News

Rep. Tokuda backs rural hospital bill

Local News May 28, 2026

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawaii has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing legislation supporting the issuance of interest-free loans for up to 10 years for the construction and renovation of rural hospitals. Under the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Facilities Program would provide the loans. Supporters said the bill would allow rural hospitals to reinvest savings from reduced debt costs into clinical care, workforce retention and other operational needs. “Rural hospitals are a lifeline for communities in ...

Fallen soldiers honored on Maui

Local News May 28, 2026

U.S. veterans who gave their lives in the service of the United States were honored during a Memorial Day tribute Monday at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. More than 500 people, including dignitaries and veterans, gathered for the event, with opening ceremonies including the raising ...

Photo of the Day: Gimli under the moon

Local News May 28, 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.

Washington man formally charged in monk seal case

Local News May 27, 2026

The man from Washington state who’s accused of throwing a large rock at a Hawaiian monk seal off Maui has been formally charged in federal court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson announced Tuesday that Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, was charged by ...

Volunteers sought for Haleakala backpacking service trip June 19-22

Local News May 27, 2026

Friends of Haleakala National Park is seeking volunteers for a strenuous three-night backpacking service trip June 19-22 in Haleakala National Park. Volunteer work may include invasive weed removal, native seed collection, trail clearing and cabin maintenance. The trip includes more than 21 miles of hiking across rugged terrain and steep elevation changes. Volunteers will spend three nights at the Paliku Patrol Cabin near the windward edge of Haleakala Crater. Participants should be in excellent physical condition and comfortable hiking long distances at high elevation while carrying ...

Volunteer opportunities available at Kula's Fire Restoration Nursery

Local News May 27, 2026

The Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui will host a community volunteer service day at the Kula Community Watershed Alliance Community Restoration Nursery from 9 a.m. to noon May 29. Located in Upper Kula just off Kekaulike Avenue near Kula Lodge, the event is open to the public and welcomes community members of all ages and abilities. Volunteers will work alongside KCWA staff in the nursery, planting native Hawaiian species that are being propagated for large-scale replanting in the Kula burn scar left by the August 2023 wildfires. Tasks will vary, and several activities can be completed ...