County Seeks Public Input on Disaster Recovery Buyout Program Changes
Maui County has opened a public comment period for proposed updates to its Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery program. Multiple sources report the changes focus on the Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program and establish new criteria for property assistance. Public comment period runs from June 1 through July 1, 2026, for the County’s second […]
County Seeks Public Feedback on June Monthly Emergency Siren Test
Maui County conducted its monthly emergency siren test on June 1st and is asking residents to report what they heard. The county issued alerts both before and after the test to encourage public participation in the feedback process. Monthly test of Hawaii All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren System occurred at 11:45 AM on June 1st Residents […]
Water Outages Planned for Molokai and Upcountry Maui Areas
Maui County has announced water service disruptions affecting multiple areas this week. Emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance will impact water service in Molokai and Upcountry Maui locations. Emergency water outage in Kamalo to Ualapue area of Molokai lasted approximately 6 hours starting 9:20 a.m. on June 1 due to mainline break repairs Scheduled maintenance will […]
Wailuku Traffic Alert: Mahalani Street Blocked by Downed Power Line
Mahalani Street at Kaahumanu Avenue in Wailuku is closed in both directions due to a downed power line. The intersection of Mahalani Street and Kaahumanu Avenue is completely closed to traffic. A downed power line is causing the road closure in Wailuku. Both directions of travel are currently blocked. No timeline provided for when the […]
Major Solar Project for Central Maui Clears Key Approval Hurdle
A $241 million solar energy project that would power about 18,400 homes received county planning approval and is rushing to complete permitting before federal tax credits expire in 2028. The Kūihelani Solar Phase 2 project received 7-0 approval from Maui Planning Commission for a special use permit. The project would generate 40 megawatts of solar […]
State Wildlife Division Seeks Resident Input on Axis Deer Population Impact
The state’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife is asking Maui Nui residents to complete a survey about how the estimated 26,000 axis deer are affecting their lives and property. The anonymous 15-question survey runs through June 30 to help guide management decisions. DLNR estimates 26,000 axis deer currently live on Maui Nui, causing environmental, safety […]
New Wailuku Film Festival Launches June 17-21 with 100+ Films
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, 2026, featuring over 100 films from Pacific and global filmmakers at venues in Wailuku and Kahului. Tickets are now on sale for $15-20 with no added fees. Festival showcases 100+ films including 55+ from Hawaii filmmakers at Historic ʻĪao Theater and other Maui venues. Tickets cost $15 […]
Emergency Water Repairs Cut Service to 100 Upcountry Properties Friday Night
Water service was interrupted for approximately 4-5 hours starting 8:35 PM on May 23 in parts of Upcountry Maui due to emergency mainline repairs. About 100 residences in the Makawao Avenue area were affected. Emergency mainline break required 4-5 hour water service interruption starting 8:35 PM May 23. Outage affected area from Makawao Avenue to […]
Montgomery Council Member Attended Hawaii Conference During Budget Week
A Montgomery County Council member participated virtually in budget sessions while attending county association conferences in Maui. The trip’s funding source and appropriateness during critical budget deliberations is being questioned. Council Member Laurie-Anne Sayles attended National Association of Counties conferences in Maui during a critical county budget week in May. She participated virtually in budget […]
County Committee Approves Contested Kaʻehu Bay Land Purchase Despite Family Objections
Maui County Council committee voted 6-3 to advance a $480,000 purchase of Kaʻehu Bay shoreline property despite objections from a Native Hawaiian family claiming disputed ownership. The family requested deferral for further consultation on title issues. Committee approved buying 0.41-acre Kaʻehu Bay parcel from LDS Church for $480,000, below its $571,500 appraised value. Native Hawaiian […]