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Former Maui Police lieutenant denied bail

Local News

Former Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala has been denied bail for a second time as he faces accusations that he accepted bribes to protect cockfighting rings and drug dealers. Vaituulala, 53, faces a possible 20-year prison sentence and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted. Federal authorities allege that Vaituulala used his position as head of the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit to accept bribes and shield illegal activities. In denying Vaituulala's latest request for release, Judge Kenneth Mansfield found there had been no change in circumstances warranting ...

Molokai schools expected to reopen Thursday

Local News

All five public schools on Molokai are expected to reopen Thursday, Oct. 29, after closing Wednesday due to flooding that affected safe access to campuses. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced the closures early Wednesday morning because flooded roads made travel unsafe for school buses and staff. The affected schools are Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary and Maunaloa Elementary. In a Wednesday afternoon update, the department said all five schools were expected to safely resume normal operations Thursday. All other public schools ...

Temporary evacuation site opens in Hana amid heavy rainfall, flooding

Local News

Maui County emergency officials opened a temporary evacuation site at Helene Hall in Hana amid increased rainfall and flooding. The site at 174 Keawa Place opened Wednesday night. The county said it will remain open until the threat of flooding has passed. The site provides a safe gathering area but does not have the supplies of a regular shelter. Residents coming to the site should bring essentials. Pets are allowed only if they are in crates or cages. If necessary, temporary evacuation sites can be converted into shelters that provide cots, food and water. Piilani Highway at mile ...

Father-son duo to perform at Hawaiian Music Series

Entertainment

Father-and-son musicians Bodi and Ikaika Mendez will perform a free concert from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday Oct. 29 on the lawn of Waiola Church in Lahaina as part of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation's Hawaiian Music Series. Hailing from Kanaio and Ulupalakua, the duo blends traditional Hawaiian music with local influences, sharing stories and music reflecting their upbringing. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, mats or low-back beach chairs. Free parking is available at Waiola Church and the adjacent Lahaina Hongwanji Mission. Now in its 18th year, the Hawaiian Music ...

Veterans Day ceremony, picnic and Freedom Ride planned for Nov. 11

Local News

The Maui County Veterans Council is inviting the community to attend a free Veterans Day ceremony and picnic Nov. 11 at War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m., followed by a community picnic at 11 a.m. at the gymnasium, 700 Halia Nakoa St. The event is open to everyone. Admission and food are free, with meals available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gathering will honor the service and sacrifices of military veterans while bringing together community members of all generations. Veterans benefit information booths also will be available to help ...

Students invited to explore environmental filmmaking

Entertainment

High school students are invited to a free environmental filmmaking workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at University of Hawaii Maui College. Hosted by the Maui Huliau Foundation, the workshop will introduce students to documentary filmmaking and music videos, including techniques for setting up and conducting on-camera interviews. Students will explore environmental story ideas submitted by community partners, covering topics such as coqui frogs and extreme weather, or develop their own projects. Participants can form teams and work on films over several months or throughout the ...