News

State to begin enforcing hemp retail registration rules July 1

Local News June 24, 2026

The Hawaii Department of Health and Department of the Attorney General will begin enforcing Hawaii’s hemp retailer and distributor registration requirements statewide July 1. The Department of Health’s Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation said the grace period for hemp retailer and distributor registration will end June 30. Beginning July 1, the Department of Health and the Attorney General’s Office will begin enforcing registration requirements and existing hemp product compliance laws. The attorney general’s office said the action follows months of outreach ...

Two wing foilers rescued off Kihei

Local News June 24, 2026

Two wing foilers were rescued Tuesday morning after they were unable to return to shore because of light winds, according to the Maui Fire Department. Firefighters responded at 10:46 a.m. to an area off South Kihei Road near the Uwapo Road intersection. The wing foilers were located by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel about 200 yards offshore and were brought back to shore by an Ocean Safety Jet Ski. The two men, ages 66 and 67, were visitors, according to the department. Neither of them required medical attention. Responding units included Engine 6, Rescue 10, Ocean Safety JS6 and the ...

UH Manoa receives $2.2M grant for wildfire recovery study

Local News June 24, 2026

Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have received a $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support the next phase of a study examining the long-term impacts of the 2023 Maui wildfires. The three-year award will fund the Maui LOA, or Learnings to Overcome Adversities, study, which focuses on factors affecting health and well-being following disasters. The project is led by Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, and Keawe Kaholokula, chair and professor in the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A. Burns ...

Maui Bus expands fare-free program, adds new stops

Local News June 24, 2026

Maui Bus fixed-route service will be free for students of any age and Maui County employees beginning July 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Starting July 1, students with a valid student ID will be able to ride free regardless of age. Previously, free rides were limited to students age 24 and younger. County employees with valid county identification also will ride free. Additionally, Maui Bus is adding new fixed-route stops on Puunene Avenue in Kahului, as well as in Haliimaile, Napili and Kihei on Piikea Avenue. Information on the new stops is available at ...

Maui County offering free movie nights in July

Local News June 23, 2026

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation will celebrate National Park and Recreation Month in July with free family-friendly movie nights on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. All outdoor movie screenings will begin at sunset unless otherwise noted. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks, ...

Hale Makua holding online silent auction

Local News June 23, 2026

Hale Makua is celebrating 80 years of service with its sixth annual fundraiser golf tournament and online silent auction. The Hale Makua Golf Tournament on June 27 at The Dunes at Maui Lani is sold out, but the online silent auction will remain open to the public through June 27. Auction items include gift certificates for dining, resort stays, activities and locally made products donated by local businesses and supporters. Proceeds will benefit Hale Makua residents, patients and programs. Hale Makua was established in 1946 and provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, care homes, ...