Environmental Coalition Backs Green Fee Spending, Pushes for Better Oversight
Hawaii’s new Green Fee is funding $100+ million in environmental projects including wildfire prevention and marine protection. A coalition of 70+ groups wants stronger public tracking of how the money is spent. Green Fee generates over $100 million annually for conservation and climate projects statewide. Funding includes $15.7 million for wildfire risk reduction and $6.64 […]
County Council Reviews Revised $1.6B Budget with Infrastructure Cuts
Maui County Council will consider a $1.6 billion budget that reduces capital projects by $20 million while increasing day-to-day operations funding. The budget addresses ongoing recovery from wildfires, recent storm damage, and economic pressures from global conflicts affecting fuel costs. Council committee unanimously approved cutting $8.4 million from mayor’s budget proposal, shifting $20 million from […]
Federal Charges Filed Against Washington Tourist for Attacking Maui Monk Seal
Multiple news outlets report that a Washington state tourist has been arrested on federal charges for throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named ‘Lani’ in Lahaina. The incident, which was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage, highlights ongoing tensions between tourists and local wildlife protection efforts. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of […]
Maui Energy Conference to Address Solar Costs and Renewable Goals May 20-21
The 13th Annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference will be held at Maui Arts & Cultural Center May 20-21, focusing on energy policy, solar adoption challenges, and Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Key discussions will cover controversial LNG proposals and concerns about reduced solar incentives affecting the state’s ambitious rooftop solar targets. Conference at Maui Arts & Cultural […]
Hawaii Economic Forecast Warns of Tourism Slowdown, Rising Costs
Rising oil prices from Middle East conflict are increasing travel costs and slowing tourism growth, while Hawaii continues recovering from March storm damage. Economic growth is expected to weaken significantly through 2027. Tourism arrivals projected to grow only 2% in 2026 and just 0.2% in 2027 due to higher jet fuel costs. Airlines cutting capacity […]
African Mountain Fire Study Shows Climate Change Impact on Remote Ecosystems
Research on a 2012 wildfire in Africa’s Rwenzori Mountains found it was the first major fire in 12,000 years in an ecosystem previously too cold and wet to burn. Scientists warn that climate change may be making similar high-altitude ecosystems worldwide more vulnerable to fire. The 2012 wildfire in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains was unprecedented in […]
Search Called Off for North Carolina Tourist Missing at Kaanapali Beach
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Monday evening for a 75-year-old North Carolina man who disappeared while snorkeling off Kaanapali Beach on Friday. Multiple news outlets reported that extensive search efforts involving several agencies covered over 1,200 square miles but failed to locate the missing tourist. John Weems, 75, of North Carolina, was last […]
Lahaina Community Center and Field House Plans Open for Public Input
Maui County is hosting a public meeting May 19 to gather community input on plans for a new multipurpose community center and field house near the Lahaina Recreation Center. The facilities will include basketball courts, meeting spaces, a commercial kitchen, and emergency shelter capabilities. Public meeting scheduled for May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic […]
Native Hawaiian Housing Fund Relaunched After March Storm Damage
A nonprofit has reactivated its anti-displacement fund to help Native Hawaiian homeowners repair storm damage from March 2026’s kona storms. The fund aims to raise $20 million for home repairs and prevent displacement across affected Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii Community Lending revived the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund with $1 million seed money, targeting $20 million in […]