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Governor Green travels to California, Sylvia Luke to act as governor in his absence
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, will travel to California today, Friday, Sept. 20, to promote travel to Hawai'i alongside leaders of our local tourism industry.
Governor Green is scheduled to return to Honolulu on Monday, Sept. 23. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will serve as acting Governor from the night of September 20 to the evening of Sept. 23.
The Rotary Club of Kihei to host Brian Rose Sept. 24
The Rotary Club of Kahului will welcome commercial realtor, Brian Rose to its weekly meeting on Monday, Sept. 24, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to the meeting, which is held at the Pono Center, 62 N. Market Street, 3rd Floor, in Wailuku.
Brian Rose has been a Commercial Real Estate agent for nearly five years, representing over 1.5 million square feet of commercial space. Rose is with Kokua Realty, one of the largest commercial Real Estate Firms in Hawaii. Rose is expected to speak on the current state and future of commercial real estate on Maui.
Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee to discuss tax exemption bill
The Maui County Council committee will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.
A bill going before a Maui County Council committee on Tuesday aims to provide a tax exemption for property owners leasing to Maui wildfire victims.
Bill 115's purpose is to allow property owners who are leasing their property to individuals directly displaced by the August 2023 Maui wildfires to file a claim for a home exemption or long-term rental exemption, or both, by May 31, 2025, for the tax year beginning July 1, 2025.
The bill is on the agenda for the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee set to meet at 9 a.m.
Remote oral testimony can be submitted at http://tinyurl.com/BFED-Committee.
In-person testimony and viewing: Council Chamber, Kalana O Maui Building, 8th Flr., 200 South High St., Wailuku, Hawai'i
Webinar for Lahaina homeowners impacted by wildfires to be held Sept. 26
Officials will discuss topics related to rebuilding during online session
Lahaina homeowners impacted by the August 2023 wildfire are encouraged to attend the County of Maui Office of Recovery's monthly homeowners webinar on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
Officials will discuss topics related to rebuilding, including presentations regarding guidance on the SMA exemption process from the County Planning Department, updates to the wastewater system from the County Department of Environmental Management, and guidance on restoring power to your property from Hawaiian Electric Co. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) will also present important information for homeowners.
Among those available during the Q&A portion of the webinar will be representatives from the County's Department of Public Works, Department of Water Supply and 4LEAF Inc., which has been contracted by the County to process emergency building permits.
Registration is required. To register for the webinar and submit questions prior to the meeting, visit https://MauiRecovers.org/events.
Wailuku, Sakamoto pools to be closed temporarily
Wailuku Pool and Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool will be closed temporarily, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced.
· Wailuku Pool will be closed for repairs and installation of new showers from Thursday, Sept. 26, to Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. The facility is expected to reopen on Saturday, Sept. 28.
· Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool at War Memorial Complex in Wailuku will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 26, for swim testing for the recruitment of pool guard trainees. The pool is expected to reopen from 1 to 4 p.m. that day for lap and recreational swimming.
Updated pool hours are available by calling the County pool hotline at (808) 270-8208.
For general Maui County parks information, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/parks.
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.
Meeting for Kula homeowners impacted by wildfires to be held Sept. 24
The County of Maui Office of Recovery and the Office of Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura will be hosting a meeting for Kula homeowners impacted by the August 2023 wildfires on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.
Officials will discuss topics related to rebuilding in the area, with representatives from the following agencies presenting information and/or available to answer questions from homeowners: State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health; the County's Department of Management, Office of Recovery and Department of Public Works; the U.S. Small Business Administration; the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement; and the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group.
For questions, please email Karla Peters at karla.peters@co.maui.hi.us.
Bingo Blast to be featured at Kaunoa Clubhouse in Lahaina Civic Center
Kaunoa Clubhouse open from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 26
Bingo Blast will be featured at Kaunoa Clubhouse in the Lahaina Civic Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
Kaunoa Clubhouse will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Refreshments will be provided.
Those ages 60 and older are invited to spend the morning at the clubhouse with friends and neighbors.
To register, call (808) 270-7308, option 3. To sign up to receive Kaunoa's newsletter, visit https://mauicounty.gov/thebestyears.
Kaunoa Senior Services is a division of the County of Maui Department of Human Concerns.
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.
County Planning Department conducting quality of life survey
Randomly selected residents to receive emails, phone calls to participate
The County of Maui Department of Planning is conducting a quality of life survey to assist in assessing residentsʻ opinions on core themes and topics identified in Maui County's General Plan. The survey will cover general aspects of quality of life and resident satisfaction, not immediate needs related to the August 2023 fires and resulting economic recovery.
The survey will launch on Friday, Sept. 13. Randomly selected county residents will be invited by email or telephone to participate in the survey. The survey will remain ongoing until 400 randomly selected residents have accepted the invitation to participate. The County encourages anyone who is invited to participate in the survey to share their opinions.
The county has contracted Anthology Research, a market research firm in Hawai'i, to conduct the survey. Input received will be anonymous and reported only with others' answers - no identifying information will be connected to participants' responses. To maintain the scientific nature of the survey and to statistically project the results to the overall population, only those who are contacted as part of the random sample will be eligible to participate. This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete.
Participant responses will help the Planning Department better understand the County's overall progress in implementing the General Plan, which consists of the Countywide Policy Plan, island plans and community plans and serves as a long-term, comprehensive blueprint for the physical, economic, environmental and cultural identity of the county.
Additional information can be found on the Planning Department website at https://www.mauicounty.gov/2016/Division—Plan-Implementation
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.
Maui County Council to meet Sept. 13, 16, and 27 this month
The Maui County Council will meet at 9 a.m. on Fri., Sept. 13, then will reconvene for a special meeting on Sept. 16. The council's final meeting of the month will come on Sept. 27.
On the Friday, Sept. 13 agenda, there's a recommendation to adopt Resolution 24-130, CD1,that aims to define public trust purposes of the Commission on Water Resource Management ("Commission"). The resolution also establishes fines for certain water use offenses, and aims to amend the commission's authority to declare water emergencies.
The council will also consider Bill 133 (2024) on the agenda, that would create an ordinance authorizing the Maui County Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, United State Dept. of the Interior (Cooperative Water-Resource Monitoring Program).
The council is also set to consider a recommendation to adopt Resolution 24-127 requiring the State Department of Health to adopt or amend rules to establish a classification system for composting facilities or operations for the purposes of regulating them for health purposes.
On Monday, Sept. 16, councilmembers will discuss Bill 114, FD1 (2024) that aims to change zoning from residential to public/quasi-public for Grace Baptist Church, which the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire destroyed.
The church was located on a .75-acre property at 164 Fleming Road.
Oral testimony can be provided online prior to the council's meeting at https://www.mauicounty.us/teams/.
Ehiku annual rummage sale Sept. 28
The Senior Club is hosting their Ehiku annual rummage sale on Sept. 28 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ehiku Community Hall. Please follow the signs for parking at 56 Ehiku St. in Kihei. For more information, call Lyn Sakamura at (808) 891-8588.
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.
New Railroad Exhibit at the Sugar Museum
The Sugar Museum presents a new 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." Exhibit runs through Sept. 30 2024. 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.
Haiku Community Association hosts candidate's night event
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Haiku Community Center, the Haiku Community Association will sponsor a candidate's night. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m..
The meeting will open with a brief presentation by University of Hawaii Maui College researcher, Charles Shull, about a new UH program testing local water sources for the agricultural chemical: DBCP.
Candidates for All Maui County Council Seats and House District 13 have been invited to meet with the Ha'iku-Huelo community.
The audience will be able to sit with candidates in small groups and submit written questions for the candidates about topics important to the Northshore community. This is a great opportunity for all in our community to get to know our legislative and council member candidates.
Potluck pupu are welcome and all that attend are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for the Maui Food Bank. For more about HCA activities go to haikumaui.org or contact Project Manager Kristine Kozuki (808) 870- 6879.