Lahaina Rec Center Breaks Ground on $2.4M Community Playground
Maui County officials and community members held a groundbreaking ceremony July 30 for a $2.4 million playground at the Lahaina Recreation Center, a project shaped by community input and designed to serve all ages and abilities. The project survived delays caused by the 2023 wildfires and 2026 Kona low storms. The new playground at the […]
Maui County Moves to Buy Two West Maui Water Systems for $6M
Maui County is seeking Council approval to purchase the Launiupoko and Olowalu private water systems for up to $6 million, part of a broader effort to bring 93% of West Maui’s drinking water infrastructure under public ownership. Final closing is not expected until April 2027, pending Council and Public Utilities Commission approval. The county would […]
Waihee Structure Fire Contained After Morning Response
Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency issued two alerts on July 30, 2026 regarding a structure fire in the Waihee area. Multiple official notices confirmed the fire was reported at 8:43 AM near 3500 Kahekili Highway and was fully contained by 10:51 AM, with no evacuations ordered. A structure fire was reported at approximately 8:43 AM […]
Lahaina Rec Center Gets $2.4M Playground Groundbreaking After Fire, Floods
Multiple sources reported that Maui County officials, community members, and project partners gathered on July 30, 2026, to break ground on a new $2.4 million playground at the Lahaina Recreation Center. The project, which survived both the 2023 Maui wildfires and 2026 Kona low storms, marks a visible step forward in West Maui’s ongoing recovery. […]
UH Study: Maui Fire Survivors Gaining Ground, But Housing and Mental Health Struggles Persist
Multiple outlets reported on a new University of Hawaiʻi study released July 27, 2026, marking three years since the 2023 Maui wildfires. The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) found meaningful gains in employment and housing stability among survivors, but persistent food insecurity, mental health challenges, and declining community support remain serious concerns. Researchers warn that […]
Maui County Opens Two Wildfire Recovery Grants for Nonprofits and Agencies
Maui County’s Office of Recovery is launching two competitive grant programs under its Hoʻokumu Hou initiative to fund workforce development and public services for wildfire-impacted residents. Applications open August 10, 2026, with a deadline of September 24, 2026. Two new grant programs — one for workforce development and one for public services — will be […]
Lahaina Marks Wildfire’s Third Anniversary with Interfaith Service and Time Capsule
The Lahaina Interfaith Council will hold an Honor & Remembrance service on Aug. 1, 2026, ahead of the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfire. A community time capsule project and a two-day ‘Lights for Lahaina’ gathering in September are also planned. An interfaith remembrance service is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. at Lahaina […]
S. Kihei Road Closed at Kulanihakoi and Waipuilani Intersections
Maui County has closed S. Kihei Road to southbound traffic at Kulanihakoi Street and to northbound traffic on Waipuilani Street. No end date or reason for the closure was provided. S. Kihei Road is closed to southbound traffic at the Kulanihakoi Street intersection. Northbound traffic on Waipuilani Street is also affected by the closure. Property […]
Road to Hana Visitor Confrontation Reignites Traffic Management Debate
A viral video showing a heated road dispute between an East Maui resident and a California visitor on Hana Highway has renewed pressure on officials to address chronic traffic and safety problems along the route. Residents say existing programs, including a $350,000 HTA pilot effort, have not resolved ongoing issues. A confrontation on Hana Highway […]
Hawaii AG Sues EPA Over HECO’s Reversal on Maui Power Plant Shutdowns
Hawaii’s Attorney General has filed a legal challenge against the EPA after Hawaiian Electric reversed its earlier commitment to retire aging, polluting oil-burning generators on Maui and the Big Island. The dispute centers on whether those voluntary retirement agreements are still binding under Hawaii’s air quality plan. Hawaiian Electric’s Kahului and Māʻalaea generating stations were […]