Maui County Zoning Code Rewrite Restarts After 6-Year Delay
Maui County is restarting its zoning code rewrite project after six years with no completed draft, despite hiring experienced consultants in 2019. The outdated code from 1960 limits housing density options that could help address Maui’s housing shortage. The county hired consultants in 2019 to complete a new zoning code by 2026, but the project […]
Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County launched a new grant program offering $850,000 to fund Makahiki season events, festivals, and cultural activities. Applications are open through July 10 for organizations wanting to create programs that celebrate Hawaiian culture and engage both residents and visitors. The County’s Office of Economic Development is accepting grant applications through July 10, 2026 for […]
Three-Day Lahaina Homecoming Event Set for July to Support Fire Recovery
A three-day community gathering called Lahaina Homecoming will take place July 17-19 along Front Street in Lahaina to celebrate culture and support ongoing recovery efforts. Multiple sources report the event will feature cultural programming, storytelling, and opportunities for local vendors as the community continues rebuilding from the 2023 wildfire. Event will run July 17-19, 2026 […]
Iao Valley Heritage Park Reopens After March Storm Damage Repairs
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened following repairs from severe March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. The county park reopened Saturday after being closed since March due to Kona low storm damage. Severe erosion and flooding undercut two picnic pavilions, which remain closed for ongoing repairs. All seven cultural heritage […]
County announces meetings on comprehensive zoning code rewrite project
The County of Maui Department of Planning will present updates on the Title 19 zoning code rewrite beginning June 17, according to reports from multiple sources. The multi-year effort aims to modernize the foundational laws governing land use and development throughout Maui County. Planning Department will present to County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee […]
Maui County Approves $1.6B Budget, Adds Security Funding After Threat
The Maui County Council passed its $1.6 billion budget for 2026-2027 and added $50,000 for county property security after a recent incident where a congressional candidate allegedly threatened workers at a county building. The funding cannot be used for screening machines and awaits mayor approval. Council approved $50,000 in additional security funding after a gun […]
Maui County Planning Department Schedules Public Sessions on Zoning Rewrite
Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Planning Department will begin public presentations on a comprehensive rewrite of the county’s zoning code. The multiyear effort aims to modernize land use regulations throughout Maui County. The Planning Department will present an update on the Title 19 rewrite to the County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee on […]
First Wildfire Settlement Payments Set to Begin This Summer
Multiple sources report that the first installment of Maui wildfire settlement funds could begin reaching victims in July or August, following a court ruling on attorney fees. Over $1.1 billion is currently held in trust as part of the $4 billion total settlement. First settlement payments to Maui wildfire victims expected to begin in July […]
Maui County Council Passes $1.6 Billion Budget with Housing and Recovery
The Maui County Council unanimously approved a $1.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, as reported by multiple news sources. The spending plan includes significant allocations for affordable housing, wildfire recovery efforts, and social services before heading to the mayor for final approval. Budget totals $1.6 billion with $1.2 billion for county operations and $351 […]
Lahaina Harbor Begins $5M Dredging Project as Major Repairs Continue
The state started a $5 million dredging project at Lahaina Harbor this week, marking one of the most expensive repairs still needed before full reopening by end of 2027. Eight commercial tour companies now have limited access to the harbor. A $5 million harbor dredging project began this week and is scheduled for completion in […]