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West Maui grant funds available for FY 2027

A total of $100,000 in grant funding is available for West Maui through Maui County’s fiscal year 2027 budget, according to County Council member Tamara Paltin. Eligible applicants include organizations seeking to support local initiatives that enhance quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods and respond to community-identified needs. “We know that strong communities are built through the people and organizations who preserve our culture, create opportunities for local artists and businesses and bring neighbors together,” Paltin said in a news release. “I encourage West Maui ...

County to discuss Maui shoreline planning boundary on July 14

The Maui County Department of Planning will present an update on its Special Management Area boundary assessment project for Maui island during the Maui Planning Commission meeting at 9 a.m. July 14. The meeting will be held online via Microsoft Teams and in person at the Kalana Pukui conference room, 250 S. High St. in Wailuku. The SMA sets special development controls near the shoreline to preserve, protect and, when possible, restore cultural and natural resources in coastal areas. Maui’s SMA boundary map was first adopted in 1975 and last updated in 1979, according to the ...

Gov. Green signs bills regulating tobacco, vaping products

Gov. Josh Green signed two bills Tuesday aimed at regulating tobacco use and electronic smoking devices in Hawaii. Senate Bill 2175, now Act 189, prohibits the sale, offer for sale or distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Violators may face fines of up to $100 per day for each violation. House Bill 1573, now Act 190, strengthens oversight of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids sold in Hawaii by requiring manufacturers to certify that their products comply with federal and state law. The measure requires manufacturers to provide ...

Auwahi seeks volunteers for native planting trips

Auwahi is seeking volunteers for native planting trips this month at Ulupalakua Ranch. Remaining trips are scheduled for July 11, 14 and 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will help plant young native plants in Auwahi using a quicker, more mobile planting method because of the large number of seedlings ready to be planted. The trips are best suited for volunteers who are physically able to work in the field. Tools, staff support and four-wheel-drive transportation will be provided. To request a space, email volunteer@auwahi.org and include the dates available. New volunteers, ...

Maui resident crowned Mrs. Hawaii America 2026

Maui resident Eden Keolani Stewart has been crowned Mrs. Hawaii America 2026, earning the opportunity to represent Hawaii on the national stage later this year. Stewart received the title on July 2, and this is a milestone year for the pageant organization, with Mrs. America celebrating its ...

Study finds low calf numbers among Hawaii Island spinner dolphins

A new study led by the University of Hawaii found unexpectedly low numbers of calves among spinner dolphins off Hawaii Island, raising concerns about the long-term survival of the isolated population. The study, led by scientists with the Marine Mammal Research Program at the University of ...