County Council Approves $1.6B Budget with Contested Temple Grant
Maui County Council unanimously passed a $1.6 billion budget for fiscal 2027, including a controversial $2.5 million grant for shoreline stabilization at a historic Buddhist temple in Pā’ia facing erosion. The budget is $8.4 million less than the mayor proposed, shifting funds from capital projects to operations. Council approved $2.5 million for Pā’ia Mantokuji Mission […]
Illegal Oahu Rentals Face $40K Fines as Honolulu Steps Up Enforcement
Honolulu fined two illegal vacation rentals $40,000 and is aggressively enforcing short-term rental rules, potentially shutting down properties between booking and guest arrival. Properties in residential neighborhoods outside resort zones like Waikiki and Ko Olina are generally prohibited from operating as vacation rentals. Two Oahu vacation rental properties were fined $40,000 by Honolulu for operating […]
UHERO Study Quantifies Ongoing Economic Losses from Wildfire Tourism Drop
A University of Hawaii economic study shows Maui continues to face significant job and revenue losses from reduced tourism following the 2023 wildfires, with impacts spreading statewide through supply chain connections. Maui County lost an average of 18,000 jobs in late 2023, declining to about 9,000 jobs throughout 2024. Statewide economic impact in 2024 reached […]