News Releases

Pūlama Ka Heke Expands ERMAT to Improve Access to Care

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Pūlama Ka Heke News Release

Pūlama Ka Heke (PKH) is pleased to announce an enhancement to its Kaulele a Ola (Essential Rural Medical Air Transport – ERMAT) program, further improving access to off-island medical care for residents of Molokai and Lānaʻi.

To reduce delays in care, PKH has updated its referral process. While the patient’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) remains the primary source for all referrals, treating specialists can now submit referrals directly when a PCP is unable to do so.

Updated Referral Process:

Primary Pathway: The patient’s PCP continues to be the required starting point for submitting referrals. This ensures proper coordination of your overall healthcare.…

‘Not Pau Yet,’ Bissen Files for Re-election

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Bissen Campaign News Release

Surrounded by community supporters, labor leaders and his grandsons, Mayor Richard Bissen officially filed nomination papers to seek re-election as mayor of Maui County.

The moment was both personal and symbolic: Standing beside the next generation of his family, Bissen reflected on the long-term responsibility behind his decision to continue serving Maui Nui.

“When I look at my grandsons, I think about the future every ‘ohana in Maui County deserves — a future where our keiki can stay rooted here, where local families can still afford to live here, and where we protect not only our community, but the values that hold our community together,” Bissen said.…

Bobby Pahia Files for Maui County Council

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Bobby Pahia Campaign News Release

Family business owner and agriculture leader Bobby Pahia officially filed his nomination papers for the Maui County Council, marking the occasion with a powerful show of family unity spanning four generations.

Sharing this moment with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, Pahia emphasized the importance of ‘ohana, community, and kuleana in his decision to run for office. The presence of four generations underscored his commitment to ensuring the county remains a place where local families can raise their keiki, run a family business, and build a future.

If elected, Pahia would bring his decades of experience in land use planning, water management, and infrastructure maintenance to the Maui County Council.…

Scholarship Available for Students in Marine and Ocean STEM

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

MKF News Release

The Malama Kai Foundation is proud to announce that applications are open for the 2nd annual George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program, providing critical financial support to high school graduates from Hawaiʻi who are pursuing degrees in marine conservation and ocean-related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The scholarship honors the legacy of George A. Wilkins, a pioneering Navy scientist and marine conservationist whose lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship helped shape Hawaiʻi’s marine research, technology, and policy. Six scholarships were awarded in 2025 to Hawai‘i students.

Scholarships ranging from $2,000-$3,000 each will be awarded in 2026 to students demonstrating passion, purpose and potential in fields that protect and restore our ocean ecosystems.…

OHA Providing $15K to Native Hawaiians Affected by Kona Low

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

OHA News Release

Native Hawaiian families impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms and flooding will soon have access to direct financial assistance through a new disaster relief program launched by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and administered by the Hawaiian Council.

The OHA March 2026 Kona Low General Disaster Assistance Program will provide more than $1 million in direct financial assistance to eligible Native Hawaiian homeowners and renters whose primary residences sustained major damage or were destroyed during the storms, including grants of up to $15,000 for eligible homeowners and up to $7,500 for eligible renters.  

“This disaster relief program reflects OHA’s commitment to care for our people in times of need,” said Kaialiʻi Kahele, chair of OHA.…

One Month Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

FEMA News Release

Homeowners and renters who have incurred damage or losses from the Kona Low flooding event that occurred March 10-24 have until June 14, 2026, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The program provides financial aid and other assistance to eligible individuals and households to help meet their basic needs and supplement their flood recovery efforts. 

FEMA may reimburse eligible applicants for temporary housing, home repairs to their primary home, personal property losses, medical expenses related to the disaster, childcare and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Residents who have insurance should file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles.…