South Maui 20-Year Growth Plan Stalls Over Water Limits and $500M+ Cost Gap
Maui County Council is reviewing the long-awaited South Maui Community Plan, which aims to guide two decades of growth but faces a water system near capacity, a 2030 cesspool conversion deadline, and infrastructure costs exceeding half a billion dollars with no identified funding for many projects. The South Maui Community Plan would replace the 1998 […]
South Maui Growth Plan Raises Infrastructure Cost and Evacuation Concerns
The Maui County Council is reviewing the South Maui Community Plan update and finding that most capital projects lack cost estimates, with known costs already totaling $554 million. Council members are also pressing whether evacuation routes in Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena are adequate given wildfire risk. The Council committee is doing a section-by-section review of […]
Maui County Seeks Public Input on First SMA Boundary Review Since 1970s
The Maui County Planning Department is holding five public meetings across the island to gather input on redrawing the Special Management Area boundary, which hasn’t been updated since the 1970s. The review aims to balance environmental protection with reducing permitting burdens on residents and the county. Five community meetings are scheduled island-wide between September 23 […]
Maui Bicycling League Pushes to Unify $600M West Maui Transport Projects
The Maui Bicycling League is urging state and county officials to coordinate nearly $600 million in planned West Maui transportation projects — including highway realignments, a bypass, and a greenway — into a single connected network. The group says post-fire recovery presents a rare opportunity to modernize infrastructure for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders. […]
Kuihelani Highway Brush Fire Contained After Afternoon Response
Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency issued two alerts covering a brush fire that broke out and was subsequently contained on September 17, 2026. Multiple official MEMA updates tracked the incident from its initial report through containment, providing guidance to residents throughout. A brush fire was reported at approximately 3:22 p.m. HST near Kuihelani Hwy & […]
Free Community Skate Jam Coming to Pukalani on Sept. 26
Maui County Parks and Recreation and One Love Skate are hosting a free Skate Jam at Upcountry Skate Park in Pukalani on September 26 from 3–6 p.m. The event is open to skaters of all ages and skill levels, with contests, food, music, and prizes. The free event runs 3–6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, […]
Maui County Fair Returns Oct. 1–4 After Six-Year Break
The Maui County Fair is making its return this October at the War Memorial Special Events Complex in Wailuku, featuring food, entertainment, cultural showcases, and various competitions. The four-day event is backed by $1.5 million in county funding and could draw significant visitor and local attendance. The 99th Maui County Fair runs October 1–4 at […]
Maui Homeowners Have Until Dec. 31 to File for Property Tax Exemptions
Hawaii’s four counties offer property tax exemptions for owner-occupied homes, and many homeowners miss out by not filing. Maui County’s deadline is December 31, and owners who miss it may still qualify for a partial-year exemption. Maui County homeowners must file by December 31 each year, though late filers may now receive a partial-year exemption. […]
Structure Fire Near Kainehe Pl & Kai Malu Dr Contained by 7 PM
Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued two alerts on September 14, 2026 regarding a structure fire near Kainehe Place and Kai Malu Drive. The fire was reported at 6:32 PM and contained within approximately 25 minutes, according to multiple MEMA notifications. No evacuation orders were issued during the incident. Structure fire was reported at […]
Lahaina’s ʻUlu O Lele Marketplace Opens Vendor Applications Through Sept. 28
Multiple outlets reported that Hawaiian Council has launched the vendor application portal for ʻUlu O Lele, an interim marketplace and community gathering space planned for Lahaina’s former Outlets of Maui site. The project is designed to support local businesses and economic recovery following the 2023 wildfires, with applications accepted through September 28, 2026. The ʻUlu […]