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The Hawai‘i Journalism Initiative has partnered with MauiNow.com, the leading website for local Maui news and information. Through this partnership, HJI brings fresh perspectives and in-depth journalism to the Maui community.

October 19, 2026

15 days to election: How do mayoral candidates compare on Maui County’s challenging issues?

Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen and County Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura both say they would prioritize housing, affordability and keeping locals from moving away, but they differ on how.

October 17, 2026

‘October surprise’ allegations could tighten Maui County’s mayoral showdown

Incumbent Richard Bissen appeared to be in the driver’s seat for reelection after a decisive victory in the primary, but allegations by the police chief that BIssen was the target of two criminal investigations could make the race much tighter against Maui County Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura.

October 14, 2026

Maui County’s top prosecutor denies police chief’s claims that mayor is under criminal investigation

The dispute between the police chief and Bissen’s administration is growing with less than a month before the mayor defends his seat in the general election.

October 11, 2026

Federal, local investigations spur fresh scrutiny and calls for more oversight of Maui Police Department

Police Chief John Pelletier is currently on paid leave while the commission looks into his oversight of a police unit whose former leader is facing federal bribery charges.

October 10, 2026

Maui police chief claims mayor is under investigation as Bissen denies allegations

Chief John Pelletier is on leave while the Maui Police Commission conducts an investigation into his oversight of a unit led by a lieutenant who was arrested on federal bribery charges.

October 07, 2026

Kapalua golf course to host LPGA tournament as lawsuit over water restrictions heads to trial

The Plantation Golf Course will host the LPGA Tour’s 2027 LOTTE Championship in March, the first major pro tournament at the course since the PGA Tour’s Sentry was cancelled due to dried-up conditions on the golf course.

October 04, 2026

Stormy summer takes toll on Maui beaches already battling erosion

Coastal experts say recent storms have created “new crisis spots” along Hawai’i shorelines that were already struggling with long-term erosion.

October 03, 2026

Flooding forced traumatic moves to Oʻahu for long-term patients, but health, spirits improve with return to Maui

Some residents of Hale Makamae, the only intermediate care facility for adults with developmental disabilities, are now back at Maui Memorial Medical Center as they await the $65 million renovation and reopening of their longterm facility at Kula Hospital.

October 02, 2026

After finishing first in the mayoral primary, Bissen outpaces Sugimura in fundraising 

But it is Sugimura who has spent more as she tries to close the 5,000-vote gap from the primary election, when Bissen finished ahead of the other nine candidates.

September 29, 2026

Hotel or housing? Battle drags on over which Maui properties should have short-term rentals banned

More than 3,400 units are up for hotel zoning that would help them avoid the ban. The Maui Planning Commission said no to most, but it is the Maui County Council that has the final say.

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