Maui County Moves to Hire Dedicated Investigator for Lahaina Contractor Fraud
The Maui County Council unanimously approved a bill on first reading to add a full-time investigator to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office focused on contractor fraud stemming from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. The position will be funded through existing department cost savings, with no new budget allocation required. The Council voted 8-0 to approve Bill 147, […]
Flood Watch in Effect for Maui Through Wednesday Night
A weather trough bringing heavy tropical moisture is triggering a Flood Watch for all main Hawaiian Islands, with Maui County among the highest-risk areas. Flash flooding, road closures, and property damage are possible through late Wednesday night. A Flood Watch is in effect from 6 AM today through late Wednesday night across all main Hawaiian […]
Lahaina’s First Post-Fire Marketplace Opens Nov. 10 with Free Concert
ʻUlu o Lele, an interim marketplace on the former Outlets of Maui site along Front Street, will hold its grand opening on November 10 with community festivities and a free Common Kings concert. The $8 million project is the first commercial storefront development to return to Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. The grand opening […]
Maui County and Kamehameha Schools Plan Joint Control of Lahaina Water System
The County of Maui and Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha have proposed an agreement to transfer the Launiupoko Irrigation Company system to public county ownership as part of West Maui’s ongoing recovery. The partnership aims to bring key water infrastructure under public trust to support housing, emergency response, and community rebuilding. Kamehameha Schools would transfer its […]
County Committee Approves Interim Sewer Deal for New Waikapū School
A Maui County Council committee unanimously advanced a bill allowing the county to provide temporary wastewater service to a new Central Maui school if it opens before the county’s new wastewater plant is operational. The agreement would tap existing Wailuku-Kahului facility capacity at up to 14,500 gallons per day. The Water and Infrastructure Committee voted […]
FEMA Aid Open to Maui Nonprofits Hit by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell
Multiple sources report that FEMA’s Public Assistance program is now available to private nonprofit organizations in Maui County affected by Hurricane Lala (August 14–16, 2026) and Hurricane Lowell (September 6–9, 2026). Eligible organizations can receive reimbursement for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and restoration of damaged facilities. The deadline to file a Request for Public […]
Maui County Launches myMauiTAT Online Portal for TAT Account Management
Maui County’s new online portal, myMauiTAT, went live October 5 and allows transient accommodations tax filers to make payments, view balances, and manage their accounts digitally. The launch comes nearly three years after an audit revealed over $9.3 million in delinquent county TAT and flagged serious collection deficiencies. The myMauiTAT portal is now live at […]
Advisory Design Board Blamed for Slowing Lahaina Rebuild Permits
Maui’s Urban Design Review Board is being flagged as a redundant bottleneck in the Lahaina wildfire recovery permitting process. A county cost review recommends abolishing the volunteer board, citing duplicated staff work and frequent quorum failures. The Urban Design Review Board must provide advisory input on Special Management Area permits, adding a layer to an […]
Space Weapons Disclosure Fuels Opposition to New Haleakalā Telescopes
The Air Force Secretary’s confirmation that the U.S. has deployed orbital weapons has intensified community opposition to plans for up to seven additional military telescopes atop Haleakalā. Native Hawaiian and community groups argue the telescopes are part of a weapons-targeting chain on sacred land. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly confirmed the U.S. has deployed […]
Maui County Hosts Free Water Efficiency Summit for Hotels and Condos
The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is holding a free two-day summit on November 9–10, 2026, aimed at hospitality and condominium professionals seeking water conservation strategies. Space is limited and registration requires organizational affiliation. The Maui WaiWise Stewardship Summit runs November 9–10, 2026, and is free to attend. The event targets board members, […]