Hyatt Regency Maui Welcomes First Penguin Chick in 17 Years
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort celebrated the hatching of an African Penguin chick on April 24, the first birth in nearly 17 years. The chick will make its public debut on World Ocean Day, June 8, with a Hawaiian blessing ceremony. The three-week-old chick joins a colony of seven adult African Penguins as part of a […]
Factory-Built Housing Gets Green Light for Lahaina Burn Zone Rebuilds
Maui County has approved new procedures allowing factory-built housing as permanent dwellings in the Lahaina Burn Zone. The policy aims to reduce construction costs and speed up the rebuilding process for fire survivors. Factory-built or prefabricated housing is now permitted as permanent housing in the Lahaina Burn Zone under new county regulations. The policy is […]
New Hawaii Law Restricts Corporate Political Spending Starting July 2027
Hawaii enacted legislation prohibiting corporations and LLCs from spending money on elections or ballot measures. The law takes effect July 1, 2027 and applies to all business entities organized under state law. Act 011 bans corporations, LLCs, partnerships and other business entities from spending on elections or ballot issues. The law applies to all entities […]
County Ending Storm Debris Curbside Collection Service This Friday
Multiple sources report that Maui County will stop accepting requests for curbside storm debris pickup after May 22, 2026. The service has been helping residents clean up damage from severe Kona low storms that hit the island in March and April. County debris removal service concludes Friday, May 22, 2026 Service covers residential green waste, […]
Wildfire Survivors Face Ongoing Mental Health Crisis Three Years Later
Mental health challenges persist for Maui wildfire survivors nearly three years after the disaster, with economic instability and housing issues worsening psychological recovery. Provider shortages and recent storms have further complicated healing efforts. Mental health professionals report survivors still experiencing trauma, grief, and instability nearly three years after the August 2023 fires. Economic stress from […]
FEMA Aid Applications for March Flooding Close June 14
Property owners and renters affected by March’s Kona Low flooding have until June 14 to apply for FEMA assistance and SBA disaster loans. The programs provide financial aid for repairs, temporary housing, and other disaster-related expenses. FEMA Individual Assistance deadline is June 14 for March 10-24 Kona Low flood damage. Aid covers temporary housing, home […]
Maui County Offers $150K Grants for Financial Education Programs
Maui County’s Office of Economic Development is offering $150,000 in grants for financial literacy programs targeting residents and small businesses. Applications are due June 15, 2026. Grant funding prioritizes programs covering budgeting, credit, banking, housing readiness, and small business financial management. Programs integrating workforce development and entrepreneurship support are strongly encouraged. Priority goes to initiatives […]
Maui United Way Launches Emergency Fund to Address Recent Flooding Impacts
Maui United Way has activated its emergency response fund with $100,000 from Kaiser Permanente to address recent severe flooding that has compounded ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. The organization is coordinating with county agencies and community partners to provide immediate aid including meals, grants, and connectivity support across affected areas. Recent severe flooding has created additional […]
Kihei Stabbing Incident Results in Fatality, Suspect in Custody
Maui County police have reported a fatal stabbing incident in Kihei that occurred on March 29, 2026. A 64-year-old man died from stab wounds at the scene, and a 36-year-old suspect has been taken into custody. Police responded to a Kihei residence at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, for a reported stabbing […]
Maui County Parks Face Multi-Month Field Closures and Pool Training Day
Several fields at Keōpūolani Regional Park will close for nearly five months for lighting upgrades, and all county pools will shut down for one day in April for lifeguard training. Three fields at Keōpūolani Regional Park close April 1-August 26 for lighting replacement project. Construction will affect softball fields 2 and 3 plus soccer field […]