County issues RFP for After-Action Report of Maui Emergency Management Agency’s coordination of the Aug. 8 wildfire

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced the County of Maui has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct an After-Action Report assessing the coordination of Maui County Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA’s) response to the Maui Wildfires that occurred in August 2023.

US Sen, Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on Congress to pass long-term disaster relief funding for impacted communities across the country, including on Maui and Vermont. Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Schatz underscored the need to pass funding for the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program in order to provide survivors with flexible assistance to rebuild their homes, small businesses, and communities over the long-term. 

One person was displaced following a fire in a third-floor unit at the Harbor Lights condominium in Kahului on Wednesday morning.

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (D-ME), and 25 colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor our nation’s teachers and commemorate National Teacher Appreciation Week as May 6-10.

Mail carriers from Maui to Maine will lead the Postal Service’s effort to “Stamp Out Hunger” this Saturday, May 11 in the 32nd annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive. 

The Maui Planning Commission will review the latest draft for the South Maui Community Plan during a public meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Testimony will be accepted.

Magma continues to pressurize the system beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and the south side of Kalaupele and Keanakākoʻi crater, activating seismicity along faults in the upper East Rift Zone. At this time, it is not possible to say whether this increase in activity will lead to an intrusion or eruption soon or simply continue as seismic unrest at depth.

Maui Mall Village today announced that Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya will open at the center in early fall 2024. The restaurant, which operates four locations on Oʻahu, offers fresh, gourmet and affordable Japanese ramen and bar-style dishes. It serves traditional flavors in a chic modern environment with an array of options, from build-your-own ramen to a selection of signature dishes. Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya will open near Center Court with seating for about 40 guests. 

To elevate the relationship of ʻāina and kānaka, the public is invited to join a free two-day traditional hale building guided by Kuhikuhi Puʻuone (Master Indigenous Architect) Francis Palani Sinenci on May 17 and 18 in Waipao, Honuaʻula.

Maui fire crews responded to two brush fires in the Piʻihana Farms area of Wailuku on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.  The first fire was reported 10:11 a.m. and extinguished at 12:55 p.m., involving about an acre of brush and an abandoned vehicle.  A second fire was reported at 1:12 p.m. and was just extinguished at 3:25 p.m., and again involved brush and an another abandoned vehicle in a different area. 

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center kicks off the summer season of Kanikapila Thursdays on May 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with live music by Kawika Ortiz, games by Yard Games Hawaiʻi, a Giveaway Bingo Card, keiki crafts, and participation with community partners.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., his Federal Funds Team and the Department of Transportation are hosting a federal funds summit from July 16-18 under the governor’s Investing in Hawai‘i’s Future, a collaboration between federal, state and community partners to maximize federal funding for the state.

The State Legislature closed on May 3 passing several of bills supported by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi to tackle cost of living challenges, support growth in the technology sector, boost entrepreneurship, increase access to childcare and add affordable housing for our workforce.

The next Maui TechOhana networking event, organized by Maui Economic Development Board, and supported by the County of Maui, will be held Thursday, May 9 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The public gathering will feature guest speakers from the Maui Food Innovation Center, a value added food manufacturing incubator and accelerator in Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union announced Monday that it has donated $10,000 to the Hawaiʻi HomeOwnership Center to support its mission to provide education and information to create successful first-time homeowners in Hawaiʻi.

Kahului based Gilbert & Associates (G & A) was once again awarded top honors for excellence in advertising design at the 45th annual Pele Awards ceremony held May 4 on Oʻahu. In addition, G & A became the first neighbor island firm chosen as Lead Designer for all collateral associated with the awards program.

The bill commits nearly $20 million to Hawai‘i Department of Education to assist in the administration and implementation of their Biosecurity Program, including 44 new positions.

The two agencies are seeking public input on their joint proposed real estate action and will host three community meetings in early June and is accepting written comments postmarked no later than June 17.

Gruenhagen appeared for a scheduled status review on the morning of May 7, which unexpectedly transitioned into a change of plea, followed by instant sentencing by Fifth Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe. 

Last year’s “Stamp Out Hunger” effort in Hawai‘i netted more than 193 tons of food donations.

Moderate trades will hold over the eastern islands through Thursday, while lighter trades and leeward land and sea breezes prevail over the western islands...

The bill commits nearly $20 million to Hawai‘i Department of Education to assist in the administration and implementation of their Biosecurity Program, including 44 new positions.

It shouldn't be difficult to find something to do with Mom this weekend. The Big Island has plenty of events planned just for Mother's Day, from brunch to parasailing.

The PRF insurance option protects livestock producers against feed loss due to lack of precipitation, providing producers on the Big Island with coverage for grazing acres, totaling $13 million in coverage.

Earthquakes are clustered in the upper East Rift Zone as well as the south caldera region.

When asked about the campaign, Alameda stated that he intends to continue, but “my immediate focus right now is to be with my family as we remember Star."