Breaking News

Summer lab for high school filmmakers starts June 9

Hisako Film Lab is accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Lab, an advanced filmmaking program for motivated high school students. Running June 9 to July 23, the program co-sponsored by the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii Maui College offers students an opportunity to work in small production teams to write and produce original short narrative films. Participants will receive mentorship, training and feedback throughout the process. The program is open to Maui-based students entering grades 10-12 for the 2026-27 school year, as well as graduating seniors ...

HEC 2026 to talk Hawaii’s energy future

Presented by Maui Economic Development Board, the 13th annual Hawaii Energy Conference will be May 20-21 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The conference will focus on energy, with expert panels and featured presentations on topics such as turning damaged lithium batteries into non-hazardous waste, hardening the electrical grid, energy efficiency and more. Full details and conference registration are available at hawaiienergyconference.com.

Student Film Showcase coming May 24

Hisako Film Lab and Maui Huliau Foundation will premiere their 2026 spring lab short films with additional student films during the Huliau + Hisako Film Showcase at 6 p.m. May 24, at the Iao Theater. The student films were created with the support of Akakū Maui Community Media. The showcase is part of the weekend-long Be Reel Film Festival hosted by Imua Family Services. Community members, families and supporters are invited to attend. A red carpet photo op will take place in front of the theater beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/yc5uwv46.

Parts of Makawao Avenue to be closed on weekends until June 21

From May 16 to June 21, both lanes on sections of Makawao Avenue will be closed over the weekends for roadwork. The Maui County Department of Public Works is advising drivers and pedestrians to expect delays and follow traffic-control personnel, posted signs and detours. The closures will be from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6:30 p.m. Sunday in certain areas with access for local traffic only. Weekend construction dates and areas include Lāʻie Drive to Alana Place on May 16-17; Alana Place to Poalima Place on May 30-31; Poalima Place to Kealaloa Avenue on June 6-7, Kealaloa Avenue to Makani ...