Lahaina Commercial Rebuilds Stalled by Permit Backlogs Despite County Optimism
Despite a county meeting celebrating rebuilding progress, only two commercial permits have been issued in Lahaina nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire. Permit delays tied to unclear documentation requirements, historic preservation reviews, and shoreline setback rules continue to block most projects. Only two commercial permits have been issued in Lahaina to date, with dozens […]
Coqui Frog Spread Threatens More of Maui as Control Resources Shrink
The Maui Invasive Species Committee has cut field staff and shifted strategy, asking some Haiku residents to treat coqui infestations themselves. Locals warn that without more resources, the loud, invasive frogs could spread beyond their current 6-square-mile range into other parts of Maui. MISC field staff has dropped to just two workers and a supervisor, […]
Maui Council Sends Subdivision Water Review Bill Back for More Study
The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee returned a bill to the Board of Water Supply that would allow concurrent review of subdivision construction plans before water availability is confirmed. Committee members and testifiers questioned whether the change is legally necessary, since the department may already have that flexibility. Bill 1 (2026) would let […]
Maui County Moves to Buy Two West Maui Water Systems for $6 Million
Multiple news outlets reported that a Maui County Council committee voted 7-1 on Tuesday to advance a resolution authorizing the county to spend up to $6 million to acquire two privately owned water systems in West Maui. The measure, which covers the Launiupoko and Olowalu water systems south of Lahaina, now heads to the full […]
Overnight Water Shutoff & Road Closure Planned for Makawao Ave Area Aug 5–6
Maui County will cut water service and close Makawao Avenue overnight on August 5–6 for repair work. The outage runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and affects roughly 50 residences in the Makawao area. Water service will be out from 10 p.m. August 5 to 4 a.m. August 6 for Apana Road, Poalima Place, […]
Maui Wildfire Rebuild Program Expands Eligibility, Extends Application Deadline
Multiple Maui County sources report that the Hoʻokumu Hou reconstruction and reimbursement program has broadened its income eligibility thresholds following a HUD update to Area Median Income figures. The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026, and an informational open house is scheduled for August 20 in Kahului. Maui County’s base Area Median […]
East Maui Water Authority Opens $150K Grant Round for Watershed Projects
Maui County’s East Maui Water Authority is accepting grant applications from Aug. 12 to Oct. 1, 2026, with $150,000 available for projects supporting watershed restoration, education, and cultural knowledge-sharing in East Maui communities. A total of $150,000 in grants is available for FY2027, targeting projects in Huelo, Honomanū, Keʻanae, and Nāhiku. Eligible projects include watershed […]
Lahaina Recreation Center Gets $2.4M Playground, Done by Fall 2027
Maui County broke ground on a $2.4 million playground at the Lahaina Recreation Center, featuring large shade structures and ADA-accessible amenities. Construction is expected to wrap up in fall 2027. The $2.4 million project will add a new playground at the Lahaina Recreation Center, with completion targeted for fall 2027. The site will feature the […]
Water Restored to Honokohau Valley After Emergency Mainline Repair
Maui County restored water service to Honokohau Valley customers on July 31, 2026, following emergency repairs to a broken mainline. Residents and property owners are advised to flush their lines and storage tanks before normal use. Water service to Honokohau Valley was fully restored as of 1:25 p.m. on July 31, 2026. An emergency repair […]
Maui County Eyes Deal to Expand Public Control of West Maui Water Systems
Maui County is negotiating a non-binding agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple to acquire key West Maui water infrastructure, which would increase public stewardship of the area’s drinking water from 45% to 93%. The County Council reviewed the memorandum of understanding but raised concerns about provisions linking the water purchase to zoning changes for housing […]