Community

FEMA Deadline for Kona Low Assistance Extended

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

FEMA News Release

Molokai residents affected by the March 10–24 Kona Low flooding now have until June 14, 2026 to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. 

Under the President’s Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is available to help eligible individuals and households with basic, disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance or other sources.

If you have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your insurance policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Survivors can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance by:

MEO Welcomes New CFO, HR Director

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

MEO News Release

Jared Appleby and Melissa Magonigle joined the Maui Economic Opportunity executive leadership team in April as Chief Fiscal Officer and Human Resources Director, respectively.

“We are pleased to have such experienced and qualified individuals filling pivotal roles at MEO,” Executive Director Maggie Batangan said. “Jared and Melissa will enable MEO to continue to assist thousands of Maui County residents in need as we have for the last six decades.”

As one of the largest nonprofits in Maui County, MEO offers an assortment of assistance and services on Maui, including East Maui, Molokai and Lanaʻi. The more than 250 staff members run more than 30 programs, ranging from Maui Bus paratransit to Head Start preschool, and assisted nearly 31,000 individuals and families in the 2024-25 fiscal year.…

Practitioners Gather at Keawanui Fishpond

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

ʻĀina Momona News Release

Fishpond practitioners and organizations from throughout Hawaiʻi gathered on Molokai this month.

ʻĀina Momona hosted this amazing hui to talk about the history of our loko iʻa and the need to take care of the entire ahupuaʻa, including the uplands, in order for our fishponds to survive. 

Practitioners were able to see our solutions and learn more about how utilizing the ahupuaʻa system can protect our ponds and keep them healthy and productive. 

We are honored to be able to share what we have learned with other groups doing this important work.…

COVID-19 Homeowner Assistance Closes May 27

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Maui County News Release

The Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund Program, which has provided financial assistance to homeowner-households on Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, will close on May 27, 2026, according to the County of Maui Department of Housing.

After addressing the community needs over the last two years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program will begin a structured 45-day closure period to ensure current and eligible participants receive assistance to the greatest extent possible. The program will stop accepting applications on May 27, 2026.

“We are very pleased by the number of County homeowner-households the Department of Housing was able to assist through the Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund Program and the impact that assistance has made,” County Department of Housing Director Richard E.…