Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policy of personally reviewing large grants held up a request to renew emergency housing aid on Maui, a new report says.

The third Maui County planning director in three years plans to prioritize post-wildfire rebuilding and tackle complex local issues.

The County Council would now need a supermajority vote to allow thousands of apartment-zoned units to keep operating as short-term rentals.

Arborists see reasons for optimism — and worry — about the future of the tree. An upcoming assessment will help Maui County officials determine how healthy it is and when it’s safe for the public to go near it again.

Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura is trying to unseat Mayor Richard Bissen in a closely watched race this election.

Other states impacted by similar disasters are reforming their insurance laws. Legislators here are teeing up bills to follow suit.

The county is seeking an amendment to create a voluntary buyout program with some of its $1.6 billion fire recovery grant from the feds.

The program will now run through Feb. 10, 2027.

The Hawaiʻi County Fire Commission has appointed a temporary replacement but filling Todd’s shoes within the State Fire Council presents a bigger challenge.

The state is seeking another extension to the FEMA housing program that thousands of Maui residents have relied on since losing their homes in the 2023 wildfires. It’s currently set to end Feb. 28.