9 p.m. update: Hawaiian Electric continues Public Safety Power Shutoff watch
Hawaiian Electric is continuing its Public Safety Power Shutoff watch as a wind advisory remains in effect until tomorrow morning. Earlier this afternoon, due to the immediate threat of wildfires from high winds and dry conditions, Hawaiian Electric initiated its PSPS program and proactively shut off power in Pukalani, Maui. Power was restored around 4:30 p.m. as risk conditions lessened. As of 7 p.m., about 10,000 customers remain without power in West Maui. West Maui customers who are currently without power should still prepare for an overnight outage with an estimated restoration time of noon on Monday, Sept. 28.
Nolo strengthens into a category 4 hurricane; on track to remain well S and SW of the main Hawaiian Islands
(5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026) Nolo has strengthened into a category 4 hurricane and is forecast to remain well south and southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands. The system will approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument on Tuesday, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Hawaiʻi Island and most Maui public schools to reopen Monday; Four Lahaina schools remain closed
Four Lahaina schools will remain closed Monday due to ongoing power outages, uncertainty surrounding the nearby Olowalu brush fire and concerns about maintaining reliable water service at the campuses.
HMSA names Trini Kaopuiki Clark vice president of strategic communications and marketing
The Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association announced the appointment of Trini Kaopuiki Clark as vice president of strategic communications and marketing, effective Nov. 2.
County of Maui urges residents to prepare for prolonged power and communications outages
The County of Maui is urging residents to take proactive steps tonight as prolonged power outages and intermittent cellular service are expected to continue in parts of Maui County overnight and into Monday, Sept. 28.
Data from Hawaiʻi’s W. M. Keck Observatory reveals youngest planet outside solar system
The planet, known as Elias 2-24 b, is still gathering material from the disk of gas and dust surrounding its young host star, allowing scientists to study a giant planet that is growing.
County opens temporary service site in Pukalani in response to power outages
The County of Maui will open Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center’s meeting room in Pukalani as a temporary service site from 4:30 to 10 p.m. today, Sept. 27, to support residents affected by ongoing power outages.
Volcano Watch — USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors American Samoa
In July 2022, earthquakes at Taʻū volcano shook the remote Manuʻa Islands of American Samoa for 6 weeks as the volcano experienced volcanic unrest; fortunately for the communities of Taʻū Island and nearby Ofu-Olosega Islands (also a volcano), seismic unrest subsided and returned to background levels of activity in September 2022.
PSPS power outage activated in Pukalani; 11,350 without power in West Maui, Haʻikū and Upcountry
About 11,350 customers remain without power in West Maui, Haʻikū and Upcountry. The majority of the outages are in West Maui with about 10,000 impacted customers. These outages were not a PSPS. An additional 485 customers in the Pukalani area are affected by a PSPS outage.
University of Hawai’i 4-year campuses earn high marks
University of Hawaiʻi’s three 4-year universities, including University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on the Big Island, earned national recognition in US News and World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
Invasive deer and other non-native animals are eating away Hawaiʻi’s ranchlands
A first-of-its kind study provides evidence of what ranchers have long observed: wild axis deer, mouflon sheep, goats and pigs are eating vegetation meant for cattle.
Update: Olowalu fire 80% contained, high wind warning replaced with advisory
A fast-moving brush fire, first reported just before 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, near Olowalu Village, was estimated at more than 100 acres and 80% contained as of 7 p.m. on Sunday. No structures have been reported as impacted.