Schatz calls for passage of Kids Off Social Media Act following new law in Australia
Following the implementation of Australia’s social media ban for children, US Sen. Brian Schatz called on Congress to pass the Kids Off Social Media Act. The bipartisan bill would keep young children under the age of 13 off social media and protect teenagers from the harmful impacts of algorithmic targeting.
Lukas Nelson, Paul Simon return to the MACC for benefit concert Jan. 10
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lukas Nelson will headline “Lōkahi: A Celebration of Maui” with Paul Simon, Stephen Wilson Jr., Lily Meola, the Maui Country Band, plus friends & family, for a benefit concert to support an initiative to address Maui’s shortage of healthcare professionals.
Book Trust wins international award for national literacy initiative
Book Trust, a national early literacy nonprofit, has been recognized for its “Read Together Hero Moment” project. The reading initiative stood out among 2,000 submissions from 42 countries in the 5th Annual Anthem Awards.
Alaska Airlines launches new Seattle–London service, adds long-haul products
The route will be operated year-round on the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking the airline’s fifth intercontinental destination from Seattle.
Medical groups support newborn Hepatitis B immunization despite new federal recommendation
The West Coast Health Alliance, alongside major health organizations, strongly recommends continuing routine hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns.
Civil rights protest set for Thursday to oppose ICE and FBI activities on Maui
A local civil rights activist group plans to hold a protest rally from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday outside the Kalana O Maui Building in Wailuku, calling on county leaders to reject federal law enforcement partnerships and adopt what organizers describe as “protective legislation” for Maui. Organized by members of Maui Indivisible and allied community.
Baldwin senior helps deliver 500 plants to Lahaina families through internship
Mahi Pono announced that Baldwin High School senior and summer intern Hailey Souza recently helped deliver more than 500 plants to Lahaina residents returning to newly rebuilt homes after the August 2023 wildfires.
Suspect wanted in connection to near-fatal Pukalani crash on Haleakalā Highway
Maui police are looking for a 31-year-old man wanted in connection with a near-fatal motor vehicle collision reported early Wednesday morning in Pukalani. Police say the man, identified as Kaleo Kubo, fled the scene on foot. Kubo, who is known to frequent Central Maui, is wanted in connection with this motor vehicle collision and is also wanted for an active no-bail warrant.
DBEDT forecasts economic growth of 1.5 percent in 2026
The Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has released its 2025 Quarterly Statistical and Economic Report, raising its economic growth projections to 1.6 percent for 2025 and 1.5 percent for 2026.
2nd Annual Hāliʻimaile Holidays celebrates small business, Dec. 19
Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. in partnership with Hāliʻimaile Third Friday by Fresh Help Maui, has announced its second annual community celebration, Hāliʻimaile Holidays, taking place on Friday, Dec. 19, 5-8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event invites you to gather and enjoy shopping with over 30 small businesses, food, live music, and a visit from Santa in charming Hāliʻimaile Town.
Hawai‘i Nature Center offers winter break camps on Maui and Oʻahu
Hawai‘i Nature Center invites keiki to explore and connect with nature during the holiday school break with its hands-on Winter Nature Adventure Camps on O‘ahu and Maui.
Hirono, colleagues introduce bill to expedite recovery of missing servicemembers
The Bring Our Heroes Home Act is legislation that would eliminate obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing records needed for recovery of America’s prisoners of war and missing in action.