Hawaiian Electric Monitoring Maui for Possible Wildfire Power Shutoffs
Hawaiian Electric is watching West Maui, ʻŌmaʻopio, Pūlehu, and Māʻalaea for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs as strong winds persist through early Sunday. No shutoffs had been initiated as of Saturday evening, but conditions could change at any time. A wind advisory is in effect for most of Hawaiʻi through 6 a.m. Sunday, prompting wildfire […]
Maui County Holds Lahaina Recovery Meeting Aug. 12 With Fraud, Housing Updates
Maui County’s monthly Lahaina Community Meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026, at Lahaina Intermediate School, shifted from its usual first-Wednesday slot to mark the wildfire’s three-year anniversary. Topics include contractor fraud warnings, the Lahaina Bypass extension, affordable housing reconstruction, and county recovery updates. The meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12 […]
Audubon Society Urges Pueo Protections in Lahaina Bypass Road Study
The National Audubon Society has asked state transportation officials to include a biological review of the Hawaiian short-eared owl (pueo) as part of planning for a Lahaina Bypass connector road near Wahikuli Gulch. The group supports the bypass project but wants wildlife considerations built into the design and construction schedule. A proposed connector road between […]
Lahaina Community Land Trust Secures $15M County Investment to Shield Homes from Speculation
The Lahaina Community Land Trust, formed after the 2023 wildfire, has secured $15 million from Maui County in its first fiscal year to permanently protect properties for fire survivors and long-term residents. The model aims to prevent outside investors from buying up Lahaina land by holding it in trust for the community indefinitely. The Lahaina […]
Timeshare Owners at 7 Maui Resorts Seek Exits After T+L Acquisition
Travel + Leisure Co. acquired Yes& Vacations and its management arm, affecting seven Maui timeshare resorts. Many interval owners are confused about what changed and some are desperate to exit their ownership, with no easy path to do so. Seven Maui timeshare resorts are now under the Travel + Leisure Co. umbrella after its acquisition […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Plan Draws Community Pushback
A privately funded project to pump 75,000 cubic yards of offshore sand onto Kaanapali Beach is moving forward but facing significant community opposition. Critics question whether the 20-year fix addresses root causes or delays more permanent solutions. The Kaanapali Beach Restoration Project would dredge offshore sand near Black Rock and deposit it at Canoe Beach […]
New State Rule Bans Most Plant Material Shipments to Maui and Lānai
Hawaii’s Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity has enacted Interim Rule 26-2, effective July 29, 2026, prohibiting the transport of coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials — including compost, mulch, wood chips, and most live plants — from other Hawaiian islands to Maui and Lānai. The rule aims to prevent the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Project Advances Through State Permitting
A proposal to restore eroding Kaanapali Beach by redistributing 75,000 cubic yards of offshore sand has entered the state permitting process. If approved, construction could begin fall 2027. The Pilikahakai Foundation and Ka’anapali Operations Association filed an application with the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands to restore the beach to its approximate 1988 […]
Maui County Holds Public Meetings on Desalination as Long-Term Water Solution
Maui’s Department of Water Supply is hosting two community meetings in August to discuss desalination as a potential long-term water source for South and West Maui. The meetings follow a 2024 feasibility study and will cover costs, project status, and next steps. South Maui meeting is August 5 at Kīhei Community Center; West Maui meeting […]
Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Annual Food & Wine Gala Set for August 22
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s 28th annual Maui Calls benefit gala returns on August 22, featuring food, wine, live entertainment, and themed around vintage aloha wear. The event draws both residents and visitors and includes silent and live auctions. The Maui Calls gala runs 6–10 pm on Saturday, August 22 at the Maui Arts […]