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 […]
County Bill Requires Notice to Farm Tenants Before Land Subdivision
A Maui County Council committee passed a bill requiring landowners to notify agricultural lessees by certified mail before filing subdivision permits. The measure stemmed from Maui Gold Pineapple being unaware of subdivision plans on land they lease. The Housing and Land Use Committee approved the notification requirement by a 5-2 vote. Landowners would need to […]
County Approves $240K for Remaining Wildfire Legal Costs
Maui County Council committee approved an additional $240,000 to cover remaining legal fees from wildfire litigation after insurance coverage gap. This closes out the county’s out-of-pocket legal expenses with all future costs covered by insurance. County committee unanimously approved $240,000 to cover outstanding legal fees from 2023 Lahaina wildfire litigation. The cost resulted from a […]
Big Island Approves New Property Tax Structure Targeting High-Value Homes
The Hawaii County Council has approved new property tax rates for fiscal year 2026-27 that reduce taxes for primary residences while significantly increasing rates for luxury second homes. Multiple sources report the changes are designed to address a $15 million budget shortfall and rising wastewater infrastructure costs. Primary residences and affordable rental housing will see […]
Officials Warn Property Owners: Prepare for Active Hurricane Season
State and county officials are urging Hawaii residents to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season, which begins June 1, with multiple sources reporting warnings of increased storm activity. NOAA forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones due to developing El Niño conditions, compared to the typical 4-5 storms per year. NOAA predicts 5-13 tropical cyclones this season […]
Public Input Sought for Planned Lahaina Community Center and Field House
Maui County has launched a virtual platform seeking community feedback on planned recreational facilities in Lahaina. Multiple county announcements detail the public input process running through mid-June. County Department of Parks and Recreation launched website for public comments on upcoming Lahaina community center and field house through June 14, 2026 Virtual open house seeks input […]
Kaanapali Beach Lifeguard Tower Plans Move Forward After Missing Tourist
A missing North Carolina swimmer at Kaanapali Beach has renewed focus on planned lifeguard services for the area. County officials say a lifeguard tower design is underway after securing private property permissions. A 75-year-old North Carolina visitor went missing while snorkeling near Black Rock at Kaanapali Resort on May 8. Coast Guard and county rescue […]
South Kihei Road Storm Repairs Resume May 28 with Daytime Closures
Storm damage repairs on South Kihei Road will resume May 28 with weekday lane closures through June 20. Local access only will be allowed during working hours with detours required for through traffic. Repair work paused temporarily due to material delivery delays but resumes May 28. Daytime closures from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays […]
Medical Air Transport Program Updates Referral Process for Molokai, Lanai
Pūlama Ka Heke has expanded its medical air transport program to allow specialists to submit referrals directly when primary care providers cannot, aiming to reduce delays in off-island medical care. The ERMAT program now allows treating specialists to submit referrals directly when primary care providers are unable to do so. All referrals must include confirmed […]