News

West Maui Taxpayers Association to host candidate forum June 25

Local News June 9, 2026

The West Maui Taxpayers Association will host its 2026 Primary Candidates Night on June 25 at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall. The free public event will begin with a meet-and-greet at 4 p.m., followed by a candidate forum at 5 p.m. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. Akaku will livestream the event. Candidates appearing on West Maui primary election ballots for state and Maui County Council seats have been invited to participate. The Lahaina Civic Center is at 1840 Honoapiilani Highway.

Sen. Schatz to host statewide telephone town hall

Local News June 9, 2026

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will host a statewide telephone town hall at noon June 11 to provide an update on his work in Washington and answer questions from Hawaii residents. According to Schatz's office, the discussion will allow constituents from across the state to ask questions and share concerns directly with the senator. Residents who wish to participate can register at schatz.senate.gov/townhall. Registered participants will receive a phone call when the event begins, allowing them to join the discussion.

Photo of the Day: Scratching my back

Local News June 9, 2026

Send your best photos from Maui County to mauiphotos@mauinews.com for a chance to see them featured on our website and in our weekly print edition.

Kula man dies after crash on Honda Ruckus

Local News June 8, 2026

A 55-year-old Kula man died Saturday from injuries he sustained in a June 1 motorcycle crash in Kahului, according to the Maui Police Department. Police said Bryan Rhoades was driving a 2006 Honda Ruckus north on Pulehu Road, about 300 feet north of Omaopio Road, at approximately 12:24 a.m. when the vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree. Rhoades was ejected from the vehicle, and he was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment. According to police, Rhoades was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators also believe alcohol was a factor in the ...

Honolulu man sentenced for fraudulent FEMA wildfire claims

Local News June 8, 2026

A Honolulu man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for submitting fraudulent FEMA disaster assistance claims tied to the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and the Pacific Palisades wildfire in California. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson announced Monday that Daylyn Harris, 35, was sentenced on Friday to 24 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Harris also was ordered to pay $60,458 in restitution to FEMA. According to federal prosecutors, Harris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Court records show Harris and a ...

County offices to close for King Kamehameha I Day

Local News June 8, 2026

Maui County offices, facilities and services will be closed or operate on modified schedules June 11 in observance of King Kamehameha I Day. Closed facilities will include all county offices, county swimming pools, the Lahaina Resource Center at Lahaina Gateway, the Recovery Permit Center at the County Service Center in Kahului, and the Hana, Molokai and Lanai landfills. The Central Maui Landfill and Maui EKO Compost will operate on a condensed schedule from 6 a.m. to noon. The Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Convenience Center will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. On Molokai, residential ...