Wildfire Settlement Payouts Begin This Year But Won’t Fully Cover Losses
Maui fire survivors will receive their first settlement payments in 2026, with $550 million distributed this year from the $4 billion settlement. Economists warn the payments won’t fully compensate families for their losses, especially with rising costs. Settlement payments will boost Maui County personal income by 5.4% in 2026, the largest gain of any county. […]
Hawaii’s Economic Outlook Deteriorates as Global Oil Prices Impact Tourism
Multiple news sources report on a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization forecast showing Hawaii’s economy facing new challenges from rising oil prices linked to U.S.-Iran conflict and ongoing storm recovery. The report indicates tourism growth will slow significantly while costs increase across sectors. UHERO’s second quarter 2026 forecast shows Hawaii’s near-term economic outlook has […]
Indiana Power Company Constructs Natural Gas Plant, Brings 4,000 Jobs
Duke Energy began construction on a natural gas power plant in Indiana that will create nearly 4,000 jobs and power 1.1 million homes when completed in 2029-2030. The new facility will generate 1,476 megawatts of power, 500 megawatts more than the current coal plant it’s replacing. Construction will employ approximately 700 workers with priority given […]
State Approves $200M for Lahaina Elementary Rebuild and Infrastructure
Hawaii legislature allocated nearly $200 million to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School and improve Lahaina infrastructure. The funding includes $146 million for the school, $12 million for harbor improvements, and $76.7 million for highway relocation. King Kamehameha III Elementary will receive $146 million for rebuild on new 14-acre site below Lahaina Bypass, contingent on […]
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 […]