News Releases

County Restricts Public Access at Kapaʻakea Cemetery

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Maui County News Release

The County of Maui Department of Public Works is restricting general public access to Kapaʻakea Cemetery in Kaunakakai following significant impacts from the March 2026 Kona low storms.

“Kapaʻakea Cemetery is an important place for Molokai families,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “We are focused on addressing the damage and supporting families as work moves forward. Mahalo to our Molokai community for its patience and understanding during this time.”

Recent heavy rains caused substantial ground settlement across many burial plots at Kapaʻakea Cemetery. While some settling can occur during periods of rainfall, the severity of these impacts is greater than previously experienced.…

County Office of Recovery Leading Storm Recovery 

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Maui County News Release

The County of Maui Office of Recovery, established by Mayor Richard Bissen in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, is taking on long-term recovery efforts from subsequent emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent Kona storms.

“Expanding the County of Maui Office of Recovery’s focus to oversee long-term recovery for all disasters ensures that our community isn’t just reacting in the moment, but staying committed to rebuilding for the future,” Bissen said. “It creates the focus and continuity needed for the county to truly see recovery efforts through.”

The website www.mauirecovers.org, focused on resources and planning efforts relating to recovery and wildfire rebuilding information, will launch a new Kona storm recovery section this weekend including information from Kona low events and any other disaster that will require long-term recovery.…

Call for Artists: Fiber Hawaii

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release 

“Fiber Hawaiʻi” began as a biennial event in 1982. The Fiber Hawaii exhibit challenges artists to create works “In, Of or About Fiber.” Artists who work in any craft media are invited to consider making artwork with a fiber sensibility. 

Fiber and textile techniques may be thought of as an idea as well as a media. Past exhibits have included woven glass or clay, wood and metal as well as works in more traditional fiber media such as weavings, handmade paper, basketry, stitchery, quilts, batik, textile design, kapa. mixed media, wearable art and installation pieces are also eligible for entry.…

Molokai Robotics Launches Fundraiser for Worlds

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Molokai Robotics News Release

Molokai Robotics is proud to announce that two of its teams — one middle school and one high school division — have officially qualified for the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship, set to take place in St Louis, Missouri from April 21 to 27. This marks the third consecutive year and fourth total time that the program has qualified for a robotics world championship.

However, attending the world championship presents a significant financial challenge. Travel costs — including airfare, lodging, registration, and equipment transport — are substantial. The program is launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of $40,000 to ensure both qualified teams can attend and compete.…

MEO Seeking 2026 Client Survey Responses 

Friday, March 27th, 2026

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity is seeking responses from clients across Maui, Molokai, and Lanai for its 2026 client survey.

Input from the community helps MEO to better understand the experiences of those it assists throughout Maui County and plays an important role in evaluating and improving its programs and services.

“Providing excellent service that meets the needs of our community is our top priority,” MEO Chief Executive Officer Debbie Cabebe said. “Feedback from our annual survey helps us to ensure we are providing services in ways that best support our clients and the community.”

The survey closes on Friday, April 3.…

Iwi Nails Selected for Disney’s Project Elevate

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Iwi Nails News Release
Iwi Nails, a Hawai‘i-founded gel nail strip brand inspired by storytelling and cultural identity, has been selected for Project Elevate, a Disney Advertising initiative supporting emerging, purpose-driven businesses.
Through the program, Iwi Nails receives strategic mentorship and creative development support, culminating in the launch of its :30 second national campaign, “Let Your Nails Do The Talking,” now streaming across Disney+ and Hulu.
Founded by Līhau Willing, Iwi Nails creates easy-to-use, long-lasting gel nail strips featuring designs inspired by Hawaiian culture and individuality. The campaign highlights self-expression and the belief that beauty can tell a story.
“At Iwi Nails, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen in the products they use,” said Willing.…

Printmaking Studio Celebrates Success with Juried Selection

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Pa’a Printmakers News Release

Less than a year after opening, Paʻa Printmakers is already making its mark on the statewide art scene. The studio is proud to announce that student and Kaunakakai resident Leila Anasazi has been selected for the Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition, opening April 3, 2026, at the Downtown Arts Center in Honolulu.

Anasazi is one of only 68 artists chosen from across Hawai’i. Her accepted piece, “In the Ulu,” was created using gel plate printing — a medium she only first discovered in January during a workshop at Paʻa Printmakers taught by visiting Oahu artist Helena Noordoff.

“We are thrilled to see our local artists gaining statewide recognition so quickly,” said Keao Chow.…

Registration for 2026 OHCRA Championships Now Open

Monday, March 16th, 2026

OHCRA News Release

The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) invites the world back to Hawai‘i for another year of extraordinary competition across the Kaiwi Channel. Registration for the 2026 Molokai Channel World Championships: Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai and Moloka‘i Hoe is now open for all eligible competitors, bringing together elite paddlers from the Junior level to 65 years and over.

Two weeks of inter-island paddling launches with the world’s greatest female paddlers in the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai Championship race on Sept. 27. Two weeks later on Oct. 11, 2026, the men answer the call with the Molokai Hoe.…