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Meeting to address Haiku speed tables

Maui County will hold a community meeting on speed tables in Haiku from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Haiku Community Center, 137 Hana Highway. The meeting is part of the county’s ongoing review of traffic-calming measures in Haiku. The meeting will include presentations from the Department of Public Works, the state Department of Transportation and community advocate Gregg Blue. Representatives from both agencies will provide an overview of their respective processes for evaluating and implementing traffic-calming measures on roadways under their jurisdiction. A ...

State board rejects East Maui water auction

A state board has rejected a proposal to hold a public auction for a 30-year license to divert and use irrigation water from East Maui streams. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted unanimously against the proposal, which would have allowed for the diversion of up to 88 million gallons of water per day. Opponents said landowner Mahi Pono was the entity most likely to obtain the license. The board’s action also rejected its staff recommendation for a proposed separate water license for Maui County and authorization for the board chairperson to negotiate an agreement ...

DOH urges health precautions after Tropical Storm Lala

The Hawaii Department of Health is urging residents to watch for health risks associated with flooding, storm runoff, power outages and cleanup following Tropical Storm Lala. Brown water advisory A statewide brown water advisory remains in effect because of heavy rainfall and storm runoff. Residents should avoid brown or discolored coastal waters and streams, which may contain elevated levels of pollutants. The department recommends staying out of affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after rainfall has ended and the area has received full sunshine. Power outages and food safety Food ...

The Department of the Navy has begun the process of returning its 12-acre Molokai Training Support Facility at Hoolehua to the state of Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green announced Aug. 13. The Molokai property is among nearly 44 acres of federal land proposed for transfer to the state. The Navy also ...

State agencies urge precautions as migratory birds return to Hawaii

The state departments of Health and Agriculture and Biosecurity are urging residents, particularly backyard poultry owners, to take precautions as migratory birds return to Hawaii and the risk of avian influenza increases. Hawaii lies along the Pacific Flyway, a major migration route between North America and the Pacific. Migratory birds can spread diseases to domestic and wild birds, making seasonal monitoring and prevention important. Highly pathogenic avian influenza previously was detected in a backyard flock on Oahu. State and federal agencies continue to monitor wild and ...

County clears Ehu Road, other areas hit by Lala in Olinda, Piiholo

Maui County Department of Public Works started clearing large, downed trees on Ehu Road in Piiholo on Sunday after restoring access to Olinda and Piiholo roads during Tropical Storm Lala. The county reported that crews reopened Ehu Road, which was covered in trees and debris in some sections, on Tuesday. The County Department of Water Supply and state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife assisted DPW with clearing Olinda and the top of Piiholo on Sunday, some of the Upcountry areas hardest hit by Lala.