Hawaiʻi County Police Commission selects Reed Mahuna as chief
Reed Mahuna beat out 63 other candidates and had been serving as interim coach since the resignation of former chief Ben Moszkowicz on Aug. 31.
Fundraiser to support innovative grants for public school teachers
Public school teachers across the state will soon have access to funds to implement new, innovative programs for their students. Par Hawaii’s Hele locations will hold its third annual “Fuel the Future” fundraiser to benefit the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation, and the proceeds will help teachers go above and beyond what they do.
30 years and counting: Community science helps track humpback whales across Hawaiʻi
On the last Saturday of January, February, and March, volunteers gather at their designated coastal sites on the islands of Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, and Kauaʻi to tally observed species and help scientists assess whale distribution and abundance in the sanctuary.
Duke’s Maui elevates support for local surf community as new title sponsor of ‘Legends of the Bay’
Duke’s Maui has officially stepped up as the title sponsor for the Hawaii Surfing Association’s “Legends of the Bay” contest, deepening its longstanding commitment to the West Maui community. Building on years of involvement as a food sponsor, this move honors the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku by ensuring the longevity of one of the island’s most cherished.
P. Denise La Costa announces candidacy for Maui County Mayor
P. Denise La Costa, a Maui community leader and business owner, announced that she is running for Maui County Mayor. The news was shared during a press conference Thursday, fronting the County Building in Wailuku.
County of Maui Office of Recovery to hold special permitting workshop for commercial property owners
The County of Maui Office of Recovery invites commercial property owners who lost property in Lahaina during the 2023 Maui wildfires to attend a dedicated commercial permitting workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Morgado Hall at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.
American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi supports ‘strike’ to stop US Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence
There are more than 300 registered actions and events set for today throughout the nation, calling on people, organizations and communities to “strike” and demand a stop to federal government-sponsored violence being inflicted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents against peaceful protestors in Minneapolis, Minn., and elsewhere.
Maui visitor industry outpaces state growth in 2025; Canadian travel down but shows signs of recovery
Maui County’s economic recovery gained momentum in 2025 with visitor arrivals and spending outpacing statewide averages, according to preliminary statistics released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Possible contamination causes Gerber Products Co. to recall keiki biscuits
The product was distributed nationwide, including by retailers such as Walmart, Target and Longs Drugs in Hawai‘i; recall was issued because the biscuits might have soft plastic and/or paper pieces inside that could cause injury or pose a choking hazard.
$130 million AINA Kitchen Network facility breaks ground to create first centralized kitchen for school meals
The Department, which serves over 103,000 meals per day to students statewide, plans to operate up to two regional kitchens on Oʻahu, two on Hawaiʻi Island and one each on Kauaʻi, Maui and Molokaʻi. Standalone production kitchens will continue at Hāna High & Elementary, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, Lānaʻi High & Elementary and Nāʻālehu Elementary schools.
Volcano Watch — When it rained rocks: tephra fall during Kīlauea’s episode 41
Large lava fountains streamed from both the north and south vents reaching heights of at least 1475 feet during episode 41 of Kīlauea’s summit eruption on Jan. 24, 2026. Strong updrafts coupled with light winds blowing to the east and north sent lava fragments from the fountains, called tephra, over much of the District of Puna and into South Hilo and the eastern edge of Kaʻū.
Restaurant fire in Wailuku likely accidental, one person injured
One person was injured during a structure fire at a small restaurant building in Wailuku on Wednesday afternoon. Fire officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation, but preliminary indications are that it was accidental.