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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]