Maui County Schedules September Community Meetings on Inter-Island Ferry Expansion

Coastal scene with grassy dunes, a blue ocean, and a small boat on the horizon (foreground plants, right-side trees).

Multiple sources report that the Maui County Department of Transportation is hosting four community meetings in September 2026 to gather public input on ferry service connecting Maui, Lānaʻi, and eventually Molokaʻi. The meetings are part of a state-required environmental assessment process that will evaluate impacts and help secure funding for expanded service across Maui Nui. […]

Washed-Out Nāhiku Bridge Leaves Residents Stranded, Ownership Disputed

One of many bridges on the highway. Hana Belt Road — Washed-Out Nāhiku Bridge Leaves Residents Stranded, Ownership Disputed | Maui Tom's News

Hurricane Lala destroyed a small bridge in East Maui’s Nāhiku community, cutting off six residents. Maui County and East Maui Irrigation both deny ownership, leaving the question of who will rebuild it unresolved. The only road bridge serving six Lower Nāhiku residents was completely destroyed by Hurricane Lala’s floodwaters last weekend. Maui County and East […]

Water Outages Possible in West Kuiaha and Awalau Due to Well Outage

Crystal water tourism — Water Outages Possible in West Kuiaha and Awalau Due to Well Outage | Maui Tom's News

Maui’s Department of Water Supply is asking residents in the West Kuiaha and Awalau areas to conserve water after a well went offline. Low pressure or full outages are possible while crews work to restore service. A well serving West Kuiaha and Awalau is currently out of service, causing reduced water pressure or outages in […]

Water Main Break and Sinkhole Close Lower Honoapiilani Road

Street-level view of two highway signs: North 33 with a left arrow and East 32 with a straight arrow, mounted over an urban road.

A section of Lower Honoapiilani Road between Kahana Place and Omaikai Place has been temporarily closed due to a water main break and sinkhole. Public Works has been notified and officers are stationed at both ends of the closure. Lower Honoapiilani Road is closed between Kahana Place and Omaikai Place as of August 21, 2026. […]

Federal Tax Relief Bill for Lahaina Fire Survivors Awaits Trump’s Signature

Aerial view of a resort with overwater bungalows connected by a jetty to a white-sand tropical island.

A bill passed by both chambers of Congress would allow wildfire loss deductions and exclude legal settlement compensation from federal taxation for Maui fire survivors through 2026. Maui Council Vice-Chair Sugimura has formally urged President Trump to sign it into law. H.R. 5366 passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the president’s signature […]

State Board Blocks 30-Year East Maui Water Diversion License Auction

Bamboo Forest — State Board Blocks 30-Year East Maui Water Diversion License Auction | Maui Tom's News

Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected a proposal to auction a 30-year license to divert up to 88 million gallons per day from East Maui streams. The board also rejected a separate water license for Maui County and sent the current diversion permit back through a court-ordered contested-case hearing. The state board […]

Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Maui With Rain and Flooding This Weekend

Underwater view of clear blue water with sunlight rays filtering from the surface above the sea bed.

Multiple sources report that Maui County is preparing for Tropical Storm Moke, expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands late this weekend into Monday, bringing potential heavy rain and flooding. The storm arrives less than a week after Tropical Storm Lala caused damage still being addressed by county crews. Emergency management officials are urging […]

Maui Offers Property Tax Deadline Extension for TS Lala-Affected Owners

Baby Beach Paia Maui — Maui Offers Property Tax Deadline Extension for TS Lala-Affected Owners | Maui Tom's News

Mayor Bissen has opened a one-time application process allowing property owners impacted by Tropical Storm Lala to defer their FY2026-27 real property tax payment beyond the August 20, 2026 deadline. Approved applicants must still pay in full by September 20, 2026 to avoid penalties. Property owners negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Lala can apply for […]

Maui Sees 25% Drop in International Visitors Amid STR Rules and Rising Costs

Coastal golf course with a green fairway, a large white sand bunker in the foreground, and the sea and hills under a cloudy sky.

Maui’s tourism recovery has stalled in 2026, with international visitor numbers down 25% as new short-term rental restrictions and higher travel costs reshape the visitor mix. Early 2026 showed strong domestic arrivals, but structural policy changes and global inflation have offset those gains. International visitor arrivals to Maui dropped 25% in 2026, attributed to new […]

99th Maui County Fair Parade Set for Oct. 1; Entry Deadline Sept. 1

Sentry Tournament of Champions Kapalua Maui golf — 99th Maui County Fair Parade Set for Oct. 1; Entry Deadline Sept. 1 | Maui Tom's News

Multiple sources report that the 99th Maui County Fair Parade is scheduled for October 1, 2026, with a registration deadline of noon on September 1. The annual event, presented by Maui Land & Pineapple Company and supported by the County of Maui, draws residents and visitors together for four days of food, entertainment, and culture. […]