Maui County Plans to Buy Private West Maui Water Systems for Public Control
Maui County is pursuing deals to purchase three private water systems in West Maui, which would increase county control from 45% to 93% of the area’s water supply. The acquisitions include watershed land, wells, and infrastructure currently owned by private companies. County seeks to buy water systems in Olowalu, Launiupoko, and from Maui Land and […]
Maui County to Acquire Private West Maui Water Systems from MLP
Multiple news outlets report that Maui County has reached a memorandum of understanding with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to acquire the company’s West Maui water infrastructure. The agreement would increase public ownership of West Maui drinking water systems from 45% to 93%, though the County Council must still approve the final purchase. County signed […]
Maui County Students Awarded $37K in Educational Scholarships
Ten high school seniors from Maui County received Takitani Foundation scholarships totaling $37,000 for academic excellence and community service. The scholarships are part of a statewide program that awarded $232,000 to 63 students across Hawaii. Lauren Ghotane from King Kekaulike High School received the top $8,000 Karen Uno Distinguished Student Scholarship. Maui High School’s Aleizy […]
Memorial Day ceremony planned at Makawao veterans cemetery May 25
The Maui County Veterans Council will host a Memorial Day tribute ceremony on May 25, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. The public ceremony will include wreath presentations and honors for fallen service members. Memorial Day tribute scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at Maui Veterans Cemetery […]
Vice President Honors Fallen Maui Police Officer at National Memorial
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance honored fallen Maui Police Officer Suzanne O at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service. Officer O was killed in the line of duty in August 2025 while searching for a suspect in Paia. Officer Suzanne O was fatally shot on August 15, 2025, while searching for a suspect near the […]
Maui County Council Elections May Shift Policy Direction This Fall
Upcoming Maui County Council elections could create a progressive majority as conservative members step down and competitive races emerge. The results may influence post-wildfire recovery policies, housing decisions, and development regulations. Two conservative council members are not seeking reelection, creating opportunities for progressive candidates to gain control. Elections are viewed as a referendum on local […]
Maui County Approves Prefab Housing as Permanent Option in Lahaina
Maui County has announced it will now allow factory-built housing as permanent dwellings in the Lahaina Burn Zone, implementing new procedures to expand housing options for fire survivors. The policy change aims to reduce construction costs and streamline the path from permitting to occupancy for affected families. Factory-built housing, defined as dwellings prefabricated or assembled […]
Maui County Considers Using 20% of Vacation Rental Tax for Climate Fund
Maui County Council will discuss legislation Thursday to dedicate 20% of transient accommodations tax revenue to a new Climate Action and Resiliency Fund. The proposal would allocate about $13 million annually from vacation rental and hotel taxes to fund over 100 climate resilience projects. The proposed fund would receive 20% of annual transient accommodations tax […]
Maui County Accepts Liquor License Renewals Through June 15
The Department of Liquor Control is accepting renewal applications for FY 2027 liquor licenses until June 15, 2026. Property owners with liquor licenses should submit applications early to avoid processing delays. Liquor license renewal applications for FY 2027 are due by June 15, 2026. The renewal period started April 1 and runs for two and […]
County Signs MOU to Acquire West Maui Private Water Systems from MLP
Maui County signed a memorandum of understanding with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to acquire private water infrastructure in West Maui, increasing public control of drinking water systems from 45% to 93%. The MOU establishes framework for County to acquire MLP’s West Maui water system including wells, reservoirs, and the Honokōhau Ditch System. Agreement includes […]