Maui County news in brief: Sept. 29, 2024
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Mayor Bissen proclaims Maui Fire Department Centennial Day
County Fire Department was established in 1924
Recognizing the Maui Fire Departmentʻs century of service responding to fires, floods and other emergencies, Mayor Richard Bissen on Thursday proclaimed Maui Fire Department Centennial Day.
Fire Chief Brad Ventura, Deputy Chief Gavin Fujioka, Assistant Chiefs Henry "Hanale" Lindo and Jeffrey Giesea and others, including firefighters from Kahului Engine, Tanker, Rescue and Hazmat crews, attended the ceremony Thursday at the Kahului Fire Station.
Motivated to increase fire protection on Maui after several significant fires, the County Board of Supervisors established the Fire Department, then known as the Wailuku Fire Department, in 1924. In the 100 years since then, the Department has expanded to become the County Department of Fire and Public Safety. It includes 10 fire stations on Maui, two fire stations and a satellite station on Molokaʻi, and one fire station on Lānaʻi. The Fire Department also encompasses the Ocean Safety Section, with 472 employees, including 12 grant-funded positions for ocean safety officers at Mākena State Beach Park.
"We have to thank all those who came before us for where we are today," said Fire Chief Ventura. "Itʻs all of our jobs to make sure we mentor and build for the future of our department so we can have at least another 100 years serving Maui County."
In his proclamation, Mayor Bissen paid tribute to the firefighters, civilian employees and community members who have contributed to the departmentʻs successes over the years.
"It never gets old saying mahalo and expressing our gratitude," Mayor Bissen said.
Mayor Bissen hosting community budget meeting in Hāna on Tuesday
Community invited to share priorities for Fiscal Year 2026
Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host a community budget meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Helene Hall Community Center in Hāna.
East Maui residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to provide input as County of Maui departments begin to shape the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.
The meeting Tuesday is the second of eight budget meetings that are being held in communities throughout Maui County.
Each community meeting will begin with an introduction and overview from department leaders, followed by testimony from the public. Testimony will be limited to three minutes per person.
Tables will be set up to allow directors and staff from County departments to meet with members of the public following public testimony.
Written and verbal comments will be accepted at the meetings. Comments also can be submitted online at https://www.mauicounty.gov/budget.
The meetings can be viewed online at the County of Maui Facebook page. No account is needed to view.
For more information, call the County of Maui Budget Office at (808) 270-7855.
Maui County Celebrates 12th Annual Filipino-American History Month Flag-Raising Ceremony
The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with the County of Maui and the Maui Filipino Community Council, will host the 12th annual Philippine flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Kalana O Maui Building (200 South High Street, Wailuku).
The Hawaii State National Guard Color Guard will raise the Philippine flag alongside the US flag and the Hawaiian State flag at the Kalana O Maui building front lawn. The Philippine flag will be flown throughout the month to honor Maui's Filipino community, its heritage, plantation roots, and to celebrate the diversity that enriches Maui.
This year marks the 12th year of this important tradition, which continues to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino-Americans in Maui. Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. will present a proclamation declaring October as Filipino-American History Month in Maui County. Attendees can enjoy Filipino food after the ceremony.
This event celebrates the contributions of the Filipino community in healthcare, education, agriculture, and more, recognizing their role in shaping Maui's culture and history.
For more information, contact MauiFilipinocc@gmail.com.
Deadline for attending Nonprofit Directors annual, awards meeting is Sept. 30
The deadline to sign-up for the Oct. 10 Maui Nonprofit Directors Association annual meeting and awards presentation is only a few days away on Sept. 30.
The event is set for 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Maui Beach Hotel Ballroom.
The Humanitarian, Business and Executive Director of the Year award winners will be announced. In addition, the new MNDA officers will be installed, and candidates for Maui County office are invited to give a short presentation to attendees.
There is no cost for MNPD members and nominees, who can bring one guest. For all other guests, the cost is $50.
Registration and payments can be made by going to the MNPD website at https://www.mauinonprofit.org/, then clicking on the "Events & Training" tab at the top of the page and on the "2024 Annual Meeting & Leadership Awards" link. Options for MNPD members and nominees and nonmembers can be found on the page.
The names of all attendees need to be included in the notes.
For more information, email mauinonprofit@gmail.com.
Parks Department will soon accept permit applications for Jan. 1- April 15, 2025, period
Permit applications for the recreational use of County pools, gyms, fields, stadiums and tennis courts during the winter-spring period of Jan. 1 to April 15, 2025, are being accepted by the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation starting Oct. 1, 2024.
Completed applications for the Winter/Spring 2025 Tri-Annual Permits period (Jan. 1-April 15, 2025) will be accepted by the Parks Department in person or via email during the following dates and times:
Leagues and schools: 8 a.m. Oct. 1, 2024, to 2 p.m. Oct. 4, 2024
Recreational enrichment and general use: 8 a.m. Oct. 7, 2024, to 3 p.m. Oct. 8, 2024
Applications must be submitted in person at the main Department of Parks and Recreation Permits office, which is temporarily located in a trailer fronting Ichiro “Iron” Maehara Stadium in Wailuku, or via email.
Contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Permit Office at (808) 270-7389 with any questions or to request an application or assistance. Visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/410/Park-Permits for more information.
Twin Falls announces kama'aina exclusive event for Hawaii residents
Twin Falls Maui, in partnership with Wailele Farms and Friends of Twin Falls, invites Hawaii residents to a special Kama'aina Exclusive Event held on the first Saturday of every month. This event offers locals a unique chance to reconnect with nature in the peaceful setting of Twin Falls.
The event is open to Hawaii residents only, with entry verified by presenting a Hawaii Driver's License for all adults in the car. The goal is to provide a relaxed, community-focused experience for residents to enjoy the beauty of Twin Falls.
In addition to the Kama'aina Exclusive Event, Friends of Twin Falls offers no-cost field trips to Maui schools and hosts family-friendly events and community venison distributions. Follow us on Instagram and visit our website for updates.
Event Details:
When: First Saturday of each month
Who: Hawaii Residents (Hawaii Driver's License required)
Where: Twin Falls Maui, Haiku, HI
For more information, visit our website or follow us on Instagram.
County work at Wailuku River to begin in October
Maintenance and repair projects to remove overgrown vegetation, sediment, ensure proper flood protection
The County of Maui Department of Public Works will be performing maintenance and repair projects within the Wailuku River Flood Control Channel starting on Oct.1, 2024.
Maintenance work is planned to remove overgrown vegetation and sediment to restore capacity of the channel below the Waiehu Beach Road Bridge near the former Sack 'N Save property.
Increased truck traffic should be anticipated in the vicinity of the Millyard Subdivision in Wailuku.
For questions about this project, call the Department of Public Works Highways Division at (808) 270-7869.
Repair work on the levee near the Millyard Subdivision will also begin in October. Repair and improvement work being performed is necessary to ensure proper flood protection.
For questions on this project, call the Department of Public Works Engineering Division at (808) 270-7745.
At all work sites, stream flow will not be diverted and Best Management Practices will be implemented to minimize impact to aquatic life, water quality, cultural resources and nearby properties.
Organizations invited to submit grant applications for programs in mental health, immigrant and migrant services
Deadline to apply is Oct. 15
The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns is soliciting grant proposals for programs providing mental health services or immigrant and migrant services to Maui County residents.
Funding for programs in those categories was added to the County's Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Qualified private non-profit and for-profit organizations providing or planning to provide such services are invited to submit grant applications to the department.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. No late submittals will be accepted.
Application forms and instructions can be found on the departmentʻsGrants Management Division's website at https://www.mauicounty.gov/252/Grants-Management-Division.
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Grants Management Division at (808) 270-7807.
County announces amended sewer service status for several lots in West Maui
The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Wastewater Reclamation Division announced that it has amended the Sewer Service Status from "red," which indicates a property does not currently have active sewer service, to "green," meaning the sewer service is active for a property, in the following areas:
*Several lots near Kuhua Street
*Several lots near Mill Street
DEM Director Shayne Agawa announced the updates Wednesday night, Sept. 18, 2024, at the Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting at Lahaina Civic Center.
Some wastewater infrastructure was damaged during the fires, which cut off wastewater service for many properties in fire-impacted areas. To determine if wastewater service for your home or business is impacted, please visit https://mauirecovers.org/wastewater and type your address in the search bar on the County of Maui Sewer Service Status interactive map.
DEM anticipates continuing to amend areas in Lahaina impacted by the August 2023 wildfires in coming weeks and months. For questions regarding sewer status, please call the Wastewater Reclamation Division at (808) 270-7417.
County Flood Hazard Area regulations now administered by Public Works Department
Previously located under the County of Maui Department of Planning, the County Flood Hazard Area regulations are now being administered through the County Department of Public Works.
Moving the regulations aims to enhance coordination and efficiency of flood protection. Public Works is able to administer the construction review, approval and inspection process in concert with the implementation of flood hazard mitigation standards.
"By integrating flood hazard management into Public Works, we anticipate improved resource allocation and strengthened support for flood mitigation projects as well as emergency responses," said Jordan Molina, Director of Public Works. "This transition represents a significant step forward in the County of Maui’s commitment to safeguarding our community and ensuring effective flood management."
The transfer of flood hazard management regulations was established by Maui County Ordinance No. 5603, which was signed into law by Mayor Richard Bissen on Jan. 26, 2024, and became effective Sept. 1, 2024.
First whale sighting contest begins
Whatʻs your best guess?
Whale season will be here in Hawaiʻi before you know it. When do you think the first humpback whale will be sighted in Maui Nui waters this year? Pacific Whale Foundation is offering you a chance to guess.
The person who guesses the closest date and time to the first whale sighting with published photographic evidence by ocean vessel, land or air will win a free PacWhale Eco-Adventures ecotour for two and a PWF membership and swag bag.
To submit your guess, follow Pacific Whale Foundation and PacWhale Eco-Adventures on Facebook or Instagram, then make your guess in the comments of the contest post and tag two friends. If you don't have social media, you can also sign up online at https://www.pacificwhale.org/first-whale-sighting-contest/.
The whales will be here any day, so don't delay. To help you out, see PWFs past recorded first sightings at https://www.pacificwhale.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Whale_Sighting_History_2024.png.
Office of Economic Development accepting new grant applications
Application process opens Sept. 16 and runs through Nov. 1
The Office of Economic Development (OED) will accept new grant applications for programs, projects and events that promote and nurture economic development in Maui County.
Approximately $868,000 in funding is available. The application process opens Sept. 16 and runs until Nov. 1, 2024.
The County is seeking proposals that are consistent with community needs and priorities, while supporting local businesses and nonprofits.
Funding is available for initiatives in:
· Cultural and Arts Programs ($48,000): cultural and art events, workshops, festivals and other opportunities in Maui County.
· Small Business Promotion ($30,000): promotion of Maui's small towns and businesses and support of small business events, trade shows, workshops and other economic development activities that support small businesses county-wide.
· Business Technology ($555,000): new technology-based economic development for Maui County.
· Workforce Development ($180,000): encompasses locally and nationally recognized education-to-workforce initiatives.
· Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi youth and student travel ($35,000)
· Hāna youth and student travel ($20,000)
Applicants may be for-profit or nonprofit organizations and must be in good standing with state and federal governments. Fiscal Year 2025 grant handbooks are available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ghySBRNVYyYhSIFA_Rv5M_wr6xMJ3IKA/view.
For more information, contact the OED staff at grants.oed@mauicounty.gov or (808) 270-7710.
Celebrating 100 years in Kaneohe
This October, the Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Mission celebrates its momentous Centennial Anniversary. It’s a remarkable story of the Japanese immigrants’ desire to hear the Buddha’s teachings, perpetuating the Jodo Shinshu way of the life they left behind in their mother country.
During the past century, the temple survived a world war, instilled vibrant cultural and educational activities: after school Japanese Language classes(over 350 students/day at its peak) ikebana,dancing,singing classes. Judo/Karate classes were held next door,
The original 1924 temple was unsafe and fund-raising began to fulfill the members’ wishes for a new temple. In 1963 , on every weekend, dedicated volunteers worked for 14 months(over 20,000 man-hours) to complete the new temple(dedicated August 14, 1964) Gov. John Burns and Mayor Neal Blaisdell were among honorder guests.
Annual Bon Dances began in 1953 and continued for 67 years until the pandemic, which temporarily paused the Bon Dances. For the past four years the Windward Mall (in Kaneohe) has hosted a Bon Dance jointly with Kailua’s Windward Buddhist Temple and Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Mission. This year’s celebration will be on Saturday, Oct. 5th.
Revering its legacy, Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Mission looks to the future with deepest gratitude.
MEO Head Start preschool has openings in Ha'ikū and Lahaina
Maui Economic Opportunity's Head Start preschool programs in Ha'ikū and Lahaina currently have open spaces for children 3 to 5 years old.
The program offers preschool at eight sites on Maui and one on Moloka'i at no cost to families who meet income and MEO Head Start eligibility criteria. The Head Start program is designed as a two-generational model by providing comprehensive family services and quality early childhood education by empowering families to succeed and be lifelong learners.
Both centers operate 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. The Ha'ikū site is located next to Ha'ikū Elementary and the Lahaina site, on the Princess Nāhi'ena'ena Elementary.
MEO Head Start is licensed for 20 students per classroom.
Families with children who turned 3 by July 31, 2024, are eligible to apply for the 2024-25 school year. Children entering kindergarten in fall 2026 will be prioritized.
The MEO Head Start application and eligibility criteria is available on the MEO website: www.meoinc.org. For more information, contact the MEO Head Start office at (808) 249-2988.
MEO Head Start is a federally funded program with additional support from the County of Maui.
2025 Official Lahaina Poster Contest deadline and awards announced
The 37th Annual Official Lahaina Poster Contest and Exhibit is coordinated by Lahaina Restoration Foundation, Village Gallery, and Lahaina Arts Society. The Lahaina Poster, chosen annually, is the official poster for the town of Lahaina, and proceeds from poster sales will go towards the rebuilding of eight Historic Sites lost in the 2023 wildfires.
With the loss of exhibit space in Lahaina due to the recent wildfires, the contest and exhibit will be held online at OnlineJuriedShows.com. AI generated images are not accepted.
The artist creating the winning poster image will receive a $2,000 prize. Second place will receive $500. The third place winner will receive $250. 1,000 posters will be printed of the winning artwork and hand signed by the artist. The artwork considered for the contest must be a recognizable scene of Lahaina prior to the fire. There is a $25 entry fee per image with no limit on the number of entries submitted per artist.
All entries must be submitted to OnlineJuriedShows.com by midnight HST on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The Official Lahaina Poster Contest Exhibit will be juried. Artists will be notified on October 21, 2024, if work is or is not accepted into the show, and the first, second, and third place winner will be notified of their cash award. The 2025 Official Lahaina Poster Contest exhibit will be viewable in the published shows section of OnlineJuriedShows.com. Entry forms and step by step instructions for the 37 th Lahaina Poster Contest are now available online at https://www.lahainarestorationstore.org/2025-lahaina-poster-contest and hosted by OnlineJuriedshows.com https://onlinejuriedshows.com/.
All artists are welcome to enter. There are no geographical limitations. For questions, please contact Lahaina Restoration Foundation admin@lahainarestoration.org or call 808-661-3262 Mon - Fri., 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
St. Joseph School to celebrate 50th reunion Oct. 1
After 50 years, former students, class of 1970 at St. Joseph School, will be gathering in Makawao for a reunion. The school closed its doors for good back in 2010, after being opened since 1945. We decided it was way overdue, especially since this year most of us are celebrating our 50th reunion on Maui at our respected high schools! Most former classmates still reside in Hawaii but a few of us are traveling to Maui to visit family and attend these reunions. We ask that any former classmates who want to join us, we will be attending the 9am Mass at the St Joseph Church in Makawao on Sunday Oct. 13; 2024, followed by a tour of the old grade school campus. Please bring potluck finger foods to share; water and paper products will be provided. Come talk story & share your memories. We spent up to 9 years growing up together. This might be the last chance to see everyone again! If you plan to attend the campus tour, PLEASE RSVP by Oct 1st to Alfred Cantorna (808)442-2220 or Christine(Gomes)Valletta (435)559-3576.
Service trip in Haleakalā Crater Oct. 4-6
Adventure and service in Haleakalā Crater to care for and protect our national park are offered Friday through Sunday October 4 to 6 by the Friends of Haleakalā National Park. They are seeking enthusiastic and fit volunteers for a strenuous two-night backpacking service trip into Haleakalā National Park's Wilderness Area. Participants will hike into the Crater and stay in the Hōlua ranger shelter or tent campground. Anticipated work, under the direction of the National Park Service, may include removing invasive plant species to protect native plants and nene habitat.
Participants must be physically capable of being in the outdoors (sun/ heat/ cold), and at higher elevations, walking on uneven terrain up to 5 miles each shift, and carrying a backpack with a sleeping bag, a share of the food, and other personal items. Safety equipment and tools are provided by Haleakalā National Park. Volunteers pay a total of $10 toward their 2 evening meals and will have free park entrance.
To join this trip, first visit and register your readiness at the website www.fhnp.org where more information can be found about the Friends' mission and volunteer work to preserve and protect Haleakalā National Park. For more information or a reservation for this trip, or a future trip scheduled on the website, send email to andy@fhnp.org.
Last day for Railroad Exhibit at the Sugar Museum
The Sugar Museum presents the last day of the exhibit “Kahului Railroad and The Claus Spreckels: Hawaii's First-and Last-Railroad, and the Little Engine That Could.” Join us for the month of September to discover the fascinating world of Maui’s railroads through photo and artifact displays, short documentary films, and a selection of take-home activities for young and old train enthusiasts. Learn about the impact of the railroad system on Hawaii’s sugar industry, and the amazing journey of Kahului Railroad's locomotive, the "Claus Spreckels."
The museum is open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with last admission at 1 p.m. Visit sugarmuseum.com for more information. Thanks to Maui County Office of Economic Opportunity for support of this exhibit.
Parks Department seeks seasonal employees for PALS winter 2024 program
Recruitment open now
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation PALS Program is seeking seasonal employees for its winter 2024 session.
Recruitment is open now. Employees will be hired to work daily, eight-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding County holidays, from Dec. 20, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025.
The mission of PALS is to provide a safe, nurturing and quality recreation program for Maui County children ages 5 to 12.
For those interested in PALS Program winter 2024 seasonal employment, visit the County of Maui job page at http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Maui.
For PALS information, call the Parks Department PALS office at (808) 270-7404.
For general Maui County parks information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/parks.
Baldwin High class of 1972 to celebrate 70th birthday with reunion banquet
The classmates of Baldwin High School's Class of 1972 will be celebrating their 70th birthday with a reunion banquet at the Maui Beach Elleair Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. A golf tournament is also being planned for Friday, October 25, along with an activity for non-golfers. All classmates who have not been receiving reunion updates via email are asked to call or text Anne at (808) 870-6182 with your current contact information and with any questions you may have about the reunion.
SBA relocates Maui Outreach Center to County of Maui Office of Recovery-West Office in Maui Gateway
The SBA has relocated its West Maui outreach center to the County of Maui Office of Recovery-West office in Maui Gateway from the Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows.
For the convenience of disaster survivors, the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) shares space with other local and national government agencies and service providers assisting in the Lahaina recovery effort. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.