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 […]
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 […]