Post-Storm Road Hazards in Kihei
After major storms in Kihei, mud, flooding, and debris can remain on South Kihei Road for days, forcing pedestrians into the roadway where sidewalks are missing and shoulders become unsafe.
Community
On Maui, Tipping Is Not a Bonus — It Is Wage Replacement
On Maui, many service workers are paid below living wages because tips are expected to fill the gap. Tipping on Maui is wage replacement, not a bonus.
More Hotels for Maui
At a time when Maui needs more homes, affordable housing, and a stronger local economy, the island is building more hotels. This long-form article examines why that trend should raise
Fragmentation and Exploitation in Hawaiʻi from the Plantation Era to the Present
A historical examination of how division—through labor suppression, land segregation, and political fragmentation—has repeatedly enabled exploitation in Hawaiʻi, from the plantation era to the present day.
Bill 9 and the Illusion of Simple Solutions
Maui County’s Bill 9 was intended to address housing affordability, but on a small island economy, removing one sector creates ripple effects felt across jobs, small businesses, and community stability.
Why Maui Chose Tourism: The Real History & Data Behind Our Economy
Tourism on Maui didn’t grow by accident. It was a deliberate response to the slow collapse of sugarcane, designed to keep families on island and communities alive. This article explains
The Surfing Economy of Maui: A Renewable Engine for Island Sustainability
This reference essay analyzes the surfing and ocean-sports sector as one of Maui’s most resilient, non-extractive economic engines. It explores cultural foundations, local employment, innovation, environmental stewardship, and policy implications
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability. Here are some key points: High
Luxury Developments Threaten Maui’s Sacred Lands and Community
The proposed Ledcore Maui development in the Wailea area has ignited significant concerns among local residents, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and environmental advocates.
Maui’s Service Industry Workers: The Reliance on Tips Amid High Living Costs
Maui’s Service Industry Workers: The Reliance on Tips Amid High Living Costs The idyllic beaches and lush landscapes of Maui, Hawaii, attract
Landowner Shamefully Clears 7-Acre Forest without Permits
For the past several generations, a well-known Kihei forest has provided one of Kihei’s last green spaces, and also a habitat for
High rents a barrier for Small Businesses in Maui
High rents a barrier for Small Businesses in Maui High Rental Costs Prohibitive Expenses: Successful small businesses, such as food trucks, often
Rethinking Tourism: How Maui Can Reclaim Its Economic Future
Beyond the Beaches: Maui’s Struggle Without a Micro-Economy Maui may be world-famous for its beaches and luxury resorts, but beneath the surface
Driving through flooded areas, Fast or Slow?
Driving through flooded areas requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines. The following points highlight the best techniques for driving through
South Maui’s Expansion: A Strain on Natural Resources
South Maui’s Expansion: A Strain on Natural Resources South Maui, a region known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community, is experiencing
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES: So sad we are seeing our favorite local restaurants and food trucks on the verge of
Maui is vulnerable to natural disasters and man-made shutdowns
Maui is vulnerable to natural disasters and man-made shutdowns Maui is vulnerable to natural disasters and man-made shutdowns, and economic slowdowns. Not
Protecting Lahaina After Wildfires
Protecting Lahaina post-wildfires Does Mayor Bisson need to declare an emergency moratorium on real estate sales in Lahaina and the affected Wildfire
Maui’s Views are Disappearing
Maui is losing a lot more than its land to development, we are also losing our beautiful views. Our magnificent views and
Save Waiehu from Overdevelopment
Maui’s unique environment needs protection! Our group, Protect Waiehu Ahupua’a (PWA) was formed in July of 2022 in response to a California
Citizen Reporting in South Maui
The Importance of Citizen Reporting Your reports make a difference. When you see something, please say something. Whether it’s being the first
Why You Should Never Sell your Home on Maui
If you live on Maui and you have family here, you should NEVER sell your home. Once you sell a home you
Developers Are Leveraging Anti-Tourism Sentiment to Fuel Maui’s Building Boom
Maui’s building boom is being driven by developers, luxury housing, off-island buyers, and land conversion, while local residents face rising costs, infrastructure strain, housing displacement, and growing pressure on limited
New Affordable Housing Bill to make Homes Cheaper for Maui Homebuyers
UPDATE AND MEETING RECAP: This meeting was for a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan that includes new rules that would make affordable housing
Affordable Housing is a Trojan Horse
Affordable Housing is a Trojan Horse Beware of For-profit Developers bearing Gifts: The Affordable Housing (AH) program has become a Trojan Horse for
Social Washing by Condo Developers
On Mauii, the Affordable Workforce Housing system is being used by developers as a form of “Social Washing” to make their business more socially palatable. These are still for-profit condo
Pedestrian Overpass Bridge Pi’ilani Highway Kihei
How to get high school kids across a busy 4-lane highway safely? Pedestrian Safety at the Kihei High School is an issue. They
Kihei’s History of Overdevelopment
Kihei’s Overdevelopment Started in the 1970’s In 1970, Maui County planning staff and a consultant jointly prepared the Kihei Civic Development Plan
Kula Kai before Western Contact
Kula Kai before Western Contact Before western contact, the area of Kula Kai (South Maui) had streams, wetlands, ponds, pools, and loi
Grand-Wailea Hotel built on Hawaiian Burials – Kahamanini Bay
Grand-Wailea Hotel built on Hawaiian Burials – Kahamanini Bay
Developer Blasting Cultural Sites and Petroglyphs
Developer Blasting Cultural Sites and Petroglyphs Blasting Alert!! June 1- July 1 2021, Daily at 3:45 pm Monday through Friday. Canadian Developer, Plans
More gated communities for Wailea
More gated communities for Wailea At a time when house prices are rising and affordable houses are in short supply, and many
Your Voice
Your Voice Matters! Residents can help to create a better community and encourage responsible development, and the preservation of natural, cultural, and
Recreation – Kihei Community Plan
Objectives and Policies – Kihei-Makena-Community-Plan-1998:a. Provide high-quality recreational facilities to meet the present and future needs of residents of all ages and
Tradition and Culture
Traditional and Cultural Uses: The (4) fishponds collectively known as Kalepolepo Fishponds have cultural significance and are associated with 2x Heiaus. The fish
Maui Coast Proposes a NEW Six Story Hotel in Kihei
Maui Coast Hotel wants to double in size by adding a new 6-story tower on South Kihei Road across from Kamaole Beach
John Joseph Halstead Koa House
John Joseph Halstead He and his family moved over to Kalepolepo, along the Kihei shoreline, and shortly thereafter built a new house