News

DOH urges health precautions after Tropical Storm Lala

Local News August 20, 2026

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 ...

State agencies urge precautions as migratory birds return to Hawaii

Local News August 20, 2026

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 ...

Navy starts process to return land on Molokai

Local News August 20, 2026

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 ...

UH oral history center receives $538K for Maui projects

Local News August 20, 2026

Four grants totaling $538,000 will support University of Hawaii projects recording dozens of oral histories about Lahaina, water, women’s history and the Lahaina Jodo Mission. Researchers say documenting residents’ experiences, cultural knowledge and memories will help preserve Maui’s ...

New ownership sparks change in focus at The Maui News

Local News August 20, 2026

The Maui News was purchased by the Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative, a locally owned nonprofit organization, on Aug. 1. With this transition, we’ve received questions from the community about what the change in ownership means for The Maui News. Over the next few months, we are working on transferring the business and its many vendors to the local level. We are determining where we will buy newsprint and ink, updating technology and systems, and making sure the business is in a healthy place to kick off 2027. We are already working on improvements to community coverage, ...

State board rejects East Maui water auction

Local News August 20, 2026

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 ...