Heavy Rains Expected to Increase Maui Wildfire Risk as Vegetation Dries
Recent heavy rainfall across Hawaii has sparked vegetation growth that officials warn will become fire fuel when it dries out during expected drier fall conditions. Wildfire prevention efforts have expanded statewide since the 2023 Maui fires. Recent Kona Low rains triggered vegetation growth that will increase fire risk when it dries out this fall. Hawaii […]
Celebrity Real Estate Investment Trends Shape Maui Property Market
High-profile celebrities and tech billionaires are increasingly purchasing luxury properties across Maui, with investments concentrated in areas like Haiku, Wailea, and Upcountry affecting the island’s real estate market dynamics. Celebrity buyers are focusing on specific neighborhoods including Haiku/Huelo for privacy, Wailea/Makena for luxury oceanfront properties, and Upcountry areas for pastoral settings. Properties in celebrity-favored areas […]
Child Near-Drownings Spike, Wildfire Power Shutoffs Possible on Maui
Multiple sources report a significant increase in child drowning incidents statewide, while Hawaiian Electric warns of potential power shutoffs on Maui due to wildfire risk conditions. Emergency officials are urging heightened safety precautions for both water and fire hazards. Honolulu EMS has responded to 12 pediatric near-drownings so far this year involving children ages 2-9, […]
Community Memorial Installation Opens at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center June 3
Multiple sources report on the upcoming opening of the Lahaina Think Space, a community healing and memorial installation at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. The interactive space allows fire survivors and community members to share stories and help shape future memorials for Lahaina. The Lahaina Think Space opens June 3, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Queen Ka’ahumanu […]
Maui Develops Battery Waste Solution from 2023 Fire Cleanup Experience
Maui County created a method to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries damaged in the 2023 wildfires, processing several tons of EV batteries and helping with LA fires cleanup. The “Maui Method” uses a seven-step process including saltwater brine soaking to safely neutralize damaged lithium-ion batteries. Several tons of abandoned electric vehicle batteries on county lands […]
Power Shutoffs May Hit West Maui Due to Wildfire Risk Conditions
Hawaiian Electric is considering proactive power shutoffs in parts of West Maui and other areas due to high winds and dry conditions that increase wildfire risk. Multiple news outlets reported on the utility’s 24-48 hour monitoring period and emergency preparations. Hawaiian Electric may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs in West Maui and parts of Ōmaʻopio […]
Lahaina Fire Survivor Graduates from UH Diesel Program with Scholarship Aid
A Lahainaluna High graduate used a University of Hawaii wildfire scholarship to complete a diesel mechanics program and plans to return to help rebuild his community. The scholarship program covers two years at UH community colleges for all affected students. University of Hawaii provides scholarships to all Lahainaluna Class of 2024 graduates for community college […]
West Papuan Graduate Completes UH Mānoa Studies, Worked on Maui Project
A West Papuan student became the first in his tribe to earn a master’s degree from UH Mānoa’s landscape architecture program. He worked on a community resilience project in West Maui as part of his studies. Dersel Bonai earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from UH Mānoa, becoming the first in his tribal lineage to […]
Hawaii Seeks Public Input on Wildfire Utility Liability Rules
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is developing new rules for utility liability caps in future wildfires, seeking stakeholder input on balancing victim compensation with utility financial stability. The PUC is creating administrative rules under Act 258 to establish liability cap frameworks for electric utilities in wildfire cases. Public input is being sought from residents, advocates, […]
UH Scholarship Program Helps Lahaina Fire Survivor Complete College Degree
A Lahainaluna High School graduate used a University of Hawaii wildfire scholarship to complete a diesel mechanics program at Hawaii Community College. The scholarship program covers two years at UH community colleges for all 2024 Lahainaluna graduates affected by the fire. University of Hawaii created scholarships for all 2024 Lahainaluna High School seniors, covering two […]