Community Leaders Urge Continuity in Lahaina Recovery as Election Nears
Lahaina community advocates argue that $1.6 billion in federal recovery funding and ongoing housing and land programs are at a critical stage, warning that a change in county leadership could disrupt progress. They are urging voters to consider recovery continuity when casting ballots in the upcoming mayoral election. Maui County has secured $1.6 billion in […]
Maui Mayor Candidates Outline Stances on STR Phase-Out and Housing
Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen and Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura face off in the Maui County mayor’s race, with short-term vacation rental policy, water, and housing among the key issues debated ahead of the November election. The race for Maui County mayor pits incumbent Richard Bissen against Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura in […]
Hawaii Forum Launches Free Online Series on Grid Resilience and Energy Future
The Hawaii Energy Policy Forum is hosting a four-part online webinar series from October through December covering solar farming, electrical grid disaster preparedness, and liquefied natural gas. Sessions run Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. and are open to all Hawaii residents. The ‘Power Up’ series begins Oct. 22 and runs through Dec. 3, with […]
UH Study: Lahaina Fire Survivors Show Elevated Metal Levels Months Later
A University of Hawaii study tracking 1,400 Maui adults found significantly higher concentrations of toxic metals in wildfire survivors six to eighteen months after the 2023 Lahaina fire. Researchers linked elevated metal levels to abnormal lung function and warn that contamination from urban wildfires can persist long after smoke clears. Maui wildfire survivors had markedly […]
Federal Disaster Declarations Approved for Maui After Back-to-Back Hurricanes
Multiple sources report that Governor Josh Green announced federal approval of two Major Disaster Declarations for Hawaii following Hurricane Lala (August 14–16) and Hurricane Lowell (September 6–9), both of which impacted Maui County. The declarations unlock FEMA Public Assistance funding on a 75%-25% cost-sharing basis to support recovery efforts across affected counties, with additional assistance […]
FEMA Funding Approved for Maui Hurricane Lala and Lowell Recovery
Multiple outlets reported that President Trump has approved two major disaster declarations for Hawaii, unlocking FEMA Public Assistance funding to support recovery from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Maui County is included under both declarations, making it eligible for federal reimbursement of storm-related costs. The federal government will cover at least 75% of eligible expenses, with […]
Lahaina Community Meeting Oct. 7 Covers School Rebuild, SMA Permitting, Housing
Maui County’s monthly Lahaina Community Meeting on October 7, 2026 will feature updates on the King Kamehameha III Elementary School rebuild, restoration of the Lahaina Royal Complex, and a new recovery directive streamlining SMA permitting for reconstruction near Front Street. The meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria […]
Upper Kula Water Conservation Requested During Line Repair Through Sept. 25
Maui County’s Department of Water Supply is asking Upper Kula residents and businesses to limit water use to essential needs while crews repair a broken line. Repairs are expected to be completed by Friday, September 25. The water conservation request affects the Upper Kula area from Upper Kimo Drive to Kanaio. Residents and businesses should […]
Maui Storm Victims Await Federal Disaster Declaration After Lala Flooding
More than a month after Tropical Storm Lala caused significant flood damage on Maui, affected residents are waiting on a federal Major Disaster Declaration that would unlock broader recovery assistance. Hawaii’s emergency management agency says a damage assessment was submitted to the White House on September 9th, but no decision has been made. A federal […]
South Maui Town Hall Sept. 30 to Cover Roads, Flood Recovery, Land-Use Plan
Maui County Council Member Tom Cook will host a public town hall on September 30 in Kīhei covering storm recovery, road improvements, flood mitigation, and updates on the South Maui Community Plan. The meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at the Malcolm Center. The Sept. 30 town hall will address recovery from Hurricane Lowell and […]