Two Virtual Job Fairs Scheduled for Saturday, March 27th & Monday, March 29th

The award-winning MauiTime, Maui’s locally owned newspaper serving the island for the past quarter-century, temporarily shuttered its doors last summer due to the pandemic.  “It’s great to be planning our relaunch,” says paper founder Tommy Russo. “Our biggest need is to hire the new staff members needed to build out our revamped newsroom, daily digital platform, and sales team.”

“In addition to the great full-time and freelance folks who will be returning, MauiTime seeks a Managing Editor, an Arts & Culture Editor, a General Assignment Reporter, at least two new sales executives, an Events Coordinator, a Production Manager, and a Graphic Designer,” says J.

Continue reading MauiTime Hiring for Expanded Re-Launch at .

During most years, I’d go to a movie theater about 70-times and, with home viewing included, watch and review hundreds of new films between January and December. In 2020, I went to the theater a total of 14 times. 

I’ve been an advocate for the movie theater experience my whole life and remain firm about our need for this tradition to continue. Why? Because we are social beings, need to have interactions and cinema allows us to laugh, scream and cry together. It’s a transportive, contemplative, even magical way to interact and experience film art.

Continue reading Best of the Wurst 2020: The Top Films of the Year at .

In the sideways year 2020, many companies on Maui have been beyond challenged to keep their companies alive and serving their longtime patrons and fans. Yet, somehow, many of them have grown new roots, cracked open their collective coconuts and discovered creative ways to turn lemons into lemonade. In short, controlling their own destiny.

One company that has managed to completely re-imagine its ’architecture’ is the Maui FIlm Festival. Long known for its always surprising and delightful annual June event in Wailea, presenting it this year was made impossible by the challenges of living daily life.

Continue reading 2020 Maui Film Festival Takes Flight at .

Small Farmers and Local Food Advocates Support a Maui County Department of Agriculture

A message to you from Maui’s small farmers:  Please VOTE YES on the charter amendment to create a Maui County Department of Agriculture.

By now, you’ve probably received the glossy postcard, seen the big banners or heard the radio ads asking you to vote no on a county ag department. Who paid for those?

Not you or I, and not our local Maui farmers.

It’s offshore corporations who want to control the future of agriculture, land and water use on Maui.

Continue reading Small Farmers Say Vote YES to Maui County Department of Agriculture at .

Beginning Monday, October 12, 2020, residents and businesses can pick up free mulch at Maui EKO Systems located at the Central Maui Landfill. This will continue while supplies last.

Green waste mulch helps soil retain moisture, reduces erosion and encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi to create nutrient rich soil.

Mulch can be picked up Monday through Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Vehicles must be pickup truck size or larger. Heavy machinery will be used to fill the vehicles.

When entering the Central Maui Landfill, follow the signs for “Green Waste.” On weekdays, check in at the EKO office for a loading ticket.

Continue reading Free green waste mulch pick-up set at Maui EKO Systems at .

To address Distracted Driving which occurs daily on Maui County roadways and reduce avoidable crashes as well as driving fatalities. The Maui Police Department Traffic Division will be out enforcing our zero tolerance response to distracted driving (cell phone usage). The public can expect saturation patrols where there is a noticeable increase in traffic enforcement to address distracted driving (cell phone) use while driving. 

Beginning October 5, 2020, MPD Traffic Division will take part in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) U TEXT U PAY Distracted Driving awareness enforcement event. Motorist will see heightened traffic enforcement that will continue thru October 12, 2020.

Continue reading U Text U Pay- National Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign at .

Due to the unique challenges presented during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Kamehameha Schools is extending the application deadline for K-12 admission as we work together to support and nurture our keiki and families.

The deadline for Kamehameha Schools K-12 program applications for the Kapālama, Hawai‘i and Maui campuses for the 2021-22 school year is now Oct. 15 2020. Applicants may apply online at ksbe.edu/apply.

“We understand the incredible kuleana our families are facing today,” Darrel Hoke, KS’ VP of Administration said. “The admissions process is crucial and we appreciate what ʻohana experience during their journey. By extending the deadline for admission, in addition to offering a generous financial aid package for qualified applicants who we strongly encourage to apply, families now have extra time to complete applications, submit necessary documents and ask questions throughout the process.”

Applications are available for primary admission points for:

• Kapālama campus: kindergarten, grades 4, 7 and 9 for O‘ahu residents
  • West Hawai‘i, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau and Hāna district: grades 7 and 9

• Hawai‘i and Maui campuses: kindergarten, grades 6 and 9.

Continue reading Kamehameha Schools extends application deadline for K-12 admission at .

The Maui Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards in 2020. All nominees and winners will be honored during a virtual event held on Tuesday, November 24th from 6:30-8:30pm.

The Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognize outstanding businesses in our community that have 100 or fewer employees and have had a Hawaii General Excise Tax license for no fewer than two years. Other criteria include demonstrating business leadership in a changing economic environment, creating a quality work environment for their employees, exhibiting the Aloha Spirit and exemplary customer service, developing partnerships with other sectors of the community, demonstrating other exceptional qualities or traits and what the business has done to survive during COVID-19.

Continue reading Nominations Sought for 2020 Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards at .

Go Green Recycling is a monthly, appointment-required, bulky-item recycling event hosted by Mālama Maui Nui for residents of West Maui. October’s event will take place on Saturday, October 17th. Visit www.MalamaMauiNui.org/GoGreen for new location details.

To request an appointment, fill out an Appointment Request Form at www.MalamaMauiNui.org/GoGreen. Confirmed appointments will ensure upholding of COVID-19 best practices.

Go Green Recycling is an important service for residents of West Maui, hosted by Mālama Maui Nui in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lāhaina Sunset, 5A Rent-A-Space, and Maui County – Division of Environmental Protection & Sustainability.

Continue reading October’s Go Green Recycling: Appointments Required at .

Week of October 1-7, 2020

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

In her high school yearbook, Libra-born Sigourney Weaver arranged to have this caption beneath her official photo: “Please, God, please, don’t let me be normal!” Since then, she has had a long and acclaimed career as an actor in movies. ScreenPrism.com calls her a pioneer of female action heroes. Among her many exotic roles: a fierce warrior who defeats monstrous aliens; an exobiologist working with indigenous people on the moon of a distant planet in the 22nd century; and a naturalist who lives with mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: Rise up and correct it, Cancer at .

On October 10-11th, over 300 cancer survivors and supporters will paddle six-person outrigger canoes from Kihei to Ka’anapali, a 50-mile round trip journey, to raise funds for Maui’s cancer community.

It’s not a race… it’s a voyage, and all of our Maui Ohana are invited to join us for the event. You can get your own team together or join a crew. Experience the Hawaiian Culture through paddle, ceremony, chants and community support.

Hosted by Pacific Cancer Foundation and Paddle for Life. Registration is now OPEN! 

Continue reading 12th Annual Paddle for Life at .

Join Maui Humane Society’s FUNraiser “Bob Bobs for Balls!” Featuring the main event, Bob bobbing for one lucky tennis ball!

Bob Vance, a surrendered Sharpei-mix, spent 7 months at Maui Humane Society looking for his perfect home. Along the way, Bob became the first graduate of our new Behavior Program, designed to help enrich the lives of dogs in our care, while teaching them how to become successful family members! Bob quickly became a staff and canine favorite, and earned a Dog Playgroup Fan Club called the Bobbleheads! Bob kept staff and volunteers smiling throughout the day with his persistent obsession with tennis balls and funny antics.

Continue reading Bob Bobs for Balls – Maui Humane Society Fundraiser at .

Carrier to offer service between Hawai‘i and 10 U.S. West Coast cities by mid-November

Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai‘i’s hometown carrier, is bringing back more flights and routes between the U.S. mainland and Hawai‘i to welcome guests who will have the option to bypass the state of Hawai‘i quarantine with a pre-travel negative COVID-19 test starting Oct. 15.

Hawaiian will resume nonstop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas starting tomorrow, and between HNL and Oakland (OAK), Phoenix (PHX) and San Jose (SJC) international airports on Nov.

Continue reading Hawaiian Airlines Increasing Flights in Preparation for Pre-Travel Testing Program at .

The Arbor Day Garden Expo & Tree Giveaway is an extended event in 2020!

In partnership with Maui Electric Company and Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals will host tree and plant care lectures and webinars, a Maui nursery open house, and a giveaway of more than 1,000 Hawaiian trees.

Wednesday, November 4 – Friday, November 6:

Learn about residential tree care and speak with the experts about everything trees and plants.

Continue reading Arbor Day Garden Expo & Tree Giveaway 2020 at .

Virtual Launch Event by Jake Shimabukuro with Guest Artist Andrew Molina

Five Maui public libraries will launch a new lending collection of ‘ukulele beginning September 30th. Library patrons may borrow ‘ukulele for a three-week period at no cost with a valid library card. 

‘Ukulele instruments are donated and supported by the Music For Life Foundation and Jake Shimabukuro, co-director of the ‘ukulele sponsorship. The goal of the program is to make ‘ukulele and ‘ukulele-playing opportunities accessible for all by allowing them to be checked out as easily as books at your local public library. 

To launch this fun new service, the public is invited to a special Facebook Live musical performance featuring virtuoso ‘ukulele artists, Jake Shimabukuro and Maui’s own Andrew Molina, on September 30th at 4:00 p.m.

Continue reading Maui Public Libraries Launch ‘Ukulele Lending Program at .

The 16th Annual Lahaina Town Clean-Up was held on Saturday, September 19, 2020. The event was a little different this year due to COVID-19 but the results were still impactful. For this year’s cleanup the community was encouraged to participate in cleanups near their home, with their family members or individually while practicing all CDC and County of Maui guidelines for masks, gloves, and social distancing. Also new this year is that in addition to the cleanup on International Coastal Cleanup Day, celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September, community members were encouraged to take part in a month-long effort to clean the coastline as we move to celebrate ICC Month every September moving forward.

Continue reading Volunteers Collect rubbish from neighborhoods and shorelines as part of the 16th Annual Lahaina Town Cleanup at .

Week of September 24-30, 2020

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Seventy-nine-year-old Libran poet Robert Pinsky has had a triumphant life. He has published 19 books, including his own poems and essays, as well as translations of Italian and Polish poetry. For four years he served as the United States Poet Laureate. To what factors does he attribute his success? Here’s one: “Whatever makes a child want to glue macaroni on a paper has always been strong in me,” he testifies. He’s referring to the primitive arts-and-crafts projects he enjoyed while growing up. In accordance with astrological omens, I encourage you, too, to get in touch and commune with the primal roots of the things you love to do.

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: Don’t let them tame you, Gemini at .

Sierra Club sues Board of Land and Natural Resources for its failure to protect East Maui streams from exploitation

Judge Jeffrey Crabtree of the Hawaiʻi Environmental Court will be hearing closing arguments in the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi’s case against the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Sierra Club sued the Board of Land and Natural Resources for authorizing an increase in the amount of water taken out of the East Maui watershed. The Board of Land and Natural Resources has continuously issued temporary permits to Alexander & Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation for access to 13 streams in the East Maui watershed without knowing or mitigating the harm caused by their use of these streams to water land in Central Maui. 

Continue reading Environmental Court to Hear Closing Arguments in East Maui Water Rights Case at .

Police are requesting your assistance in a Missing Person type case.

On 09/21/20 at about 6:24 p.m., a family member reported Samantha Iokia (32) of Kahului and her two minor children missing. They were last seen at their Kahului residence on 9/17/2020 at about 4:00 p.m. It is suspected she may have left the island.

Iokia is described as a Hawaiian female, 5’7″ tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Samantha Iokia is asked to please contact the Maui Police Department Non-Emergency number at 808-244-6400 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Continue reading MPD Press Release: Missing Person, Samantha Iokia at .

Hui No Ke Ola Pono (HNKOP) has been selected as the upcoming beneficiary of the Ohana Fuels’ ‘Fuel up. Do good.’ program. Ohana Fuels partners with non-profit organizations serving the needs of the local community, and donates a portion of the proceeds from every gallon of gasoline purchased at Ohana Fuels stations in that community. During the months of October through December 2020 a portion of all gasoline sales at Maui Ohana Fuels locations will be donated to HNKOP.

HNKOP is a Native Hawaiian Heath Care System that includes family medicine, pediatric and dental clinics, an exercise program, nutrition, lomilomi massage, chiropractic services, Ho‘ola Pu‘uwai – Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program, workshops in Native Hawaiian practices and more all with the goal of encouraging health and wellness.

Continue reading Hui No Ke Ola Pono to Benefit from Ohana Fuels ‘Fuel Up. Do Good.’ Program at .

Researchers from Pacific Whale Foundation are part of an international team from five countries and six universities involved in the first global research project kicking off today that studies how ocean changes influence the recovery of whale populations in the southern hemisphere. The ultimate goal is to create a model for whale distributions under future climate-change scenarios and investigate changes influencing population status and conservation of humpback whales.

“Pacific Whale Foundation’s research in Australia started in 1984 and has spanned numerous locations along the East Australia coast, resulting in great coverage through space and time, which is important for migratory species,” notes Stephanie Stack, PWF’s Chief Biologist.

Continue reading Pacific Whale Foundation researchers dive deep to understand climate impacts on whales at .

Federal & State Assessments of Facility Near Completion

Twelve deaths among residents of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo have been confirmed and added to the state’s reported COVID-19 related deaths today. These deaths include 11 men and one (1) woman, all in the 70 to 80-year-old age group and with underlying health conditions. Ten of the residents passed away at the home and two others were hospitalized. Reporting on these deaths was delayed due to pending medical reports required for verification and classification of deaths as COVID-19. 

In total, there are now 15 deaths confirmed by the State among residents of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans home.

Continue reading 12 ADDITIONAL COVID-19 DEATHS CONFIRMED AT YUKIO OKUTSU VETERANS HOME at .

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that drive-through COVID-19 testing will be held on Monday, Sept. 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lahaina Aquatic Center.

The Lahaina Aquatic Center will be closed all day Monday due to the drive-through testing. The Lahaina Recreation Center will be closed Monday morning and open at 2:00 p.m.

Minit Medical Urgent Care will administer diagnostic PCR testing and will call individuals with all results, which are expected to take one to three days.

Participants should pre-register for the drive-through testing on Minit Medical’s website at www.minitmed.com.

Continue reading Drive-through COVID-19 testing set for West Maui on Monday, Sept. 21 at .

It’s that time again! In a matter of a few short weeks, our beloved humpback whales will return to Maui Nui to mate and calve during their annual migration to warmer waters.

As a world leader in ocean and marine mammal conservation with a mission-driven commitment to protect the ocean through science and advocacy and inspire environmental stewardship, Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) eagerly anticipates the arrival of these majestic animals. 

In celebration of the humpback whales’ return and the upcoming whalewatching season, PWF invites ocean wildlife lovers from around the globe to enter PWF’s “Take Your Best Guess: First Whale Sighting 2020” contest.

Continue reading Guess the date and time of Maui’s first 2020 humpback whale sighting and win Pacific Whale Foundation gear! at .

Today, it was announced by the Maui Jim Maui Invitational that this year’s event will be moved from the Lahaina Civic Center to Asheville, North Carolina. The decision was made as a result of the ongoing circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councilmember Riki Hokama, chair of the Council’s Healthy Families and Communities Committee which oversees the Department of Parks and Recreation, received confirmation earlier today from tournament owner KemperLesnik that this year’s edition will not take place on Maui.

“I realize that these are unprecedented times due to the ongoing pandemic, and I understand the very tough decision to relocate this year’s Maui Jim Maui Invitational,” Hokama said.

Continue reading Councilmember Hokama Expresses Support for Maui Jim Maui Invitational at .

Week of September 17-23, 2020

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“At the necessary moment, going naked will be your most convincing disguise,” writes poet Dobby Gibson. As I apply his witty statement to your life, I’ll interpret it metaphorically. My sense is that you could really use the kind of “disguise” he’s talking about. What I mean is that you would benefit by appearing to be different from what people expect of you. You can gain key advantages by shifting the image you present to the world—by expressing a part of your identity that is not usually obvious.

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: If you’re not invited to the party, throw your own, Leo at .

Contest designed to promote public awareness of stormwater and pollution prevention

Digital media and AV students in Maui County are invited to enter an educational video contest sponsored by The State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Highways Division – Maui District (HWY-M). The project is designed to promote public awareness of why stormwater matters to the islands’ environment and encourage good community practices to help keep our stormwater clean.

HWY-M encourages all AV and digital media programs at Maui County schools – elementary through high school – to produce and submit original and educational videos on such stormwater topics as what a storm drain system is, how pollutants can get into stormwater and impact the ocean and wildlife, and how to prevent stormwater pollution.

Continue reading Maui County school students invited to enter educational video contest at .

Continue reading Antebellum NEW MOVIE REVIEW at .

University of Hawai‘i Maui College Assistant Professor Dr. Keola Donaghy has developed and Google has just released a Hawaiian language keyboard extension for users of the Chome OS (operating system). It is finally possible to easily type the kahakō – a macron character that appears over vowels in certain words and changes their meaning when used – and the ‘okina – a glottal stop.

Since the Chrome OS release in 2011, devices that run the system have proved very popular. They are inexpensive, start quickly, and have long battery life. Always popular with educators, its general acceptance has grown exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic as classes from kindergarten through university graduate programs have gone online, with students completing many of their classes and assignments from home.

Continue reading University of Hawai’i Maui College Assistant Professor Develops Hawaiian Language Keyboard for use on Chrome OS Devices at .

On September 11, 2020 at about 5:07 a.m., Tara Trunfio (24), from Colorado, was arrested for Assault in the Second Degree and Resisting Arrest.

Investigation reveals that on September 11, 2020 at about 3:46 a.m., Hana Patrol officers were assigned to the 4590 Hana Highway, regarding a female with a stab wound. It was alleged that Trunfio had earlier stabbed the victim while at the end of Ulaino Road.

Trunfio was located at the very end of Uluino Road. After advisement of her Constitutional Rights and being told she was under arrest, Trunfio physically and verbally resisted.

Continue reading Colorado woman arrested for Assault in the Second Degree and Resisting Arrest at .

The Maui Police Department is requesting the Public’s assistance in identifying the male involved in an unprovoked attack on a bicyclist in Haiku this past Tuesday.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., a male was riding his bicycle on Haiku Road when he was confronted by a Caucasian male operating a newer model white pickup truck, possibly a Toyota. The Suspect exited the vehicle and struck the bicyclist with a golf club several times, causing injury. 

The Suspect is described as possibly in his early 40’s, approximately 5’10” and weighing about 160 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Continue reading MPD Requesting Public’s Assistance in Assault Type Case at .

Family Life Center on Maui will receive CDBG funding

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that Hawaii will receive an additional allocation of more than $10 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG-CV) to provide critical assistance for the community as it continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic. These CDBG-CV funds are the third round of CDBG funding from the federal CARES Act.

Hawaii County will receive $1,077,958, Kauai County will receive $677,028, Maui County will receive $1,874,312, and the City and County of Honolulu will receive $6,445,350. These funds are specifically intended to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus in vulnerable populations across Hawaii. 

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to dramatically impact day-to-day life in Hawaii, these funds will help address essential needs across our state.

Continue reading Hawaii to Receive $10 Million in Additional Community Development Block Grants to Respond to COVID-19 Crisis at .

Ongoing drought conditions have triggered operational changes for domestic water supply delivery to about 2,000 customers on the Upper Kula water system, according to the Department of Water Supply.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, water supplied to the Upper Kula water system will be treated with chlorine disinfectant instead of chloramines. This is because water will be pumped uphill to the Olinda Water Treatment Plant from the Piiholo Water Treatment Plant, which disinfects water with chlorine. A written notice will be provided to all affected customers.

The drought has left the Olinda Water Treatment Facility with an insufficient supply of water to operate efficiently and provide for fire protection.

Continue reading Drought conditions bring temporary change to Upper Kula water system at .

Aha Punana Leo, Inc. is one of the many recipients to receive funding

In August, Schatz Urged U.S. Department of Education Not To Delay Release Of Grant Funding, Citing Challenges Caused By COVID-19 Pandemic

Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive $26,992,923 in new federal funding to support grants under the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). This federal funding, secured by Senator Schatz through his work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, was awarded to 23 Native Hawaiian educational programs across the state. 

“This new federal funding will ensure that Native Hawaiian educational programs have the resources they need in time for the upcoming school year,” said Senator Schatz.

Continue reading SCHATZ SECURES $27 MILLION IN NEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN EDUCATION at .

On September 7, 2020 at about 3:20 p.m., the Maui Police Department received notification that the Love has Won Cult, that had been on Kauai was en route to Maui. It was reported that leader Amy Carlson (44), Jason Castillo (45) and Miguel Lamboy (42), all from Colorado where scheduled to arrive at the Kahului Airport. 

The three arrived on Kauai about a month ago and rented a house. During their stay in Kauai,  several protests, vandalism and small fires had been reported. As a result, Law Enforcement intervened to ensure the safety of the group.

Continue reading ‘Love Has Won’ Cult, Rerouted to Colorado at .

Justin Dudoit and Christina Cyr of Habitat for Humanity Maui with the Blando family

Habitat for Humanity Maui completed two more homes in their affordable housing project in Lahaina.

Both homes are located in the Kahoma Residential Subdivision and feature two and four-bedroom floorplans ranging from 864 to 1,200 square feet. The family partners are longtime Lahaina residents and had over 44 family members and friends, in addition to community volunteers, who helped with the home-builds.

“We never thought it would be possible to own a home, especially in these trying times, so this is our dream come true,” said new homeowner, Lei Blando.

Continue reading Two Families Receive Keys to Their New Home as Part of Habitat for Humanity Maui’s Housing Program at .

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), through its contractor Goodfellow Bros. LLC, will begin roadway repairs in Kahikinui, Maui on September 8, 2020.

The project involves the construction of approximately 2,200 linear feet of new reinforced concrete roadway, concrete swale, and concrete spillways. It will include the clearing, grubbing, and removal of vegetation and debris, along with the excavation, demolition, and removal of existing concrete pavement.

Work will be conducted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Residents should expect construction noise, dust, and slow traffic in the area during work hours.

Continue reading Kahikinui Roadway Repairs at .

On Sept. 25,Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) sets sail with Grammy award-winning musician John Cruz in partnership with sponsor PacWhale Eco-Adventures, the nonprofit’s social enterprise, for another installment of PWF’s popular Aloha Friday — the virtual concert cruise series that’s helping raise funds for the nonprofit’s vital ocean conservation work.

From 2:30 to 4pm, Cruz will delight fans virtually with his iconic brand of Hawaiian sounds from the bow of PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ Ocean Spirit as it navigates the beautiful waters of Maui Nui. The outing is patterned after PWF’s pilot virtual concert-cruise fundraiser, which premiered in June and featured much-loved Maui musician Marty Dread, and illustrates the nonprofit’s ability to pivot during the time of COVID.

Continue reading Aloha Friday virtual concert series with John Cruz at .

Local Maui artist Matthew Agcolicol was selected by Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Healthy Eating Active Living coalition to design and implement a street art project at an intersection in Kahului for a “Quick Build” demonstration project. The project supports the Vision Zero goal to end traffic deaths on Maui.

Agcolicol will receive $5,000 and with his art, will work with a team of engineers, planners and public safety experts to help improve road safety for people walking, biking and wheeling. 

“We received so many great proposals and I want to thank those who applied,” said Lauren Armstrong, executive director of Maui MPO.

Continue reading Maui artist Matthew Agcolicol selected for Kahului street art project at .

Haiku and Paia residents complained to the Board of Water Supply (BWS) this week that they haven’t been consulted on the Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan (WUDP) that includes a “strategy” to drill deep wells in the Haiku aquifer. The wells would send millions of gallons of water a day to central and south Maui for those areas’ burgeoning future water needs. Residents want the Maui County Council to defer a vote on adopting the plan, currently scheduled for September 11, so that an online meeting focused on the Haiku and Paia communities can be held.

Continue reading Haiku and Paia Residents Ask to Be Heard Before County Council Votes on Maui Island Water Plan at .

Exploring and enjoying Maui County’s beaches and shoreline areas has just been made easier. The County has recently launched a new website with a map viewer to provide an online atlas of over 200 public access locations and their features.

“This is a terrific tool for the public to enjoy our coastal resources and use our public beach accesses throughout the County,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “It was a great collaborative effort to bring this to fruition, and I thank everyone involved in launching this site.”

The website and map viewer can be accessed at www.mauishorelineaccess.net.

Continue reading Maui County launches new online atlas for shoreline access at .

Go Green Recycling is a monthly, appointment-required, bulky-item recycling event hosted by Mālama Maui Nui for residents of West Maui. September’s event will take place on Saturday, September 19th at the new location. Visit www.MalamaMauiNui.org/GoGreen for new location details.

To request an appointment, fill out an Appointment Request Form at www.MalamaMauiNui.org/GoGreen. Confirmed appointments will ensure upholding of COVID-19 best practices.

Go Green Recycling is an important service for residents of West Maui, hosted by Mālama Maui Nui in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lāhaina Sunset, 5A Rent-A-Space, and Maui County – Division of Environmental Protection & Sustainability.

Continue reading September’s Go Green Recycling: Appointments Required & New Location Reminder at .

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, and Thursday, September 10, 2020, Maui Kupono Builders, LLC will
be performing work on the County’s water system. A portion of the properties along Lower
Honoapi‘ilani Highway and the noted side streets will have their water shut off from approximately 10:00
pm (September 9) to 6:00 am (September 10). The shut‐down will affect all water services between Hui
Road F and Bay Club Road. Side streets that will be affected include: Napili Place, Hui Drive, Hui H Road
and Bay Club Place. DWS customers along these roads are encouraged to store water and adjust
schedules as appropriate.

Continue reading WATER SHUT‐DOWN AFFECTING NAPILI at .

Week of September 3-9, 2020

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“Like any art, the creation of self is both natural and seemingly impossible,” says singer-songwriter Holly Near. “It requires training as well as magic.” How are you doing on that score, Virgo? Now is a favorable time to intensify your long-term art project of creating the healthiest, smartest version of yourself.  I think it will feel quite natural and not-at-all impossible. In the coming weeks, you’ll have a finely tuned intuitive sense of how to proceed with flair. Start by imagining the Most Beautiful You.

LIBRA (Sept.

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: Gemini, you’re due for a series of celebrational naps! at .

Student teams on Oahu and Maui can receive grants of up to $3,000

The Bayer Fund announced today that the application period for its 2020 FIRST Robotics Grant program in Hawaii is now open through Sept. 30, 2020. Bayer Fund’s FIRST Robotics is a nationwide grant program designed to inspire and nurture students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math, in communities where Bayer employees live and work. 

Grants of $500, $1,000 and $3,000 will be awarded to students competing in FIRST Robotics Competitions (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) tournaments, FIRST Lego League Challenge Team (FLL Challenge) and FIRST Lego League Explore Team (FLL Explore) challenges for students in grades 2 through 12.  

The deadline for applications is Sept.

Continue reading Application period now open for Bayer’s 2020 FIRST Robotics Grant Program at .

Get the Drift and Bag It! is an annual cleanup campaign hosted by Mālama Maui Nui in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy that seeks to empower Maui Nui residents in their environmental stewardship of our island community. This year, Get the Drift and Bag It! will take place from September 19th – October 3rd.

To participate in this campaign, community members and partners can register for an Individual/Solo or Quaranteam cleanup at MalamaMauiNui.org/GetTheDrift. Team Leaders choose the location, create a disposal plan, and contribute data. Mālama Maui Nui provides the tools & support needed to make your cleanup a success!

Continue reading Mālama Maui Nui to Launch Get the Drift and Bag It! at .

A Maui County Council member discussing the potential of Hawaiian homelands to meet Maui’s critical housing needs will headline a Zoom conference this month.

Councilwoman Tamara Paltin will speak about Honokowai homestead lands in the context of West Maui housing needs at a Maui Centennial Puwalu, or conference, from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, via Zoom. Christie Keli`ikoa, staff aide to Paltin and a member of a homelands waitlist family, will join the councilwoman’s presentation.

The puwalu, open free to the public, also will feature Julie-Ann Moanike`ala Cachola, state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands planner, presenting maps of the 31,000 Maui homelands acres.

Continue reading Councilwoman Tamara Paltin Headlines Maui Centennial Puwalu at .

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) is seeking nature photographers with a passion for ocean conservation to enter PWF’s Whale of a Photo Contest while raising vital funds for the nonprofit’s Research, Education and Conservation programs.

From now until September 14, PWF invites shutterbugs of all levels to compete for a chance to have their snap of a whale, dolphin, sea turtle, ray or other ocean animal appear on the cover of PWF’s 2021 Marine Life Calendar — a fundraising vehicle that will help PWF continue its current research and influence management practices of our oceans’ delicate ecosystems and protection policies.

Continue reading Whale of a Photo Contest fundraiser for PWF at .

Drive-through COVID-19 testing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Keopuolani Regional Park.

Keopuolani Regional Park will be closed Thursday morning and open at 3:00 p.m., following the drive-through COVID-19 testing event.

“I strongly encourage anyone who wants or thinks they should get tested, to come to this drive-through testing,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “As our health officials have said, it’s very important that we keep testing our community widely and accurately in order to limit the spread of this virus.

Continue reading Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Keopuolani Park at .

Bill S. Preston, Esquire (played by Alex Winter) and Ted Theodore Logan (played by Keanu Reeves) are back. Twenty-five years later, two of the dumbest high school students from San Dimas, California, who became time travelers and saviors of mankind, are now middle aged. They have yet to create the song that was going to maintain the salvation of the world (admittedly, a tall order) and are once again, up against the clock, as the preservation of the past and present (as well as alternate worlds) are riding on them. Also, even after all this time, Bill and Ted are still, like, totally dumb. 

The less said about the particulars of the plot, the better.

Continue reading Bill and Ted Face the Music NEW MOVIE REVIEW at .

Week of August 27-September 2, 2020

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“Self-love is also remembering to let others love you. Come out of hiding.” Poet Irisa Yardenah wrote that advice, and now I’m passing it on to you, just in time for a phase when you will benefit from it most. I mean, it’s always good counsel for you to Virgos to heed. But it will be especially crucial in the coming weeks, when you’ll have extra potential to bloom in response to love. And one of the best ways to ensure this extra potential is fulfilled is to make yourself thoroughly available to be appreciated, understood, and cared for.

Continue reading FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: Listen up, Libra at .

Lynn Shue, owner of Village Gallery, welcomes everyone to Art Night.

The popular Friday Night is Art Night event returns to Lahaina on September 4th, with updated protections including social distancing and facemasks. Galleries will be participating from 5-8pm, with limited capacity based on social distancing.

The current list of participating galleries is listed below:

• Kingwell Island Art  – 834 Front St. #103    
• Lahaina Arts Society – Old Lahaina Courthouse at Banyan Tree Park  
• Lahaina Print Sellers  – 764 Front Street   
• Martin Lawrence Galleries  – 790 Front Street  
• Peter Lik Gallery  – 712 Front Street  
• Sargent’s Fine Art  – 802 Front Street 
• Village Gallery –  Front and Dickenson Streets  
• Village Gallery Gifts – Corner of Front and Dickenson Streets

The galleries are excited to welcome the community back to town, and they aren’t the only ones!

Continue reading Friday Night is Art Night returns to Lahaina at .

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union (Hawaii State FCU), Hawaii’s largest credit union lender, has donated a total of $75,000 and more than 7,400 pounds of food to local foodbanks on Oahu and Maui. On Oahu, $70,000 and more than 6,500 pounds of food were donated to the Hawaii Foodbank, and on Maui, $5,000 and nearly 900 pounds of food were donated to the Maui Food Bank. 

“It’s always been our priority to give back to our communities, but the need has never been greater than it is today with so many of our neighbors and friends struggling to make ends meet,” says Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaii State FCU.

Continue reading HAWAII STATE FCU DONATES $75,000 AND 7,400 POUNDS OF FOOD TO LOCAL FOODBANKS ON OAHU AND MAUI at .

While there are indications that infections in Honolulu are beginning to stabilize and even decrease slightly, health officials are expressing concerns about growing activity on Maui and Hawai‘i island. Hawai‘i island has 23 new cases today for a cumulative total of 243 since the start of the pandemic. Maui has eight (8) additional cases for a cumulative total of 311. Most of the newly reported cases are reported on O‘ahu with 245 today for a cumulative total of 6,626. 

Hawai‘i’s coronavirus death toll reached 51 today, with the Dept. of Health reporting two additional deaths.

Continue reading COVID-19 ACTIVITY APPEARS TO BE STABILIZING ON O‘AHU Concerns About Increasing Activity on Maui & Hawai‘i Island at .

Since the reinstatement of the 14 day quarantine for inter-island travelers the number of customers for the Dairy shop decreased to less than 5 per day and revenue/day was less than $200. Therefore they have close the store effective Monday, August 24th, 2020.

Surfing Goat Dairy has closed their dairy shop until further notice. Online orders will be continued to be filled and shipped to the mainland on Tuesdays and inter-island on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you are purchasing an order of $50 or more online and would like a local on island delivery, they will deliver that to you for a $10 fee (no Hana delivery).

Continue reading Maui’s Surfing Goat Dairy Closes Store at .

Please Celebrate Safely This Labor Day Holiday

Think Before You Drink!

The Labor Day holiday weekend is one of the deadliest times of the year in terms of impaired driving fatalities. The Maui Police Department- Traffic Division will be out enforcing our zero tolerance response to impaired driving. The public can expect saturation patrols where there is a noticeable increase in traffic enforcement to include Impaired Driving Checkpoints. Beginning August 29 MPD Traffic Division will take part in MADD Saturation Saturday enforcement event and heightened enforcement will continue thru the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Continue reading LABOR DAY- Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign at .

UPDATE:

On 08/24/2020, we were notified that Mr. Jeremiah Rabanes made contact with his family and is in good health.  MPD would like to thank the public’s assistance in this matter.

Maui Police Department is requesting your assistance in a Missing Person type case.

On August 21, 2020, Jeremiah Rabanes (36) from Wailuku, was reported missing.

Rabanes was last seen on August 21, 2020, at about 1:32 a.m., at a residence in Waiehu.

Rabanes is described as a Caucasian male, 36 years of age,  5’9” tall, 210 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Continue reading UPDATE: 08/24/2020, MPD Press Release: Missing Person, Jeremiah Rabanes at .

The new sports exhibit shows off some of Lahaina’s Pioneer Mill era sports teams.

Come take a step back into Lahaina’s past as Candle Lit Tours return to the Baldwin Home Museum starting Friday, Sept. 4 from 5 – 8 pm, alongside a new, free Pioneer Mill era sports exhibit. The tours and exhibits will be held weekly in conjunction with Friday Night is Art Night. 

The Candle Lit Tour explores the fully furnished 19th century Baldwin Home which will be illuminated by dozens of candles.

Continue reading Candle Lit Tour and New Outdoor Exhibits Coming to the Baldwin Home Museum at .

Imua launches digital texting program, continuing its support of parents and families during the pandemic. Text “IMUA” to 70138 to participate.

People are talking a lot about children these days. There’s been talk about our keiki missing out on school, the many ways in which they can fall behind, and the challenges of remote and distance learning. Frustrated parents have repeatedly lamented the hardships of working at home with kids – scrambling for time, desperate for space and leaning heavily on screens they have long tried to limit.

What has received far less attention, child development experts say, is the impact the pandemic is having on our youngest children: babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners.

Continue reading Imua Family Services launches Ready4K at .

The County of Maui, Department of Parks and Recreation announces the temporary closure of Baldwin Beach Park from August 21 through August 27, 2020, due to the required removal of a portion of the pavilion structure that was damaged during recent ocean conditions.

The Department asks the public to please remain outside of the construction area barriers for safety precautions.

For questions, please contact Chris Kinzle, Parks Maintenance Superintendent, at Chris.Kinzle@co.maui.hi.us or (808) 270-7382. 

For General Parks and Recreation information, please visit www.mauicounty.gov/parks.

Continue reading Baldwin Beach Park closed from Aug. 21-27 due to ocean damage to pavilion structure at .

Week of August 20-26, 2020.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances,” writes author Frederick Buechner. What he doesn’t say is that you must be receptive and open to the possibility of joy arriving anywhere and anytime. If you’re shut down to its surprising influx, if you’re convinced that joy is out of reach, it won’t break through the barriers you’ve put up; it won’t be able to land in your midst. I think this is especially important counsel for you in the coming weeks, Virgo.

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: Now’s a good time to start ruminating, Taurus. at .

The Maui Police Department is still looking for Michael Long who was reported missing on February 19, 2020 at about 9:36 a.m., by a family member. Family last had contact with Long via phone, in July 2019.

Long is homeless and believed to frequent the Kihei and Lahaina areas. Long is described as a Caucasian male, 6’0 tall, 155 pounds, with light brown/blond hair and blue eyes. Long has a twin brother. Michael Long has an eagle tattoo on his right upper arm, his twin does not.

 Anyone with information about Michael Long is asked to please call the Maui Police Department Non-Emergency number at 808-244-6400 and in an emergency dial 9-1-1.

Continue reading MPD Press Release: Missing Person, Michael Long at .

When Rotarian, Frank Szczepanski moved to Maui last year, he was interested in continuing his community service by joining one of the local Rotary Clubs here on the island. He culminated his search at UpCountry Rotary.

Frank gave presentations on his company, IVDiagnostics, and also on a major environmental project involving safe drinking water at a superfund site in East Chicago, IN where he grew up.

Now active with UpCountry Rotary as membership chair, he wants to make a difference by helping students and members of the Maui community by expanding their knowledge and desire to pursue careers that will help diversify the economy of Hawaii.

Continue reading Upcountry Rotary to start Skills Workshop at .

I am writing to encourage everyone who cares about Hawaii’s oceans and its people’s well-being to learn more about the Moʻomomi Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) proposal on Molokaʻi and to support it like you would if it was your own backyard. 

Prior to COVID-19 we were always busy, not spending enough time with our ʻOhana. In our current COVID-19 world we have had the opportunity to step back, regain consciousness, and find clarity. We’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with childhood memories and create new memories with our ʻOhana. Growing up in Lāhaina, my grandfather would dive and fish every day to feed our extended family. 

Continue reading OpEd: Moomomi Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area designation By Edwin “Ekolu” Lindsey at .

circa 1940

On Wednesday, August 22, 1928, the Iao Theater opened its doors to Maui audiences for the first time. In its day, the Iao Theater was one of 5 theaters in Wailuku town. Designed by architect Edward Walsh in the Spanish Mission style, the theater originally sat 700.

In June 1994, the Iao Theater was placed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. In February of 1995, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The “Grand Dame of Wailuku” has seen a lot over the years.

Continue reading Happy 92nd Birthday to the Iao Theater at .

Maui Cancer Wellness Retreats (MCWR) will be holding a FREE & COVID-19 SAFE half day CANCER SUPPORT workshop to educate Maui’s Cancer patients on October 3, 2020 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church located at 25 W. Lipoa Street, Kihei, HI 96753 from 8:00am to 4:00pm., registration required.

MCWR is dedicated to empowering cancer patients through education, self-exploration, and experiential learning; including genetics of cancer, epigenetic, psycho-oncology, science behind healing and shutting off the disease process.

In this retreat, cancer survivors will learn skills to transform their lives to a new and better level of health through evidence-based information, experiential learning and compassion.

Continue reading Calling all Cancer Warriors! MAUI CANCER WELLNESS RETREATS at .

Between June 20, 2020 and August 19, 2020, there have been fourteen (14) arrested in Maui County for violating Hawaii revised Statute 127A-25 and 127A-29 the Rules and Orders, pertaining to the 14 Day Quarantine, set forth in the Emergency Proclamations (Covid-19) by Governor David Ige and Mayor Michael Victorino. 

June 20, 2020 Patricia Arenas (43) of Kihei was arrested for Rules and Orders (2 Counts).  She was later released after posting bail $4,000.00.

June 20, 2020 William Duhadway (53) of Pennsylvania was arrested for Rules and Orders.  He was later released pending investigation (RPI) and voluntarily returned home.

Continue reading Quarantine Violations: Maui Police Department arrest 14 offenders at .

Michelle Cardenas (28) and Charlet Dupar (36), Visitors from Chicago Violated Maui Quarantine

On August 17, 2020 at about 7:17 p.m., Michelle Cardenas (28) and Charlet Dupar (36), both from Chicago, were arrested for two counts of Rules and Orders, related to violating the mandatory 14-day quarantine set forth by the Emergency Proclamations by Governor David Ige and Mayor Michael Victorino.

Several messages were received at mpdquarantine@mpd.net reporting Cadenas and Dupar violating the mandatory quarantine.  Investigation revealed that Cardenas and Dupar arrived on Maui August 13, 2020.  Several photographs were circulated through social media, allegedly depicting Cardenas and Dupar fronting several locations in Lahaina on August 16, 2020.

Continue reading Maui Visitors from Chicago Violate Quarantine and Get Arrested at .

Mana’o Radio announces JEFFERSON AIRPLANE: A DEEP DIVE Zoom presentation fundraiser!

Join Mana‘o Radio on Wednesday, August 26 at 5:00PM for a virtual deep dive into the music and lives of The Jefferson Airplane from its beginnings through the psychedelic 60’s and 70’s.

Tickets are only $10.00 and available at FeedYourHead.EventBrite.com. 

All proceeds benefit Mana‘o Radio! 

In 1967, the year of the Summer of Love, Jefferson Airplane was the San Francisco hippie community’s best-known band. Their release that year of “Surrealistic Pillow” rocketed them to international fame, and they would go on to play all the major 1960’s rock festivals: Monterey Pop, Woodstock and the ill-fated Altamont.

Continue reading Mana‘o Radio Presents “Home Sierra” Webstream at .

Ellison spoke in fluent Japanese during his speech at a JCSM event in January, sharing his plan to further promote the language through various activities.

The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui has launched its 2020 round of scholarship applications, which is a $1000 non-academic, cultural scholarship that calls for students who graduated from a High School in Maui this year. 

JCSM will vet and select three (3) applicants who have a record of community involvement, specifically in the perpetuation of the Japanese culture, and have an intent to continue. This could be in performing or martial arts, Japanese crafts, preservation of traditional customs, culinary, visual arts and anime, pop culture, fashion, business and technology, history, and many others. 

And beginning this year, JCSM will also select one $1000 recipient of the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship Award for an applicant who has shown grit in learning and in the perpetuation of the Japanese language. 

JCSM honors its late president Asa Ellison who unexpectedly passed away in March because of cancer.

Continue reading Applications sought for cultural scholarship, late president Asa Ellison honored at .

The next online mixer by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce features top county officials and community leaders presenting business relief options on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom meeting.

The panel for the mixer dubbed “Relief for Small Businesses” includes County of Maui Mayor Michael P. Victorino, County Office of Economic Development Director JoAnn Inamasu, Maui County Federal Credit Union President and CEO Gary Fukuroku and Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap.

As someone who has worked for, owned and understands the plight of small businesses, Mayor Victorino is expected to provide an update on the County’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, which includes an economic outlook for small businesses. 

Inamasu returns at the helm of the County of Maui OED after serving as Maui liaison for former Government Neil Abercrombie and as public relations coordinator with Goodfellow Bros.

Continue reading Business relief options featured in Filipino Chamber online mixer at .

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that drive-through COVID-19 testing will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Keopuolani Regional Park.

Keopuolani Regional Park will be closed Wednesday morning and open at 3:00 p.m., following the drive-through COVID-19 testing event.

“We know there are concerns in our community with recent cases and we want to mahalo Minit Medical for partnering with us to provide another drive-through testing,” Mayor Victorino said. “While we continue to hold these events when possible, we encourage anyone who is worried to call their doctor or visit a local medical care provider.

Continue reading Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Keopuolani Park at .

Hawaiian Airlines and the Maui Chamber of Commerce will present the 2020 Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival as a virtual event during the first weekend of November, due to COVID-19. The Maui Chamber has been monitoring the pandemic and has been taking measures to prepare for the possibility of this decision.

“We are grateful for the input we received from vendors, buyers, sponsors and service providers, and appreciate the patience as we engaged in community discussion and research as to how to present the Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival in the safest and most responsible way while maintaining it as a premier Maui event.

Continue reading Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival Pivots to Virtual Event at .

Beloved Maui DJ, artist and musician Ged Bryant

The news of beloved Maui DJ, artist and musician Ged Bryant’s passing from cancer is a shock for so many. Fewer men seemed so fully alive, so soulful, wise and aware during their life. Ged was always modest about how much he did for me, but he was a mentor of mine as a young man and had a profound influence.

In 1987, I met Ged when he was the manager of Videoland & TV, a video rental store within the Pukalani Shopping Center. I was ten years old and, while my mother was signing the slip to ensure we would return our rented videocassettes, he and I began to talk story.

Continue reading Groovy Tunes and True Soul: a Tribute to Ged Bryant at .

Maui Police Department tows vehicles from an unsheltered Encampment in Kahului Maui

While the American Civil Liberties Union calls for homeless sweeps to stop as Maui Police Department and Maui County Administration continue to make major sweeps to the houseless community, this time in Central Maui. ACLU states that these sweeps are cruel, and unconstitutional according to the 9th circuit court, not to mention the CDC has stated shelter in place is the safest policy for the community, and does not support moving encampments during the pandemic.

“Since this pandemic began, and over the course of the last several months, we’ve called for the halting of sweeps across the state,” says Kathleen Wong, of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Continue reading ACLU Calls for Homeless Sweeps to Stop while MPD Clears out Kahului Camp [Video] at .

Kahului’s stand-out scholar, Mikiala Maynard, was awarded $5,000 to study nursing at the University of Hawaii. 

California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) today announced awards totaling $80,000 in college scholarships for students living in the utility’s California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington service areas for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Group selected 12 students for the upcoming academic year; winners were chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, community service, and financial need. Many of the recipients are first-generation college attendees. 

Four grand-prize recipients were awarded $10,000 scholarships:

• AiYi Chen, of Stockton, Calif., attends San Jose State University and is studying business administration and accounting.

Continue reading Kahului Student Announced among Recipients of Cal Water 2020 Scholarship Program at .

We were blown away by the talented keiki chefs who entered our first contest featuring their spin on the classic peanut butter and jelly combo. Who knew that PB&J could be so fun!?

We’re back with another fun challenge, a Smoothie Bowl! Smoothie bowls are a great, easy way to make healthy eating colorful and fun. We love the different combos out there to make a Smoothie Bowl and the best part, decorating the top! Fresh fruit and fun toppings make smoothie bowls a creative experience.

Think your lil’ keiki chef has an amazing smoothie bowl recipe?

Continue reading Down to Earth Keiki Chef Contest at .

Akakū Maui Community Media will broadcast its first ever “virtual” primary election coverage this Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. or “until the sparks stop flying” according to Program Director, Dana Randall. What is unique about this year is that most of the candidates and guests will be virtually present from locations all around Maui Nui via Zoom. The live broadcast can be seen and heard almost everywhere on nearly every device. 

The Virtual Broadcast will feature anchors Kathy Collins, Chivo Ching Johnson, along with expert analysis from Deidre Tegarden, Rod Antone and guests.

Continue reading AKAKŪ’S FIRST EVER “VIRTUAL” PRIMARY ELECTION COVERAGE “LIVE” ON AKAKU, FACEBOOK, ZOOM, KAKU 88.5, YOUR iPHONE AND ON THE WEB at .

“In a press release dated August 5, 2020, Mayor Victorino responded to the transmission of a proposed resolution I sent to the Governance, Ethics, and Transparency Committee that would seek a settlement to the Hawaii Wildlife Fund, ET AL, v. County of Maui.

The Mayor noted that my actions are “highly irresponsible” and I am using the Platform to garner “votes.” I believe the Mayor’s comments are an over reaction and ill advised. The transmission of the resolution for settlement has no impact on mediation and was not submitted with the intention to interfere with on-going negotiations.

Continue reading OpEd: “Mayor Needs to Focus on the Real Needs of Our Community” says Mike Molina at .

Go Green Recycling is a monthly, appointment-required, bulky-item recycling event for residents of West Maui. Go Green Recycling will operate at a NEW LOCATION starting on Saturday, August 15th. The new location is in the parking lot mauka/behind the Lahaina District Court at 1870 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy, in Lahaina from 9:00am – 12:00noon.

To request an appointment, fill out an Appointment Request Form at www.MalamaMauiNui.org/GoGreen. Confirmed appointments will ensure upholding of COVID-19 best practices.

Go Green Recycling is an important service for residents of West Maui, hosted by Mālama Maui Nui in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lāhaina Sunset, 5A Rent-A-Space, and Maui County – Division of Environmental Protection & Sustainability.

Continue reading August’s Go Green Recycling: NEW LOCATION & Appointments Required! at .

Week of August 6-12, 2020

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

At times in our lives, it’s impractical to be innocent and curious and blank and receptive. So many tasks require us to be knowledgeable and self-assured and forceful and in control. But according to my astrological analysis, the coming weeks will be a time when you will benefit from the former state of mind: cultivating what Zen Buddhists call “beginner’s mind.” The Chinese refer to it as chūxīn, or the mind of a novice. The Koreans call it the eee mok oh?

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: Don’t take it personally, Sagittarius at .

Chef Bev Gannon sits in the dark closed Hali’imaile General Store Restaurant with the chairs and tables piled up , Photo by Dan Collins

Chef Beverly Gannon is stunned. Like many in Hawaii’s tourist-dependent hospitality industry, the celebrated chef, caterer, and owner of two renowned Maui restaurants was not prepared for a global pandemic, or a sudden forced closure. 

Gannon started a catering company on the island in 1980 and now helms the prestigious Hali’imaile General Store upcountry and Gannon’s: A Pacific View Restaurant at the posh Wailea Golf Club.

Continue reading Chef Bev Gannon on What it Will Take for Maui Restaurants to Survive the Pandemic at .

The public is encouraged to review and comment on the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s update to the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to address threats such as wildfires, beach erosion and highway rockslides.

Comments are due Aug. 12, 2020. The Hazard Mitigation Plan Update can be found, with a link to a comment form, at https://www.mauicounty.gov/1832/Multi-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan.

The plan serves as a strategy for reducing current and future risks in the County. It enables the County to leverage federal funding sources to prevent damages from natural hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

Continue reading Maui County invites the public to review the Hazard Mitigation Plan update at .

The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Healthy Eating Active Living coalition are seeking artist proposals to design and implement a street art project at an intersection in Kahului by March 2021. 

The selected artist with the most creative and feasible approach will receive $5,000 and will have a chance to work with a team of engineers, planners and public safety experts in the execution of the proposal. The initiative is part of a “Quick Build” demonstration project to not only create points of interest in our roadways, but also to improve the safety for people walking, biking and wheeling. 

Maui MPO conducted a pilot Complete Streets Quick Build project last year at the intersection of Onehe’e Avenue and Uhu Street, where volunteers painted colorful bulb-outs.

Continue reading Artist proposals sought in Kahului Street Art Project! at .

Mayor Michael Victorino announced today the launch of a new website to assist Maui County residents seeking employment opportunities, job training or new career paths.

The website, www.MauiCountyVirtualJobFair.com, also gives employers an online resource to find workers.

Development of the website was the result of a collaboration between the County Office of Economic Development, the Maui County Workforce Development Board and the University of Hawaii Maui College.

“This new website provides a virtual, safe way to match employers and job seekers through online listings and employment searches,” Mayor Victorino said.

Continue reading County of Maui launches Virtual Job Fair website to assist job seekers and employers at .

MALA has invited Maui Chef’s to participate in their first every Chef Takeover!

Tuesday, August 4th Mala Ocean Tavern Sous Chef Mark Duque with a Filipino Barrio Fiesta

Tuesday, August 11th Chef Jake Evans – Maui Gourmet Food

Tuesday, August 18th Chef Alvin Savella – Humuhumu

Tuesday, August 25th – Chef Robert Barrera – Cane & Canoe

Four Course Pre-fix Menu 
Drinks, Tax & Gratuity not included.
MAKE A RESERVATION (808) 667-9394
*Limited Seating starting at 8p
www.malatavern.com
 
Please know state mandated guidelines and respect social distancing.

Continue reading Chef Takeover Tuesday in August at MĀLA! at .

The highest, single-day record of new positive COVID-19 cases is being reported by the Dept. of Health today, at 207. Approximately 114 of these cases are the result of delayed reporting over the weekend, a result of private clinical laboratory reporting issues. 

Health Director Bruce Anderson said, “It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to detail all of the situations in which people are becoming infected with coronavirus. It runs the whole gamut of hanging out with close friends, socializing in bars, attending religious events and funerals, and many other types other social gatherings. This virus does not discriminate on who it infects and the only way to prevent its spread is to limit exposure to others by using face coverings, physical distancing and avoiding gatherings and crowded places.

Continue reading TRIPLE DIGIT CORONAVIRUS CASE COUNTS CONTINUE INTO A SECOND WEEK at .

Maui Huliau Foundation, a nonprofit organization offering environmental education programs to Maui youth ages 12-18, is partnering with at least 15 local conservation organizations to launch new distance learning resources for the upcoming school year. The project, called the “Maui Aloha ʻĀina Virtual Classroom” will release distance learning resources aimed at grades 8-12 every two weeks beginning August 10th. Each unit will feature a different partner organization with self-directed distance learning lessons both online and outdoors at various partner sites. Some units will also feature virtual field trips created by Maui Huliau’s filmmaking students or virtual guest speakers on local conservation topics.

Continue reading Maui Huliau Foundation and local conservation organizations launch distance learning resources for teachers and students at .

Acclaimed and Accomplished Hawaiian musician Halemanu fuses Jazz and Rock with Hawaiian Soul

Maui Coffee Roasters is kicking off entertainment on Saturday evenings featuring live music and tasty sweet and savory treats from Fabiani’s bakery. Their first one is tomorrow night featuring Hawaiian musician and artist Halemanu.

Halemanu is an acclaimed and accomplished Hawaiian musician who fuses Jazz and Rock with Hawaiian Soul. His deep vocals and instrumentalism are mesmerizing to watch as he skillfully plays the guitar, ukulele and slack key guitar. His 2018 debut album, “So The Story Goes,” was awarded Hawaii’s prestigious Nā Hoku Hanohano Award for Island Music album of the year.

Continue reading Catch Halemanu at Maui Coffee Roasters Saturday Night at .

Week of July 30-August 5, 2020

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

“Notice what no one else notices and you’ll know what no one else knows,” says actor Tim Robbins. That’s perfect counsel for you right now, Leo. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, your perceptiveness will be at a peak in the coming weeks. You’ll have an ability to discern half-hidden truths that are invisible to everyone else. You’ll be aggressive in scoping out what most people don’t even want to become aware of. Take advantage of your temporary superpower!

Continue reading Free Will Astrology: Be ready to take advantage, Aquarius at .

The new Academy of Creative Media Maui (ACM Maui), will offer a diverse selection of classes

There’s something new happening at University of Hawaii Maui College. The Creative Media department is making the public announcement of the newly appointed Academy of Creative Media Maui (ACM Maui), which offers a diverse selection of classes and routes to degrees and certificates of achievement. The areas of study include screenwriting, film editing, media and cinema analysis, marketing, publicity, journalism, photography and web development (to name a few). For Maui students looking to become a commercial artist, this extensive and dynamic list of classes presents a new variety of opportunities.

Continue reading Introducing the Academy of Creative Media Maui at .

Hua Momona Farms in Kapalua West Maui

The Plantation Estates Lot Owners Association has announced a Community Giveback with Hua Momona Farms on Saturday, August 15th at 8 am at the Kapalua Village Center.   

The Association will be distributing fresh produce boxes grown at Hua Momona Farms located in the Plantation Estates community.  The boxes will include a variety of freshly harvested vegetables and greens available on a first-come, first-served basis.   

The Association’s members are working together to contribute in a meaningful way to the community.  “Our owners are actively engaged in the West Maui Community through many non-profit organizations and programs and committed to working together to help our neighbors during these unprecedented times,” said Board President Jon Kindred.  

For additional information on Hua Momona Farms please visit www.huamonomafarms.com.

Continue reading Hua Momona Farm Box Giveaway Announced in Kapalua at .

Mālama Kakanilua is one of the groups working to protect Iwi Kupuna from disturbance at the Grand Wailea location

In 2018, the owners of the Grand Wailea Resort filed for permission from the Maui Planning Commission to remodel and expand the resort within a Special Management Area in Paeahu, Maui.

Three Native Hawaiian community groups – Mālama Kakanilua, Hoʻoponopono o Mākena and Pele Defense Fund – were granted a petition to intervene in the proceedings. The intervenors are taking on mega corporate hotel giant BRE-Iconic, which is part of the Blackstone group and controls many worldwide hotel properties including the Grand Wailea Resort.

Continue reading Grand Wailea Intervenors Contested Case Reopened to the Public [zoom links here] at .

Maurice Abisdid-Wagner (30) of Massachusetts Dies after being Subdued by MPD

Maui Police Department reports that on July 26, 2020 at about 12:23 pm, Kihei Patrol officers responded to a Harassment (via social media) type of case in Ma’alaea. While police were en-route, the caller identifying himself as, Reece Watwhit, later identified as, Maurice Abisdid-Wagner (30) of Massachusetts, called dispatch numerous more times. On one of the calls Abisdid-Wagner indicated there was a person with a firearm trying to break into the residence and also added that there were 3-4 people there trying to kick his door in.

Continue reading Man Dies After Altercation with Maui Police at .

There is one thing we can all do to make a change during this pandemic, and that is vote. All it takes is the flick of a pen with this year’s mail in ballot. Before you get out your primary ballot, be sure to get to know your candidates. MauiTime asked each candidate about their key platforms and posted their candid answers here.

Maui County Council, (Makawao-Ha‘iku-Pa‘ia)

Mike Molina

Mikemolinamaui.com

Why are you running for office?

I possess a leadership style that reflects a calm, collaborative and level headed approach which is needed during these unprecedented times.

Continue reading MauiTime Primary Election Candidate Guide 2020 at .

Child and Family Service (CFS) will host the Festival of Hope for Families, a one-day drive-through event offering local individuals and families support resources, services, and chef-prepared meals on Saturday, August 1 in Kahului on Maui. Part of a series of statewide events, Festival of Hope for Families helps provide needed supplies, resources, and family-friendly activities to those in need during the pandemic crisis. Those interested must RSVP to reserve a spot at www.childandfamilyservice.org/festival/ or (808) 877-6888. More than 300 people are expected to attend Saturday’s event.

This family-focused festival will follow social distancing guidelines and require that all attendees remain in their cars while driving through festival booths where chef prepared meals, Community Resource Kits, PPE items and advice, and education resources will be distributed.

Continue reading Child and Family Service to Hold Drive-Thru Festival of Hope for Families Event on Maui at .

On Friday, August 14, Pacific Whale Foundation presents its second “Aloha Friday: An Evening with Marty Dread” — another opportunity for PWF members, supporters, fans and friends to participate in an innovative fundraising virtual concert cruise with one of Maui’s favorite sons. Ocean Spirit, one of PacWhale Eco-Adventures most popular vessels, will depart from Lahaina Harbor at 2:30pm to live stream Dread as he delights virtual concert-goers with his high-octane island sound.

Registration for this exclusive virtual viewing is $20 for PWF members; $30 for nonmembers and can be completed at www.pacificwhale.org/marty. All proceeds benefit Pacific Whale Foundation and help fund the nonprofit’s Research, Education and Conservation programs.

Continue reading ‘Aloha Friday’ live-stream Marty Dread Concert at .

JULY 30TH IS UN WORLD DAY AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING. 
“FOR OUR RIGHTS”  WILL BE HOLDING A DEMONSTRATION TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE ISSUES. PLEASE JOIN!

Definition of human trafficking: “organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor)”

Hawaii has the eighth-highest human trafficking rate in the United States of 3.4 victims per 100,000 people. In 2019, Hawaii had 21 reported human trafficking cases. MANY MORE CASES GO UNREPORTED AND UNDISCOVERED.

Continue reading Maui’s World Day Against Human Trafficking Sign Waving and Demonstration Supporting the “UN Global Awareness Day on Human Trafficking” at .

Mayor Michael Victorino is reminding small business operators that they can still apply for the Micro Business Loan Program.

Last month, an additional $750,000 was added to the program, pushing total program funding to $1.75 million. Already, approximately $1 million has been provided to small business operators.

“Small businesses and their employees are the backbone of our local economy, and they’ve been hard hit by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “Recently, we added $750,000 to this program after the initial $1 million was exhausted. Now, I encourage more small businesses to submit funding applications.”

The Maui Chamber of Commerce administers the program.

Continue reading Small businesses can still seek relief from COVID-19 impacts with County Micro Business Loan Program at .