New Maui Film Festival Features Award-Winning Lahaina Fire Documentary
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, featuring ‘Lahaina Rising,’ a 92-minute documentary about the 2023 Lahaina wildfire that won best feature film at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The five-day Wailuku Film Festival is hosted by the Maui County Film Office and features work from over 55 Hawaii filmmakers plus international creators. ‘Lahaina […]
Lahaina Harbor Dredging Project Begins Monday, Running Through December
A dredging project to remove sediment from Lahaina Small Boat Harbor starts Monday and will run through December 2026. The project will restore proper depths for boats while disposing of any wildfire debris at the landfill. Dredging will deepen the harbor entrance to 13 feet and basin to 10 feet to improve vessel access. All […]
March Flooding Creates Federal Aid Centers Amid Record Wet Season
Multiple sources report that Maui County experienced its second wettest season in 30 years, with March flooding prompting federal disaster assistance. FEMA and SBA are operating recovery centers through mid-June to help flood-affected residents and businesses. Maui County recorded its second wettest season in 30 years from October 2025 through April 2026, with rainfall 100-250% […]
Lahaina Recovery Group to Present Wildfire Rebuilding Update at Rotary Event
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will host a June 2 presentation on wildfire recovery efforts by Ho’ōla LTRG, focusing on ongoing support for survivors rebuilding after the 2023 fire. Nestor Ugale Jr. and Ho’ōla LTRG Executive Director will present on long-term recovery coordination efforts. Ho’ōla LTRG works to identify and fill gaps in recovery […]
Harbor Dredging Work Begins Monday as Part of Lahaina Restoration Efforts
State officials will begin routine dredging work at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor on Monday to remove accumulated sediment and restore safe vessel access, according to multiple reports. The project is part of ongoing restoration efforts following the 2023 wildfires and includes a rare opportunity to dredge the main harbor basin. Dredging work starts Monday, June […]
Hawaii Launches New Tourism Campaign to Rebuild Visitor Numbers
Hawaii is launching a new tourism campaign to attract visitors back after decreased demand following the 2023 Lahaina fires and recent spring weather disruptions. Officials say the islands are ready for tourists despite lingering perception issues. Hawaii tourism demand has declined due to the 2023 Maui fires and March 2024 Kona Low storms that caused […]
Community Volunteer Day Set for Kula Fire Restoration Nursery This Friday
Multiple sources report that the Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui and Kula Community Watershed Alliance are hosting a volunteer event to restore native ecosystems damaged by the August 2023 wildfires. The volunteer day will focus on propagating native Hawaiian plants for replanting in fire-affected areas of Kula. Volunteer event scheduled for Friday, May 29, from […]
New Wailuku Film Festival Launches with 100+ Films This June
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, 2026, featuring over 100 films including 55+ from Hawaii filmmakers, with screenings in Wailuku and at MACC. Festival tickets go on sale today for $15 (Wailuku venues) and $20 (MACC finale). Event showcases 55+ films from Hawaii filmmakers plus international works from Pacific and global creators. Programming […]
Legislature Passes Bill to Speed Infrastructure Rebuilding in Lahaina
A new bill would exempt government infrastructure projects in Maui County from lengthy Special Management Area reviews, potentially speeding up critical utility and road rebuilding in fire-affected areas. HB1823 would waive SMA permit requirements for federal, state, and county infrastructure projects with minimal environmental impact. The bill addresses delays not covered by previous exemptions for […]
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, […]