Roll Call · Lahaina, HI
In an aerial view, a fire truck sits parked in a neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on Aug. 11, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. The performance of the FirstNet network during the Maui fires has partially led to calls for a revamp of its structure. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Allison Mollenkamp Posted November 12, 2026 at 7:00am, Updated at 6:30pm Supporters of the FirstNet program that provides emergency communications for first-responders still see hope for reauthorization this year, despite continued disagreements over what changes, if any, should be made to how the program is governed. A House-passed reauthorization bill would shift authority toward the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and away from the FirstNet board, which is made up in part by first-responders.
Maui Now · Wailuku, HI
Nearby: Wailuku, HIThe Maui Hotel & Lodging Association will have a first-ever four-person chairmanship for the Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk taking place on Saturday, May 15, 2027 at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. This new colleague-led committee was introduced by the MHLA board chair, Richard Elliott, General Manager of the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, to help support the continued growth of Hawaii’s largest single-day nonprofit fundraiser. “Maui Nui shares very strong and unique ties within its community,” said Richard Elliott. “The hotel properties and allied businesses are always excited to give back to this place, the home and heart for all of us. This year, Andaz is proud to lead this honor with four of our finest colleagues who truly embody what this industry is about.
Honolulu Civil Beat · Wailuku, HI
Nearby: Wailuku, HIThe charges had no apparent connection to homelessness: office space, laptops, food and drink — including beer. An oceanview condo in Wailuku. A parking ticket. Steel-toed boots. Jeans from Nordstrom Rack. But HomeAid, the state’s homeless contractor, billed Hawaiʻi taxpayers. And the state paid. State lawmakers got an earful at a briefing on Thursday and were left deeply dissatisfied with the answers provided by some of the key architects of the state kauhale program, Gov. Josh Green’s signature effort to address homelessness. “Is it fraud, or is it incompetence?” House Rep. Ikaika Olds asked the state leaders of the program, Joe Campos and Jun Yang. They didn’t answer. The state Senate briefing Thursday was the first opportunity lawmakers have had to pose direct questions after a scathing audit of the state’s management of the initiative identified more than $13 million in questionable or unauthorized payments through no-bid contracts with its sole provider, HomeAid Hawaiʻi.