Maui County

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that Maui County Planning Commission cannot delegate environmental assessment duties to developers, invalidating amended rules for the special management area. The court found the rules conflicted with the Coastal Zone Management Act, requiring county oversight for coastal developments. Maui Tomorrow Foundation, an environmental nonprofit, argued the exemptions undermined state law.

Maui County will reopen Front Street to vehicular traffic on August 1, marking a major milestone in the Lahaina wildfire recovery. The reopening signifies progress in restoring infrastructure after the disaster.

Breezy trade winds and occasional showers are expected on Saturday morning in Maui County and the Big Island, with lighter winds and reduced rain chances on Sunday. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for waters near these areas due to the weather conditions.

Candidates for Maui County mayor are addressing issues like rebuilding, mental health, and groundwater in primary election Q&As. The primary election features a ballot with multiple candidates vying to lead Maui Nui.

Laurent Zahnd, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, highlights the 'Haole takeover' as the most concerning invasive species in the area.

Richard Bissen, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, highlights the importance of protecting groundwater and nearshore waters, noting that many families cannot afford a cesspool conversion.

Justin Herrmann, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, states that the area has long surpassed the point of calling it overtourism. He suggests the issue has been ongoing for years.

P. Denise La Costa, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, emphasizes the need for investments in roads, parks, beaches, public safety, and infrastructure for communities affected by tourism.

Amy Petterson, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, expressed concerns about the management of privately-owned water supplies and their future availability. She highlighted uncertainty regarding how well these supplies are managed and the amount of water they will provide in the future.

Yuki Lei Sugimura, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, plans to accelerate permit and project reviews to facilitate home construction and invest in water, wastewater, and roadway infrastructure to support housing development.

Callahan P. Welsh, a candidate for Maui County Mayor, pledges to advocate for a $100,000 living wage for emergency first responders, nurses, and teachers.

Trade wind conditions are ongoing, with Small Craft Advisories issued for Maui County and the Big Island during the Fourth of July weekend. The weather includes big surf and seas associated with the trade winds.

Trade winds are causing rough seas, prompting Small Craft Advisories for Maui County and the Big Island this holiday weekend. Boaters are advised to exercise caution due to the ongoing weather conditions.

Drier air is moving into the region, bringing lower humidity and breezy trade winds for the second half of the week. Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for Maui County and the Big Island.

A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit against Maui County over claims that streetlights disorient and kill endangered seabirds must proceed to trial. Conservation groups allege the county's streetlights violate the Endangered Species Act by harming three protected species, while the county disputes the causal link between its lighting and bird deaths.