Schatz leads roundtable discussion on improving repatriation of Native Hawaiian remains, cultural items
US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) recently led a roundtable discussion with community leaders to evaluate the repatriation of Native Hawaiian ancestral remains and cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and to identify ways to strengthen the law’s implementation.
Caution is advised for Hāna Relay, Sept. 12
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is asking drivers to watch for runners taking part in the Hāna Relay on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
850 Kaʻū students return to in-person learning following Hurricane Lala
More than 850 students from the two Hawai‘i public schools most impacted by Hurricane Lala are returning to in-person learning this week, marking a significant step forward for school communities that have spent the past two weeks navigating storm damage, utility disruptions and impacts in their surrounding communities.
Maui Council panel votes 5-4 to adopt sea-level-rise criteria for apartment rezoning in new hotel districts
The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee voted 5-4 last week to adopt criteria for which apartment-zoned vacation rental properties can be recommended to the Maui Planning Commission for hotel-district rezoning, tying eligibility to how deeply a property sits within the county’s Sea Level Rise Exposure Area.
Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi endorses Bissen for reelection
The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi has endorsed Mayor Richard Bissen in his campaign for reelection as mayor of Maui County.
120 West Maui households to receive zero-cost rain catchment systems via Hua Momona Foundation
Today, the Hua Momona Foundation, a nonprofit spearheading recovery and long-term resilience efforts following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, officially announces the Rain to Resilience program, an initiative providing 120 West Maui households with hands-on training and equipment to install rain catchment systems at their homes through a grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation.
County of Maui officials encourage preparedness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina
County of Maui officials are encouraging residents and visitors to remain ready as two hurricanes — Lowell and Karina — approach the Hawaiian Islands, less than a month after Tropical Storm Lala affected the state. With multiple weather systems interacting, there is more uncertainty in forecasts, National Weather Service officials emphasized.
Category 4 Lowell expected to remain a major hurricane; public urged to monitor forecasts
Hurricane Lowell is currently a category 4 system with sustained winds of 140 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days and interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor future forecasts.
Mayor Bissen announces interim and permanent Safe Parking sites for those experiencing houselessness
After flooding from Kona Low storms earlier this year prompted the County to reassess a previously identified Safe Parking site, the County of Maui is moving forward with a new, interim Safe Parking location on County property in Puʻunēnē and a permanent site in Kahului, Mayor Richard Bissen announced on Wednesday.
County Prosecuting Attorney announces indictment of Maui police officer on multiple sexual assault counts
County of Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin announced the indictment of a Maui Police Department officer on multiple counts of alleged sexual assault. The charges stem from an encounter between the officer and a citizen following a single-car crash of the victim’s vehicle.
Abshire and Livermore recognized as 2027 complex area Teachers of the Year in Maui County
Makawao Elementary physical education teacher, Troy “Leven” Abshire Jr., and King Kamehameha III Elementary kindergarten teacher Robert Livermore were recognized as the 2027 Teachers of the Year for respective complex areas in Maui County. From among the 16 honorees statewide, one will be selected as the 2027 Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year, HIDOE’s highest teaching honor.
Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive will be held Saturday and Sunday in Kahului
Residents and visitors are encouraged to support Hawaiʻi Island communities devastated by Hurricane Lala by participating in the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6, 2026, in Kahului, the County of Maui Office of the Mayor announced.