Privacy Policy | About Our Ads The Maui Police Department is seeking the public’s help with any information on the whereabouts of Kevin Miller Miller was reported missing by a concerned acquaintance on May 4 in the area of Vineyard Street in Wailuku after leaving his residence in Wailuku to go shopping in Kahului Miller is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall He was last seen wearing a black-colored shirt and black-colored shorts contact the Maui Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-244-6400 or if it is an emergency dial 911 and refer to MPD report number 25-012941 The Maui Police Department requests the public’s help with any information on the whereabouts of Rowland Ramos Ramos was reported missing by a concerned family member on May 3 2025 after he left a medical appointment in Wailuku and has not been in contact with family members in the area of Maui Lani Parkway in Wailuku.  Ramos is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall He was last seen wearing a gray tank top and blue shorts Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ramos is asked to contact the Maui Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-244-6400 or if it is an emergency dial 911 and refer to MPD report number 25-012917 HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has been awarded a $33 million federal grant to rehabilitate the Wailuku River Bridge on Hawai‘i Belt Road (Mamalahoa Highway Route 19) in Hilo Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) and Rural Grant Opportunity program will be used to replace the bridge’s superstructure with similar steel girders and grating using bolted connections The project also includes removing the piers closest to the abutments that are not needed for structural support and reinforcing the remaining piers with additional drill shafts The bridge will be widened to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible and bridge railings will be upgraded to meet current safety standards also known as the “Singing Bridge” for the faint humming or singing sound emitted as vehicles traverse it is on the list of eligible properties for designation on the National Register of Historic Places HDOT is in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Division to retain the bridge’s historic features The total project cost is estimated at more than $55 million The $33 million MPDG grant will cover 60% of the cost while the remaining 40% will come from HDOT’s Capital Improvement Program funds and Federal Highways Administration bridge formula funding “The Wailuku River Bridge is critical to connect our communities and economy on Hawai‘i Island and we are moving forward to ensure this important infrastructure remains safe and available for generations to come,” said Hawai‘i Director of Transportation Ed Sniffen “We wish to extend a big ‘mahalo’ to the Biden-Harris Administration Department of Transportation and our Congressional delegation for their continued support and partnership to ensure Hawai‘i receives funding to address our infrastructure needs.” Planning for the project is already underway having previously received a federal Surface Transportation Block Grant for early-stage design and environmental regulatory analysis HDOT anticipates putting the project out to bid in Fall 2026 and commencing construction in Spring 2027 The project is expected to take two years to complete HDOT will take appropriate measures to minimize disruption to motorists during the construction This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Investigative stories and local news updates Coverage of the Hawaiʻi State legislature in 2025 Award winning in-depth reports and featured on-going series Get the week’s news delivered straight to your inbox “The primary thing the people of Maui County need to do now to recover from the fires is elect new leadership.” Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected The following came from James Forrest, candidate for Maui County Council Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu District. The other candidate is Alice Lee Go to Civil Beat’s Election Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the General Election Ballot Maui County faces big issues related to the fires What’s the primary thing Maui needs to do now to recover from the fires Please vote and talk to friends and family about voting in local elections Don’t miss the opportunity to make real changes in Maui County just because you may be tired of presidential politics The primary thing the people of Maui County need to do now to recover from the fires is elect new leadership. New leadership is important because the County Council has the power to regulate land use environmental protection and where and how to develop housing local groups like Lahaina Strong showed up at the Legislature and developed comprehensive plans for Lahaina’s recovery. These plans put local needs above the profits of developers. Without new leadership these plans will be ignored just like the Maui Island Plan and the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan This is important for Maui’s recovery after the fires because the incumbent continues to make development decisions that help luxury developers instead of helping locals Please go to my website to learn about my solutions and about Maui’s Ohana and ʻOnipaʻa candidates.  2.  What should Maui do to encourage people to stay What can the county do to ensure that families aren’t priced out Tourists and wealthy non-residents drive up property values further exacerbating issues for locals.  all public officials should pledge to refuse campaign donations from luxury home and hotel developers. Our people need to know that we aren’t owned by corporations we must show the people that we are committed to fundamental changes in our economy. Tourism is not inherently bad but corporate greed has harmed the islands for too long. Luxury hotels have marginalized locals for generations. While raking in record profits their workers can’t afford housing and food allowing plantation era crimes against humanity to continue today.   Maui County can significantly raise property taxes on our largest luxury hotels Luxury hotels enjoy significant revenue from the tourism industry while contributing to the rising cost of living and housing shortages By targeting these establishments with higher property taxes Maui County can tap into a lucrative revenue stream without directly burdening local families or small businesses. Revenue generated would go into the Affordable Housing Fund to help workers with housing costs Do you support the new state law that allows counties to regulate and even shut down short-term rentals I support the new law because it allows local control over these important decisions. For local control to help and not cause more problems we need new leadership at the Maui County Council Maui County can effectively regulate short-term rentals (STRs) and shut down those owned by non-residents to address the housing crisis and preserve community integrity Non-resident-owned STRs often drive up property values and rents making it difficult for local families to afford housing Maui County can ensure that the limited housing supply is available for residents rather than tourists Regulations could include requiring STR owners to prove primary residency limiting the number of STR permits issued to non-residents These measures would curb the influx of investor-owned STRs that exacerbate housing shortages shutting down non-resident owned STRs can redirect focus and resources toward long-term rental opportunities for locals Regulation can help Maui County retain the culture of its communities by reducing transient populations and promoting long-term residency Maui County can better address its housing challenges while ensuring that tourism contributes positively without displacing its residents.  How should it be rebuilt and who should decide Envisioning the future of Lahaina must involve a careful balance of historical preservation sustainable development and cultural sensitivity My vision for Lahaina begins with restoring the ahupuaʻa to how it was before the plantation era theft of land and water created the monopoly of resources that was later inherited by the hotels My vision for Lahaina isn’t something that I have to make up I just have to look back and appreciate traditional practices and values that created the original thriving community of Native Hawaiians and correct the repeated mistakes of poor land management. That will lay a solid foundation to support a community of new homes schools and local businesses that live in harmony with the environment Rebuild Lahaina in a way that honors its rich history as a former royal capital and a hub of Hawaiian culture That includes implementing green building practices to create sustainable resilient infrastructure that can withstand future environmental challenges It’s crucial to ensure transparency in the decision-making process by making meeting minutes plans and budgets publicly available. We need to support advisory committees that include representatives from different sectors of the community.  What should elected officials do to restore trust in county government we should honor the will and voice of the people. In 2020 passed a Charter Amendment to limit council member terms to 10 years total. A loophole allowed politicians to get a reset even though they had already served 10 years. The incumbent has now been in office for 16 years. We need new leadership that actually listens to the will of the people.  we must strengthen campaign finance laws so corporations can’t buy elections.  Do you think Maui County should do more to manage water resources Maui County needs to end private ownership of our water system. Then what would Lucienne de Naie do? The answer takes more than the 200 words I have here to explain Please go to my website to review and comment on my solutions Maui County must prioritize water resource management to ensure a sustainable future Maui relies heavily on finite freshwater sources which are increasingly threatened by climate change Effective water management is crucial for maintaining agriculture preserving natural ecosystems and supporting the local population and tourism industry Maui County should also raise water rates for luxury hotels to generate additional revenue for affordable housing Luxury hotels are significant water consumers and higher rates would provide a substantial funding stream without burdening local residents The additional revenue could be earmarked to develop and maintain affordable housing addressing the pressing need for more accessible living options for low- and middle-income families higher water costs would incentivize hotels to adopt more sustainable water practices This approach ensures that the tourism industry contributes fairly to the community’s welfare fostering a more balanced and inclusive local economy.  What is the first thing Maui County should do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting to it we need to get out of the 1980s. The incumbent is a career politician who started in the 1980s and she has fought against environmental protection Maui County has the opportunity to elect a majority or super-majority of progressive candidates that believe in climate change and are ready to take immediate action to combat it This may be the single most important issue of this election for local people.  I am an environmental attorney with a proven track record of winning for the environment I spent January through May at the Hawaii Legislature working on renewable energy solutions for Hawaii Homelessness is becoming more of an issue on Maui What do you think needs to be changed to help people get into housing I believe housing is a human right. Maui needs new leadership that will implement the policies in the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. Housing champions like Council Member Gabe Johnson used the plan to draft meaningful new laws that are in effect today and helping people today. The current majority is supported by developers so it is no surprise that it has done nothing to enact policies from the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan they have served the needs of the developers that got them elected I believe affordable housing developments must be 100% affordable and have deed restrictions that ensure they stay affordable forever. That will begin the process of building a permanent supply of affordable housing. When I was a legislative attorney for the council I fought to help pass a law that gave long-time local residents a preference when the county was awarding affordable housing to eligible residents I am a creative and positive-thinking attorney who understands how to make the law work for the people.  and different regions face different challenges What would be your approach to improve Maui’s transportation problems I got my start in legislation working on transportation issues in Austin I fought for more biking lanes and safe routes to school programs Improving Maui’s transportation problems requires a comprehensive region-specific strategy that addresses both immediate and long-term needs Expanding and enhancing public transit is essential coverage and reliability of the Maui Bus system can make it a more attractive option Our buses can also help reduce carbon emissions by converting to biodiesel today Existing diesel buses just need to go to a different gas station for this to happen. This common sense solution is caught up in old political games Long-term solutions involve significant infrastructure investment and sustainable transportation initiatives constructing bypass roads around congested areas and developing more bike lanes and pedestrian pathways can enhance safety and efficiency Encouraging mixed-use development can reduce the need for long commutes by integrating residential Combining these strategies can create a more efficient sustainable and accessible transportation system for Maui’s diverse regions. Solutions are out there waiting for new leadership to implement Unfortunately, being named a finalist for a Pulitzer prize doesn’t make us immune to financial pressures. The fact is, our revenue hasn’t kept pace with our need to grow, and we need your help Civil Beat is a nonprofit, reader-supported newsroom based in Hawaiʻi. We’re looking to build a more resilient, diverse and deeply impactful media landscape, and we hope you’ll help by supporting our essential journalism Civil Beat has been named the best overall news site in Hawaii for the 14th year in a row by the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter “People will stay if they have homes that they can afford and jobs that pay a living wage.” The following came from Alice Lee, candidate for Maui County Council Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu District. The other candidate is James Forrest We need to provide sufficient long-term temporary housing that can be occupied by February when FEMA programs end The focus must be on the west side because that is where Lahaina people want to return And this means providing sufficient water and other infrastructure which will require coordination with the state What should Maui do to encourage people to stay People will stay if they have homes that they can afford and jobs that pay a living wage The council has budgeted more than $75 million in the upcoming budget to subsidize new workforce housing projects because the counties should have “home rule” over this level of regulation; the state should not have the final say on whether or how these uses are allowed I have concerns over the proposed shutdown of short-term rentals which is why the council will commission a study to analyze its potential impacts residents and property owners should decide in consultation with the county The county’s role would be in land use planning and the provision of adequate infrastructure The question of how Lahaina should be rebuilt should have been asked months ago so that a plan could be developed in case some properties cannot be redeveloped such as those along the shoreline that are threatened by coastal erosion and sea level rise My vision is for Lahaina to retain and restore as much of its historic and cultural heritage as possible public and service uses that put the needs of our residents first Trust has to be earned by your words and actions Elected officials in particular must tell “the whole truth” and not provide only selective information when responding to inquiries or requests The August 2024 wildfires and the need to rebuild and provide new temporary and permanent housing in Lahaina has shown the problem of our current regulatory framework where the county cannot just develop new water sources to meet our needs — the state must approve County officials have better awareness of the community’s water needs We face two immediate threats from climate change both of which have already shown us that we cannot wait to act: wildfire hazards and coastal erosion/sea level rise several key agencies have produced “after action reports” with findings and recommendations many of which relate to being proactive and better prepared These recommendations need to be put into effect either through policy and practice or through law the rebuilding of Lahaina can show us how to build responsibly and resiliently and these practices can be replicated county-wide we need a comprehensive and realistic plan for existing coastal development that is imminently threatened We need to learn from past mistakes and work collaboratively with housing developers on solutions that meet our residents’ needs and the developer’s bottom line our market and affordable housing supply kept up with demand through market forces and county workforce housing requirements there is a temptation to impose additional requirements with the well-intentioned goal of providing more housing at affordable and workforce rates; but such requirements will only result in another cycle of reduced supply Since our roadway system involves both county and state jurisdictions The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization is the county’s transportation planning agency that coordinates and schedules county state and federal funding for county and state transportation projects We have many planned solutions for traffic congestion such as new roads and improved roadway alignments The Maui Visitors Bureau hosts a May Canoe Crop Corner at Wailuku First Friday on May 2 on the first floor of the Wailuku Garage (30 N Join in celebrating Lei Day with the Canoe Crop Corner a celebration of Maui’s rich agricultural heritage A cultural advisor and chef will showcase the flavors of Hawaiʻi’s ancient canoe crop ʻuala (sweet potato)—one of the plants brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers a cultural demonstration and engaging storytelling that connects Maui’s food culture to its historical roots.December Highlights Include: “This is a rare opportunity to learn about Maui’s agricultural traditions and experience firsthand the tastes and stories behind these vital canoe crops The event promises to be a feast for both the mind and palate,” organizers said Sponsors include: County of Maui Office of Economic Development The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi is inviting the public to its annual legislative wrap-up luncheons offering a county-by-county breakdown of how state lawmakers handled key issues during the 2025 legislative session The events will take place in mid-May on Kauaʻi government transparency and efforts to rebuild Lahaina Panelists will include Grassroot’s Director of Strategic Campaigns Ted Kefalas and Policy Director Malia Blom Hill Grassroot Institute President Keliʻi Akina will moderate on Kauaʻi Finance Director Sean Mitsui will moderate on Hawaiʻi Island “This year we are especially excited that for the first time our talented staff will connect in person with Grassroot ‘ohana all across the state,” Akina said Event schedule (register at the links below): contact Sean Mitsui at 808-864-1776 or email info@grassrootinstitute.org A new lunch spot has opened at The Historic Wailuku Inn a century-old bed and breakfast in the heart of Wailuku town HUI Kitchen, led by chef Justin Cantere, offers a vibrant blend of island and local flavors. After a decade honing his craft under Maui’s celebrated chef Sheldon Simeon Cantere embarked on his own to create a dining experience that pays tribute to the culinary heritage of Maui HUI Kitchen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m The restaurant welcomes both Inn guests and locals The menu showcases Maui’s local produce and fresh catch from nearby waters Dishes are infused with the bold flavors of Hawaiian cuisine featuring sushi rice topped with braised Spam Another standout is the weekly Poke of the Week where fresh catch selections are paired with wakame salad Plate lunches include hearty options like the Kalbi Short Ribs featuring braised short ribs glazed with miso chili paired with kimchi corn and crunchy cabbage panko-battered fish with a wasabi butter sauce Diners seeking a twist on comfort food will appreciate the Fish and Chips Chef’s Special a beer-battered fish of the day with house-made tzatziki tartar sauce the Hui Salad combines local greens with vibrant toppings like li hing mui pineapple and goat cheese Gluten free bread is available on all sandwiches Learn more at huikitchenmaui.com or by visiting the location at 2199 Kahoʻokele St. in Wailuku A small group of Wai Side farmers has announced a new farmers market making its debut Sunday The Wailuku Community Farmers Market will be held at the Wailuku Shingon Mission Food vendors will offer fresh organic veggies Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair celebrates 16 years of agricultural education and celebration with its return to War Memorial Complex on Saturday Presented by Maui County Farm Bureau in partnership with Maui County Department of Agriculture this event is for the whole ‘ohana with a relaxed Tickets for AgFest are still $5 for adults; and free for individuals 18 and under with a student ID. Parking is free. Tickets are available at the door (cash only) or online through Ticket Leap: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/mauiagfest/maui-agfest-4h-livestock-fair For a final schedule of events and to purchase tickets for Grand Taste and Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast, visit www.MauiAgFest.org Five individuals were displaced and one person was transported to the hospital following a fire at a home on Pikale Place in Wailuku Monday night The home was fully involved in fire when firefighters arrived on scene The fire was brought under control at 7:10 p.m. The fire caused an estimated $95,000 in damage to the structure and its contents Units responding to the scene included: Engine 1 The cause of the fire is under investigation Maui firefighters responded to a house fire on Pikale Place in Wailuku Monday night Among the units responding were Engine 2 and Engine 10 Pikale is located north of Kaohu Street between Waiʻale Road and the Spreckels Ditch Updates will be provided as more information becomes available With wedding season and graduation parties fast approaching Wailuku First Friday is partnering with Kollab by Kuuipo Weddings & Events to present a Wedding & Events Vendor Showcase on Friday family-friendly street festival is leveling up offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to connect with local vendors in Maui’s dynamic events industry Organizers say: “Whether you’re planning a wedding and early booking opportunities—all in one vibrant evening.” “Wailuku First Friday continues to evolve and we’re thrilled to spotlight the incredible diversity of local entrepreneurs who bring celebrations to life,” said event organizer Daryl Fujiwara “This showcase is a fantastic way to support small businesses while getting a head start on planning the perfect event.” Free parking will be available after 6 p.m Access into the garage is from Church Street between Vineyard and Main Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5:30 p.m merchants and entertainers are reminded that Market Street closes at 5:30 p.m Signage will remind the public that no cars will be allowed on Market Street during the event Cars left parked on the street during the event will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense Event sponsors include: the County of Maui Thursday’s brush fire in Piʻihana burned 4.6 acres before it was 100% contained at 5 p.m Crews remained on scene overnight to continue mop-up and address any flare-ups The area received light trade showers overnight and this morning Firefighters will continue to monitor the area throughout the day today The cause of the fire remains under investigation A brush fire in the Piʻihana area of Wailuku burned 2-3 acres since it was first reported at 2:40 p.m The fire forced the closure of the Kahekili Highway from Pi‘ihana Road to Kamaile St At least one residence along Piʻihana Road was advised to evacuate while some others in the area self evacuated as a precaution The Maui Fire Department responded with two air assets along with private tankers from Alpha and Hawaiian Dredging County officials say there have been no reports of injuries or damages No containment percentages were available at last report but fire officials said all flame activity has been knocked down The Maui Emergency Management Agency was partially activated Kahekili Highway closed from Piʻihana Road to Makaʻala DriveUpdate: 3:39 p.m. The Kahekili Highway is closed from Piʻihana Road to Makaʻala Drive due to ongoing efforts to battle an active brush fire in the area The fire was first reported to dispatch at 2:40 p.m Piʻihana Road being evacuatedUpdate: 3:27 p.m. residents on Piʻihana Road are being evacuated If you feel you and your family’s safety is impacted Firefighters battling 3 acre brush fire in PiʻihanaUpdate: 3 p.m. Maui fire crews are on the scene of a brush fire in the Piʻihana area of Wailuku The department’s Air 1 helicopter is en route The fire was estimated at 3 acres in size at around 3 p.m The highway will be closed to allow fire units to work The Maui Emergency Management Agency issued an alert just before 3 p.m. Area residents should prepare to evacuate if they are notified by County officials Officials continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines has awarded a $6,250 grant to the Pacific Cancer Foundation through the Member Impact Fund The matching grant program supports affordable housing and community development across Hawaiʻi with more than $6 million in total funding distributed this year “We are truly honored to support the Pacific Cancer Foundation in its critical mission to improve the lives of cancer patients survivors and caregivers,” said Craig Kinoshita the Pacific Cancer Foundation offers free services to those affected by cancer in Maui County “This grant will help us continue to provide vital services that make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer,” said Jenny Worth executive director of the Pacific Cancer Foundation “It allows us to strengthen our community presence and deliver compassionate care during some of the most difficult times in people’s lives.” The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines provides financial support to more than 1,200 institutions Since launching the Member Impact Fund in 2023 the program has awarded nearly $50 million in grants through partnerships with member banks and credit unions “The commitment of Wailuku Federal Credit Union to champion organizations like the Pacific Cancer Foundation inspires us all,” said FHLB Des Moines President and CEO Kris Williams The spirit of the season is in full swing as Wailuku First Friday brings the holiday cheer with “Winter in Wailuku,” happening on Friday This festive evening invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy holiday shopping and enchanting entertainment that captures the magic of the season Stroll through historic Wailuku Town and discover unique holiday gifts while supporting local merchants and craft vendors Dine with one of the many restaurants or with some of Maui’s finest food purveyors conveniently located along Market Street and at Kīpuka- next to ʻĪao Theater Special note that the parking garage food court transforms this month into a shopper’s paradise centralizing a wide variety of craft vendors to help you check off your holiday shopping list with ease is the Canoe Crop Corner presented by the Maui Visitors Bureau This special activation honors Maui’s rich agricultural heritage featuring a cultural practitioner and local chef who will share modern preparations of traditional canoe crops with presentations by Ryan Burden from Coconut Information Farm & Cooking School and Uʻi Kahue from Maui Grown 808 Enjoy a taste of history with a contemporary twist Don’t miss the upcoming “Merchant Moments”: Bring the keiki to this month’s Kalikimaka Krafts with Kaiaulu by Kamehameha Schools where they can create a memorable keepsake Christmas ornament to add to your holiday collection The Main Stage will light up the evening with performances by the Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble and Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua don’t miss exciting giveaways to keep the holiday spirit alive Cars left parked on the street during the event will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense.  “Winter in Wailuku” is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family Finance and Economic Development Committee will continue to gather public input on the fiscal year 2026 budget with several upcoming evening meetings “I want to thank those who came out to our Upcountry and East Maui meetings,” said Sugimura who serves as the council’s vice-chair and holds the seat for the Upcountry residency area “We had a great turnout at our residency-area meetings in Pukalani and Hāna and our hope is to continue to hear the concerns and needs from people across the county.” Sugimura said testifiers have shared issues that matter most to their communities everything from wildfire preparedness to road improvements and environmental efforts Upcoming in-person meetings are scheduled as follows: All residency-area meetings begin at 6 p.m and accept both in-person and written testimony residents are encouraged to call (808) 270-7664 at least three days in advance Daytime departmental budget briefings will also continue at the Council Chamber next week Schedules are subject to change. Full agendas and updates are available at mauicounty.us/bfed The next Wailuku First Friday town party is set for Nov several Wailuku town merchants and event vendors have announced that proceeds from their sales will be donated to local organizations Stroll through Market Street and support a range of causes while you shop: Catch the energetic tunes of Jimmy & The Twins on the Market Street Stage bringing feel-good vibes to keep the party going.  and local restaurants highlighting a canoe crop and local produce highlighting the kalo is cultural practitioner Lukela Alboro and Chef Joey Macadangdang of Joey’s Kitchen and Balai Pata Free parking will be available after 6:00 p.m Access into the garages is from Church Street between Vineyard and Main Event sponsors include County of Maui, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Kilohana by CNHA, Lokahi Pacific and KPOA 93.5FM. Check out wailukufirstfriday.com for more information The County of Maui Department of Planning is inviting community members to attend the first open house for the Central Maui Community Plan process at the Wailuku parking garage during the Wailuku First Friday celebration This is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the community planning process engage in discussions about issues affecting Central Maui review key information and meet the project team “The Central Maui Community Plan will establish a vision to guide the next 20 years of change in the region,” said County Planning Director Kate Blystone “It is essential that residents share their manaʻo with the project team so we can create a plan that meets the community’s needs.” the Central Maui Community Plan will replace the existing Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan The update process will include a series of community meetings and workshops followed by the formation of a Community Plan Advisory Committee This committee will review a draft of the updated plan and provide recommendations The Maui Planning Commission will then review the draft the Maui County Council will consider the plan for adoption by ordinance For more information about the Planning Department, visit www.mauicounty.gov/planning The view of Peʻepeʻe Falls and the flowing Wailuku River was clear on Friday morning as community members gathered at the look-out over Boiling Pots in Hilo for a blessing of much-needed sign that warns visitors and residents of the dangers of the water 27 people ranging in age from 14 to 80 plus have reportedly drowned at either Boiling Pots or Rainbow Falls in the Wailuku River State Park The last fatality at Boiling Pots occurred in September when the body of a 42-year-old visitor from Florida was recovered in 30 feet of water prompting Hawaiʻi County Councilmember Jenn Kagiwada to take action she hosted a town hall meeting on Zoom to discuss enhanced signage intended to keep would-be swimmers out of the Wailuku River waters The new sign warns visitors: “Do not go beyond this point” and lists the month and year each victim drowned in the area It is modeled after a sign that was installed in 2022 at an Oʻahu hiking spot where six hikers fell to their deaths on the trail in the last 13 years After living seven houses away from Boiling Pots for nearly 50 years Jeri Gertz has seen how important and necessary a new sign is for the area “I have seen helicopters fly up and down the river searching for the missing people and unfortunately they are often found under the water right below our property,” Gertz said “It is a tragedy every time someone goes missing And I do think this new sign will help visitors understand why these other signs are not welcoming.” The park features the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots an area about 1.5 miles farther upstream with more waterfalls and pools luring hundreds of thousands of visitors each year While the county has other signs warning people not to trek down to the water many visitors — and residents — ignore them and make their way down the hill for a closer look.  Stemming from the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea the Wailuku River has spent thousands of years eroding the lava underneath the water to create Boiling Pots With an average of 275-million gallons of moving water every day the river has lived up to the name of Wailuku which means “waters of destruction” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi Many visitors don’t know exactly what Boiling Pots is or the magnitude of the danger She and her late husband, Jim Kauahikaua would often ask the county to implement different measures that would help visitors understand “There have been people who think these are hot springs because of the name and believe that these other signs are just about trespassing and not safety,” Gertz said “My husband did end up writing one of the signs at the overlook that describes what this area is and why it’s dangerous It was easy for him to put time into it because he cared so much.” Gertz has asked the county to remove the vegetation obstructing the view of Boiling Pots since some visitors go down to the river to get a better view “This is the first time in six years you can see everything below you and hopefully they can maintain it more,” Gertz said heavy rain upstream can cause sudden surges of water the river does not flow over some of the pot rims Underwater currents that can’t be seen from the surface can drag someone down and trap them in a lava tube Deaths have occurred almost equally from those who are visitors and locals and some of those were strong swimmers and even elite athletes or lifeguards swimmers have drowned due to strong currents and the underwater geology of tunnels “The hope in creating this new signage is to encourage those who visit these scenic areas to be mindful of the dangers that exist,” Kagiwada said “And honor the memories of those who have died The victim has been identified as Peter Simon  The Maui Police Department extended condolences to Simon’s family and friends A 40-year-old Wailuku man suffered fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident at Ting’s Bridge in Wailuku on Saturday night A preliminary police investigation reveals that a black 2023 Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle was traveling west on West Kaʻahumanu Avenue when the motorcycle veered right over the solid white fog line striking a curb and embankment before colliding head-on into the northeast corner of the Tings Bridge retaining wall sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene Police say the operator was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision and alcohol is pending as the investigation is ongoing This was Maui County’s fourth traffic fatality of 2025 compared to two at the same time last year Three teenage girls were airlifted to safety after they became stranded in rising water at Wailuku River in ʻĪao 14 and 16—became trapped by rising water at around 2:54 p.m in an area of the river mauka of Mokuhau Park The girls sought refuge on a large rock in the middle of the stream until Rescue 10 personnel aboard the department’s Air 1 helicopter Fire officials say all were residents of Maui and crews concluded their response at 4 p.m Units responding to the swiftwater rescue included: Engine 1 Big Island Video News photo of the new sign at Boiling Pots in Hilo Hawaiʻi - The additional signage has been installed at Boiling Pots to discourage people from entering the waters (BIVN) – A new sign has been installed at the overlook of the Boiling Pots section of the Wailuku River in the hopes of discouraging visitors from entering the dangerous waters As 27 people have died at the Wailuku River State Park in the last 29 years entering the water is discouraged due to the dangerous nature of the Wailuku The new sign lists dates of when people have perished in the area and warns readers From the office of Hawai‘i County Council Member Jenn Kagiwada: The new sign was modeled after one that was installed in 2022 at a popular hike Since the sign went up two years ago there have been no further fatalities Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are two popular State parks along the Wailuku River Both sites see many residents and visitors year-round and both have had fatalities of those from a wide variety of backgrounds The ages of those who died were as young as 14 years old and the oldest was in his 80’s The Wailuku River is the longest river in Hawai‘i County and the largest in the State by volume of water Its name means “waters of destruction.” Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow often formed from its mist Council Member Kagiwada says that “the hope in creating this new signage is to encourage those who visit these scenic areas to be mindful of the dangers that exist and honor the memories of those who have died by not entering the water.” The sign was developed and installed by the Hawai‘i State Parks Division The public was invited to join Kumu Kimo Awai for a blessing and unveiling of the new sign on Friday Filed Under: Hilo Copyright © 2025 · Dynamik-Gen on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in This article brought to you in partnership with the Hawai‘i Journalism Initiative — a Maui-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization A Maui nonprofit’s plan to expand its preschool facilities and host more events at a historic residence is getting opposition from some Wailuku residents who are concerned about losing even more of the island’s history in the wake of the Lahaina wildfire.  Get more stories like these delivered straight to your inbox Sign up for the Hawai‘i Journalism Initiative's weekly newsletter: the nonprofit wants to turn a former Wailuku Sugar Company manager’s home built in 1936 into a central gathering space and transitional housing for employees of the organization and preschool It also plans to convert a garage for preschool space and build additional facilities that include an 18,000-square-foot play space with bridges and slides a 2,300-square-foot preschool building and two water features.  The proposed plans were considered Thursday at a meeting of the Maui County Cultural Resources Commission “This is literally the last historic district other than Lahaina,” said Ke‘eaumoku Kapu a longtime Lahaina resident and chairman of the commission My fear is on whether or not this will diminish the historic character of that town.” Wailuku’s neighborhoods weave together a mix of Native Hawaiian and colonial history, with places like ‘Īao Valley, the setting for Kamehameha I’s 1790 victory over Maui forces; Ka‘ahumanu Church which was built in 1832 on the site of a heiau and named for the Hana-born queen; and traces of Hawai‘i’s sugar plantation days that include the manager’s residence in the nonprofit’s plan The area designated as Maui County Historic District 3 includes roughly 20 buildings along Main and South High streets. Special uses are allowed in the district but they need permission from the commission it was once home to the Yokouchi ‘ohana and was formerly rented out to local nonprofits for events Imua currently hosts three events annually at the property: the Imua Butterfly Festival in May the Keiki Halloween Festival in October and a two-day Keiki Holiday Festival in December The nonprofit said it would also consider additional events but set a maximum of eight per calendar year The events range in attendance from 800 to 1,000 people.  Imua also runs a preschool in Kahului and some of its biggest events are at separate venues, such as Paddle Imua, its benefit canoe race, and Camp Imua a weeklong recreational camp for youth with cognitive or developmental disabilities While praising the work of Imua Family Services some Wailuku residents at the meeting said they are worried the changes will impact their neighborhood with large events that would jam traffic and be better suited for venues like the Maui Arts & Cultural Center commercial office and event venue in a historic district Lianne Malapit grew up on Koeli Street and learned all the secret doors and closets in the plantation manager’s house as a kid She said Imua’s changing plans and lack of communication have created distrust between the organization and residents.  “Once you open the Pandora’s box and say ‘OK you can have a special event,’ then there is no limit to what can evolve in 5 “And then we would have lost this opportunity to have kept Maui You can’t get it back once it’s gone.”  But families whose students attend Imua’s preschool say their services are needed more than ever Margaret Pulver’s son was diagnosed with autism just after he turned 3 years old She said 10 child care programs denied them entry because they were full or didn’t have the resources to support her son So she was relieved when Imua Family Services opened up more spaces for preschool students and her son jumped off the waitlist and into the program “Taking away one of the only inclusive preschool programs on this island not only hurts the students that are currently enrolled but also continues to support the systemic inequities and discrimination that exists on this island,” Pulver said “And while these neighbors claim they support children their actions do not support those words coming out of their mouths.” who’s been the executive director of Imua Family Services for 14 years said it’s getting more difficult to find open spaces in early childhood education programs especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 wildfire that destroyed “a very vital district” for child care and preschools.  “Children in the most critical development of their life which is birth through age 5 … they need outdoor places where they can attach themselves to the ‘āina and be nurtured in natural spaces and outdoor places,” Wong told the commission on Thursday we have disregarded the needs of our children.” D.C.-based First Five Years Fund found that 68% of Hawai’i residents live in a “child care desert,” with federal and state early learning opportunities serving close to 9,000 families The high cost and limited supply of quality early childhood education opportunities “have created serious challenges,” especially given that parents for 61% of children in this age group are in the workforce Wong said Imua Family Services has simplified its initial plans after hearing concerns and that the proposal is not about large-scale events for the entire community but about “having a place that children and families can access for their personal growth their ability to connect with each other as families and with each other as children.” The Imua Discovery Garden aims to offer hands-on activities and experiences that include an alpaca shelter built in 2023 and a butterfly enclosure added in 2024 He pointed out that outdoor spaces were among the only places for families to connect during the pandemic.  “I really do apologize if there are neighbors and community who feel like we haven’t been transparent in this,” Wong said “I feel like this has been our message from the very beginning and I feel like we’ve tried our best to reach out.” the longtime head of Hui o Nā Wai ‘Ehā which has advocated for returning water to the streams in the central valley following decades of diversions by sugar companies pointed out that the history that people are concerned about was tied to the plantations and never served the community in the way that Imua Family Services has He said it was fitting for Imua Family Services to be located in the same community where a Hawaiian language immersion school “I believe that this opportunity to have community ‘ohana being in this space that has always been a private space is really an opportunity but a win-win not only for the Wailuku community but for the Maui community,” Pellegrino said.  The commission deferred a decision on the plan to give Imua Family Services time to do more community outreach and to get comments from the State Historic Preservation Division MauiTraffic Maui County recorded its fourth traffic fatality of 2025 — twice the number than at this time last year — when a 40-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash Saturday in Wailuku Maui police said the incident happened at approximately 11:46 p.m when a black 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle traveling west on West Kaahumanu Avenue veered right and struck a curb and embankment before colliding head-on into the northeast corner of the Ting’s Bridge retaining wall sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene The Wailuku resident’s name was being withheld to allow for family notification drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash An oshogatsu mochi pounding event is set for 4 p.m 28 at the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission in Wailuku The popular family event is an opportunity to experience traditional pounding of glutinous rice into delicious mochi which will be prepared in various ways at different prep stations The mochi pounding is one of three cultural events planned by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui. The workshops are in partnership with Kahului Jodo Mission and Wailuku Hongwanji. Visit jcsmaui.org to register Mochi pounding registration also includes a bento dinner and the traditional New Year’s ozoni soup There will be fun crafts and games as well Tickets are $20 for society members and $25 for non-members The society also is planning Zen dinner workshops by Japanese cooking connoisseur Naoko Moller For more information, email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.  In March of 2020, COVID precautions had caused sweeping closures of Maui’s Friday Town Parties Wailuku First Fridays is making a comeback The free community street party returns to Market Street on Aug The reborn Wailuku First Friday event showcases local entertainers handmade crafters and food vendors interwoven into the mix of charming shops and restaurants along Market Street The evening will kick off with a special performance of musical selections from MAPA’s upcoming production ‘Man of La Mancha,’ featuring Amy Hanaiali’i Market Street stage performances continue with Maui’s Jordan Soon and folk-music group Tempa and the Tantrums Magician Brenton Keith and His Bag O’ Tricks will feature DjZ spinning dance favorites all night The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (HSTA) will be giving away backpacks filled with select school supplies made possible by a collaboration between HSTA Look for recyclable receptacles throughout the event provided and managed by 4-H Wolves The organization is recycling as a fundraiser to cover costs of sending some of their members to 4-H Congress this November in Atlanta “Wailuku First Friday celebrates the unique charm of our local merchants many of whom are generational mom-and-pop establishments It’s with this in mind that we’re excited to introduce ‘Merchant Moments’ a blend of ancillary events hosted by Wailuku businesses enriching the tapestry of our First Friday festivities.” Explore these venues during the street event: Access is from Vineyard Street onto North Street Check out wailukufirstfriday.com for more information The victim has since been identified as Kilipaki Nelson the Maui Police Department extended condolences to Nelson’s family and friends A 42-year-old Wailuku man was killed in a single vehicle collision in Kula A preliminary police investigation reveals that the white 2007 Kenworth flatbed tow truck that the man was driving failed to navigate a right bend in the roadway colliding into a metal guardrail before overturning The flatbed was loaded with six large concrete retaining wall blocks striking an unattended green 2006 Toyota Sienna the operator of the tow truck sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene The occupants of the residence were not injured Police say the operator of the tow truck was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy according to a preliminary report released by police The involvement of alcohol or drugs has yet to be determined as the investigation remains ongoing This was Maui County’s second traffic fatality of 2025 compared to zero at the same time last year Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool in Wailuku will close for a half-day from 9 a.m according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation Thursday for lap and recreational swimming call the Maui County pool hotline at 808-270-8208 with a special grand opening ceremony held on Tuesday The event brought together the community for an afternoon of festivities that included a blessing HCA co-founders Blossom Feiteira and Kehaulani Filimoe’atu opened their first office on Vineyard St with the blessing of the new location on the very same street HCA celebrates a full-circle moment—honoring over two decades of dedicated service to the Maui community and throughout the state Attendees had the opportunity to engage with HCA staff and discover how HCA can support ʻohana across Hawaiʻi The new office will serve as a collaborative office model and incubator designed to support grassroots organizations aiding the victims of the recent Maui wildfires This incubator will provide a supportive environment for innovation and cooperation fostering the development of organizations committed to rebuilding and enhancing the community “This new space represents our commitment to providing comprehensive support to our community ensuring that families have the resources and education they need to thrive,” said Chelsie Evans Enos Executive Director of Hawaiian Community Assets “We’re grateful for the warm reception and look forward to making a lasting impact in the lives of Maui’s residents.” As a nonprofit organization and HUD-certified housing counseling agency HCA is committed to helping tackle critical challenges in Hawai‘i by providing much-needed support to residents facing high living expenses and a shortage of affordable housing HCA has specialized in offering free homeownership resources to assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families to contribute to the overall well-being and stability of the community.  This office is one of four locations throughout the state offering services to build generational wealth and establish financial stability The community is invited to meet with a certified counselor who can help create a housing budget make an action plan to meet financial or housing goals; gain access to public benefits and loans; and explore opportunities for job training programs or career coaching HCA extends a heartfelt mahalo to the Kosasa Foundation for their generous contribution which played a crucial role in supporting the purchase of the Maui office and to the community leaders in attendance Their presence and commitment to HCA’s mission contributed to making the grand opening a memorable occasion and the organization is deeply grateful for their continued partnership in serving Maui’s families Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More Maui County officials held a blessing in Wailuku on Wednesday ahead of the construction of the state’s first government-funded hula center will serve as a permanent place for hula and associated ‘ōiwi arts.  County of Maui Director of ʻŌiwi Resources and Kumu Hula Kap-onoʻai Molitau performed the blessing over County contractors F&H Construction “Where in all of Hawaii do we have a place for hula Hula is the one cultural practice that continues throughout all of Hawaiian history without break.” Construction is expected to begin April 28.   “The Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will be a place where hula and hana noʻeau are not only practiced but nurtured as living evolving traditions,” said Mayor Richard Bissen ensuring knowledge is shared with intention and integrity and traditions are kept alive for future generations.” Located at the corner of Church and Vineyard Streets HOA will be two-stories tall and about 47,000-square feet it will host indoor and outdoor events and gatherings Bissen thanked former Mayor Michael Victorino and the Maui County Council for the work they did to set the project on its path forward “We will do our very best to get this over the finish line,” he said.  Bissen also highlighted kumu who have been key to the design process Jamie Moanikeala Whittle-Wagner and Nāpua Silva The Wailuku First Friday street party on Sept 2024 kick’s-off the two month Hawaiian Showcase “Festivals of Aloha.” The event features entertainment by Maui Music Mission The Hammah House Band celebrates their release of the single “Like Mehk,” with music on the Market St a blend of ancillary events hosted by Wailuku businesses enriching the tapestry of our First Friday festivities,” said event organizer Daryl Fujiwara The event is made possible with support from the County of Maui Check out wailukufirstfriday.com for more information Hawaiʻi - Federal funds will be used to reinforce the foundation bridge and widen it to be in line with Americans with Disabilities Act standards (BIVN) – $33 million in federal funds will go towards rehabilitating the Wailuku River Bridge in Hilo Hawaiʻi) on Friday announced that the funding will help strengthen the bridge “by making key improvements to reinforce its foundation.”  Schatz is chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation The bridge will also be widened to be in line with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards while the bridge railings will be upgraded to meet current safety standards “Upgrading aging infrastructure is critical to ensuring people can get around safely for years to come,” said Sen “Making these necessary upgrades to the Wailuku River Bridge will result in less disruptions and safer commutes for people on Hawai‘i Island.”  Filed Under: Hilo Tagged With: Brian Schatz, Singing Bridge, Wailuku River Maui Walking Tours LLC has expanded to offer free city walking tours in both Kīhei and Wailuku The tour company’s newest guided walking tour takes participants through the streets of Wailuku sharing stories of its rich history In addition to highlighting historic landmarks the tour weaves close to a dozen Wailuku street murals into the route sharing the history and culture depicted through art starting at the courtyard in front of the State Office Building and last 90 minutes “The Wailuku tour is so unique and covers a wide range of information Whether you enjoy a detailed history lesson we share such a broad range of well researched stories,” said founder Keith DeVey “It doesn’t matter if you are a local resident or a visiting tourist you will see and appreciate Wailuku through a new lens.” Maui Walking Tours LLC originally launched earlier this year in March with a free walking tour of Kīhei every Monday and Wednesday Now with over 40 guided Kīhei tours under their belt the city walking tour company is excited to offer free tours of a second Maui town “We have so many beautiful murals throughout Wailuku painted by talented local artists and even famous international muralists,” said DeVey “I always enjoy hearing from our tour participants along the way to learn what murals they enjoy the best and what elements speak loudest for them personally.” The Wailuku tour covers a little over a mile of relatively flat terrain. Tours are capped at 25 participants to assure group sizes are not too large. Tours must be reserved online in advance by visiting https://www.mauiwalkingtours.com/ Maui police released information this morning on Friday nightʻs road closures and evacuations in Wailuku Wailuku Patrol officers located a stolen vehicle potentially linked to the Pukalani improvised explosive device (IED) incident from the previous night The incident was reported at approximately 8:30 p.m the vehicle was deemed safe and unrelated to the IED case and residents were allowed to return to their homes More information is posted HERE Maui police have reopened all roads in Wailuku as of 11 p.m. after a nearly two hour closure due to a police investigation The investigation also resulted in the evacuation of multiple streets in the area which will be posted as more information becomes available Police investigation results in Wailuku road closures and evacuationsUpdate: 9:38 p.m. Residents on the following streets have been evacuated: Maui Now reached out to police to seek confirmation on the reason for the closures and evacuations A Maui Police Department spokesperson confirmed that there is an active police investigation in the Wailuku area Department officials were unable to share further details as of 9:30 p.m *This story will be updated as more information becomes available Call 808-620-9500 to tell us which language you speak Sipwe angei emon chon chiaku ngonuk ese kamo Kokori 808-620-9500 omw kopwe ureni kich meni kapas ka ani Makemake `oe i kokua i pili kekahi `olelo o na `aina `e Makemake la maua i ki`i `oe mea unuhi manuahi E kelepona 808-620-9500`oe ia la kaua a e ha`ina `oe ia la maua mea `olelo o na `aina `e Masapulyo kadi ti tulong iti sabali a pagsasao Awaganyo ti 808-620-9500 tapno ibagayo kadakami no ania ti pagsasao nga ar-aramatenyo 私たちは、貴方のために、無料で 通訳を用意できます。電話番号の、808-620-9500 に、電話して、私たちに貴方の話されている言語を申し出てください Kim naj lewaj juon am dri ukok eo ejjelok wonen Kirtok 808-620-9500 im kwalok non kim kajin ta eo kwo melele im kenono kake E te mana'o mia se fesosoani i se isi gagana Matou te fesosoani e ave atu fua se faaliliu upu mo oe Vili mai i le numera lea 808-620-9500 pea e mana'o mia se fesosoani mo se faaliliu upu Nosotros le ayudaremos a conseguir un intérprete gratuito Llame al 808-620-9500 y diganos que idioma habla Kailangan ba ninyo ng tulong sa ibang lengguwahe Tumawag sa 808-620-9500 para sabihin kung anong lengguwahe ang nais ninyong gamitin Bạn có cần giúp đỡ bằng ngôn ngữ khác không Chúng tôi se yêu cầu một người thông dịch viên miễn phí cho bạn Gọi 808-620-9500 nói cho chúng tôi biết bạn dùng ngôn ngữ nào Gakinahanglan ka ba ug tabang sa imong pinulongan Amo kang mahatagan ug libre nga maghuhubad Tawag sa 808-620-9500 aron magpahibalo kung unsa ang imong sinulti-han This is to give notice that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under the State of Hawai‘i DHHL Wailuku Single Family Residential Subdivision Project 23HBGHI0001 NH-24-14.07 is located in a wetland and DHHL will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the wetland and the potential impacts on the wetland from the proposed action in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands The proposed project location is 101 Kuikahi Drive in Wailuku The extent of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach and the Project is located in Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Zone X areas determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.  The DHHL Wailuku Single Family Residential Subdivision Project involves the construction and development of a new residential subdivision comprised of a maximum of 204 residential lots (173 with turn-key single-family residences and 31 as vacant improved lots for single-family residences) an approximately 9-acre storm water retention basin DHHL beneficiaries will be able to purchase a residence out right or via a potential rent-with-option-to-purchase The Project also includes the construction and development of underground and overhead infrastructure to serve the residences and vacant lots The Project will construct new internal subdivision streets with 44-foot-wide Right of Ways which will include a new underground drain inlet/line Approximately 450 feet of paved shoulder along the southern side of Kuikahi Drive will be widened to provide a continuous 5-foot-wide paved walkway between Kehalani Mauka Parkway and Honoapi‘ilani Highway All internal streets within the subdivision will have a 5-foot-wide paved sidewalk along one side of the street Landscaping and irrigation will be provided within the park and along internal streets.  The Project will require ground disturbing activities such as grubbing and trenching to prepare areas for construction and to ensure adequate drainage The Project may provide services such as homeowner assistance which may include assistance with down payment and closing costs rental and utility assistance and housing counseling DHHL is the Responsible Entity undertaking the Project and is the owner of the Project site The Project is located on an approximately 77-acre portion of Tax Map Key (2) 3-5-002:003 an area that includes parts of the intermittent riverine (excavated) Kaiapaoka‘īlio stream According to the National Wetlands Inventory Wetlands Mapper the stream and ditches within the Project site are classified as riverine habitat.  Clean Water Branch classifies Kaiapaoka‘īlio stream as a ”Class 2” estuary which should be protected for recreational purposes the support and propagation of aquatic life agricultural and industrial water supplies Two irrigation ditches have State Inventory of Historic Places (SIHP) numbers: Waihe‘e Ditch (SIHP 50-50-04-5197) and an unnamed ditch (SIHP 50-50-04-5729) The Waihe’e ditch was a contributing component of the Waikapu Sugar Company’s (WSCo’s) vast irrigation system and exemplifies the characteristics the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced there will be a change in the traffic pattern to Wailuku Bridge in Hilo as the bridge undergoes emergency repairs throughout the rest of the week or longer if required Wailuku Bridge is known as the “singing bridge,” and it sits between Waianuenue Avenue and Pukihae Street on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) Hilo-bound traffic on Hawaii Belt Road at Wailuku Bridge will use Hau and Wainaku streets as a detour Honokaa-bound traffic may cross the bridge HDOT says they expect to finish repairs later this week but it could take longer if additional work is needed A full rehabilitation is planned to start in 2027.