire risk to nearby homes, infrastructure, and a beach park. The project, led by the Maui Emergency Management Agency, is expected to wrap up by early 2027. Hand crews and heavy equipment will clear brush, invasive […]
Maui Voters Back Mayor Bissen’s STR Phaseout in Reelection Win
Mayor Richard Bissen won reelection with 56% of the vote, with his support for phasing out short-term rentals in residential zones seen as a key factor. The results signal broad voter support for prioritizing local housing affordability over vacation rental expansion. Mayor Bissen secured reelection on a platform centered on reducing STRs in Maui residential […]
Progressive Supermajority on New Maui Council May Curb Tourism Growth
Maui County Council elections have produced a 6-3 progressive supermajority, giving the new bloc enough votes to override mayoral vetoes. Analysts expect the shift to drive policies limiting development and potentially capping visitor numbers. The council flips from a 5-4 pro-development majority to a 6-3 progressive supermajority after the November 2026 election. A six-vote supermajority […]
Hawaiian Electric Warns of Possible Maui Power Shutoffs Due to Fire Risk
Multiple outlets reported that Hawaiian Electric has issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch for Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island through Sunday, citing high winds and dry conditions that elevate wildfire risk. The watch does not guarantee shutoffs will occur, but the utility is urging customers to prepare for possible extended outages. Hawaiian Electric […]
Maui County Launches 115-Acre Wildfire Clearing Project Near Lahaina Bypass
Multiple sources report that the Maui Emergency Management Agency is beginning a wildfire risk reduction project on county-owned land in Launiupoko starting November 9. The effort targets approximately 115 acres at Kapū’ali (‘Cut Mountain’), a site that has seen a dozen fires since early 2024, with the goal of creating defensible space for nearby communities […]
Election Results May Shift Maui Council Toward Tourism Growth Limits
Three council races on Maui produced results that could create a new supermajority focused on limiting development and tourism growth. Incoming member Kelly King has stated plans to pursue a hotel and vacation rental construction moratorium. Kelly King reclaimed her South Maui council seat, while newcomers Bobby Pahia and Marvin Moniz led their respective races […]
Maui Mayor Bissen Wins Reelection on STR Phaseout Platform
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen won reelection with 56% of the vote, with his support for phasing out short-term rentals in residential zones seen as a key factor. The results signal continued political momentum for reducing STR inventory on Maui. Mayor Bissen secured reelection over two challengers who had vowed to reverse the STR phaseout established […]
ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace Opens Nov. 10 with 24 Lahaina Businesses
Multiple outlets reported that Hawaiian Council has selected 24 businesses for the ʻUlu o Lele interim marketplace in Lahaina, set to open November 10 at the former Outlets of Maui site. The project, more than two years in the making, aims to restore economic activity in Lahaina while permanent rebuilding of Front Street continues. 24 […]