Outrigger Resorts & Hotels finalized its acquisition of the iconic Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel on Wednesday. The 11-acre, 432-room property is now rebranded as Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort. 

This purchase heralds a new chapter in Outrigger’s global effort of delivering luxury and hospitality across Hawaiʻi, Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand and the Maldives. 

“As a Hawai‘i-based company for 75 years, we have cultivated a profound appreciation for this enchanting place and its people,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group in a news release. “We understand the responsibility of being exceptional stewards of this treasured land and embrace the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence at this extraordinary property. The Kā‘anapali Resort area is undeniably a sought-after destination, captivating travelers from across the globe with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We are committed to elevating this experience to new heights while being a collaborative community partner.”

The property’s Huihui restaurant, officially closed operations on Tuesday, after a two year run. In an Instagram post, the restaurant bid farewell to a loyal customer base saying: “As the voyage comes to an end, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our customers and our entire team for allowing Huihui to be a part of your lives.”

Outrigger today announced that Maui Brewing Co. will be the primary restaurant at the Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort.

“Set to open later this summer, the beachfront space will further enhance the allure of the resort, offering a family-friendly dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as live music,” according to the Outrigger announcement.

According to the Outrigger announcement, the resort plans to continue providing cultural programming for all guests, as well as sustainability measures to protect and preserve the shores of Kā‘anapali Beach.

The company’s global Outrigger Zone initiative includes offering complimentary reef-safe sunscreen from its partner Raw Elements, as well as metal water bottles and reusable bags at check-in for guests to practice sustainability. 

Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort will be added to the company’s Outrigger Discovery loyalty program, which rewards guests with exclusive member rates and Discovery Dollars for staying at Outrigger, as well as more than 800 hotels in the GHA Discovery portfolio.

For more information, visit outrigger.com.

The Maui Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with any information on the whereabouts of Sarah Connelly, 30, of Washington state.

Connelly was reported missing on Tuesday evening, July 25, 2023, by her family, who has not heard from her since Friday morning, July 21, 2023.

Connelly was scheduled to depart for California on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, but decided to extend her stay in Maui County, according to Maui police.

It is believed that Connelly is on foot, as it is unknown if she has access to a rental vehicle. Calls to Connelly’s cell phone have proven unsuccessful, and her family is concerned for her well-being as the lack of contact with anyone is out of character for her, according to police.

Connelly is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs about 150 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo of a flower on her ankle and unknown writing on her right shoulder blade area. It is unknown what type of clothing she was last wearing.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Connelly, is asked to contact the Maui Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-244-6400; if it’s an emergency, dial 911 and refer to MPD report #23-022754.

• 
  Kahu Wayne Higa blesses two apartment units Tuesday at Hale Makana O Waiale.
• 
  Kahu Wayne Higa blesses two apartment units Tuesday at Hale Makana O Waiale.
• 
  Hale Makana O Waiale blessing.
• 
  Kahu Wayne Higa blesses two apartment units Tuesday at Hale Makana O Waiale.

Two apartments that had been destroyed during an accidental fire in June 2022 at the Hale Makana O Waiale complex, have since been restored.

The complex, operated by Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers in Wailuku, houses approximately 1,400 people in 200 affordable, low-income units.

“It was painful to experience this fire that temporarily displaced two households and took the life of a service dog. Thankfully, none of our residents suffered any physical injuries,” said Executive Director Monique R. Ibarra during a blessing event on Tuesday. “Now, we have these beautifully restored units, and I’m very grateful to everyone who put in such hard work to make these apartments like-new, and ready for occupancy.”

The complex, located on 12 acres, has 30 low-rise buildings with 24 studio units, 128 two-bedroom units, 32 three-bedroom units and 16 four-bedroom units. The two apartments destroyed by fire were two-bedroom units on the first and second floors of a building.

The apartment complex also has a community center, laundry facilities and a three-acre park operated by Maui County.

To qualify for a unit, all applicants must apply in person and earn 50% or less than the Maui County area median income for their household size. Households also must demonstrate that they earn at least twice the monthly rent for a unit, although Section 8 voucher holders are waived from this requirement.

For more information about Ka Hale A Ke Ola housing programs, visit https://www.khako.org/programs/housing/.

Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services and shelter to individuals and families experiencing homelessness on the island of Maui. With a commitment to empowering individuals and fostering self-sufficiency, the agency offers a range of programs and support services to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing and a brighter future.

For more information, visit www.khako.org, email info@khako.org or call the Central Maui Center at 808-242-7600 or the Westside Center at 808-662-0076.

“Paper Chase,” a documentary film that delves into the history of Japanese-American news media, will be screened on Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Free showings are scheduled for 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. at the center located at 665 Kahului Beach Road.

Seating is limited. For reservations, call 808-244-6862 by 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

Presented by the Zentoku Foundation, “Paper Chase” (2021) unveils the remarkable, yet relatively unknown, story of Japanese and Japanese-American journalists who have chronicled the Japanese immigrant community’s experiences in the United States and Canada since the late 1800s. These publications have played a vital role in bringing together Japanese communities and celebrating their shared heritage.

The Zentoku Foundation, dedicated to promoting and strengthening Japanese-American culture, seeks to create pathways for each generation to connect with one another. Through “Paper Chase,” the foundation shares inspiring stories that shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the Japanese-American community.

One of the prominent publications featured in the documentary is the Rafu Shimpo, the nation’s leading Japanese-American newspaper. Since its establishment in 1903 in Little Tokyo, in downtown Los Angeles, the Rafu Shimpo has been a trusted source of news and information for the Japanese-American community.

The executive producer of “Paper Chase” is Ellen Endo, former managing editor of the Rafu Shimpo. She will attend the NVMC showing in person and take questions from the audience following the presentation.

Reflecting on the history of Japanese immigrants, Endo tells how early immigrants dispersed across North America, with some working in farming and others on railroads. As she states on discovernikkei.org: Japanese newspapers began to emerge in different regions, initially publishing news from Japan but soon evolving into a vital resource for the community’s needs, such as job opportunities and housing options.

These Japanese publications focused on news that often went overlooked or ignored by mainstream media. However, in today’s digital and social media-dominated landscape, Japanese media outlets, including the Hawaii Herald, The Rafu Shimpo, Chicago Shimpo, North American Post, Nikkei West, and Nichi Bei Weekly, face significant challenges to their survival.

The Hawaii Herald, which traces its roots back to 1912 when Fred Kinzaburo Makino founded the Hawaii Hochi to serve the Japanese community, has had its own transformative journey. In 1942, following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, the publication changed its name to be more “American.”

“Paper Chase” is an extraordinary testament to the resilience and perseverance of Japanese-American news media throughout history. By bringing this documentary to the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, the Zentoku Foundation honors the legacy of Japanese-American journalism and aims to inspire future generations.

The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center ignites the potential in people by inspiring them to find the hero in themselves through the legacy of the Nisei Veterans. NVMC owns and manages an intergenerational campus on “Go For Broke Place” in Kahului that serves as a home for Kansha Preschool, Maui Adult Day Care Center’s Oceanview facility, the Stanley Izumigawa Resource Center, the NVMC Education Center and Archives. To learn more, visit www.nvmc.org.

Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke Building Program received a grant award totaling $300,000 that will support the Native Hawaiian community through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 

Program representatives say the grant will help to reinforce and strengthen Native Hawaiians ‘ohana (family), moʻomeheu (culture), and ʻāina (land and water) while also providing support to increase Economic Stability.

Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke will use the funds over the next two years, “to provide Native Hawaiian youth with a way to learn that makes sense to them, builds their self-esteem, and shows them that they have the power to change their future,” specifically through its initiative entitled I Kū Nā Loea.

“Through I Kū Nā Loea, we hope to provide comprehensive job-readiness training in vocational fields that will prepare our youth to increase their economic prospects,” said Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke’s Executive Director, Lipoa Kahaleuahi. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to offer Native Hawaiian youth in East Maui culturally relevant vocational training activities that will prepare them to pursue higher- wage careers in our community.”

“To increase the employability of Native Hawaiian youth, this project will combine vocational training for our educators and students while incorporating Hawaiian Language instruction into the vocational training fields,” said Viliami Tukaufu, who will support financial literacy efforts associated with the project. “By doing so, we will prepare for a bilingual workforce that will reflect our community and the haumāna in the Kula Kaiapuni Hawaiian Immersion program at Hāna School.”

Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke is an award-winning vocational training program for K-12 youth and graduates in Hāna, Maui. The program’s approach is to teach academic subjects through real-life, hands-on application, where students can understand the concepts they’re learning through tangible examples. Projects meet real school and community needs, so students’ education immediately serves those whose lives it touches. 

Learn more at hanabuild.org.

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu will conduct mobile outreach on Maui for passport renewal, dual citizenship oath ceremonies, and other consular services Aug. 11 to 13 at the County of Maui’s Kaunoa Senior Services campus at 401 Alakapa Place in Pāʻia.

Passports can be renewed six months before their expiration. Appointments for single or group reservations can be made at www.passport.gov.ph. All applicants, regardless of age, must register for an appointment.

For those interested in applying for dual citizenship, the deadline to email applications and supporting documents for evaluation is July 31. Applications can be emailed to Honolulu.pcg@dfa.gov.ph.

For more information, or for application and appointment assistance, call the County of Maui Immigrant Services Division at 808-270-7791.

There also are plenty of other choices for things to do on Maui this upcoming week, including jazz festivals in Kīhei and Kula, the multi-talented Hawaiian island singer Anuhea and the Tony award-winning musical comedy “Something Rotten.”

Check out the Top 20 list below. And for a comprehensive list of upcoming events – concerts, shows, entertainment, community events and outdoor/farmers markets – for this week and beyond, click here.

No. 1 — Iliza’s “Hard Feelings Tour” (July 27, Kahului)

Raucously funny Iliza Shlesinger starts her 2023 U.S. on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the he Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. She is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and author, selling out theaters around the globe with a devoted fan base who are known for creating their own Iliza-inspired swag to wear to her shows.

Her specials include “Unveiled,” “Confirmed Kills,” “Freezing Hot” and “War Paint.” She also appeared in the critically acclaimed indie drama “Pieces of a Woman” with Vanessa Kirby.

For more information, go to MauiArts.org The MACC Box Office is not open for window sales but is available for ticketing inquiries only Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by phone at 808-242-7469 or email boxoffice@mauiarts.org.

No. 2 — Anuhea Unplugged at da Playground Maui (July 29, Māʻalaea)

Multi-faceted Hawaiian island singer Anuhea performs unplugged at da Playground Maui on Saturday at 9 p.m. Her eclectic music style blends reggae, pop, R&B and country into a fresh island-influenced sound. She has received a number of awards, including the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2019.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Parking is free after 5 p.m. For more information, including tickets, go to daplaygroundmaui.com or to the ticketing website or call 808-727-2571.

No. 3 — Jimi Hendrix Rainbow Bridge Celebration (July 29, Pāʻia)

The annual Jimi Hendrix Rainbow Bridge Celebration takes place at 137 Hana Highway in Pāʻia on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be seven blues rock bands, including band members Benny Uyetake, Arii Cotter, Duke Gadd, Joey Reyes, Steve Morris, Les Potts, Captain Fantasy, and Rosalind Starchild’s Electric Church Band.

The music is a tribute to singer and fiery guitarist Jimi Hendrix who held a legendary Rainbow Bridge concert in a pasture in Upcountry Maui in 1970. The concert, a tribute honoring Hendrix’s legacy, is sponsored by Rosalind Starchild’s Electric Church Maui. For more information, contract Starchild at 808-572-1000.

No. 4 — Jimmy Vivino featured at Kīhei Charter School benefit (July 29, Kīhei)

Jazz Maui presents the Fourth Annual Jazz Blues and Beyond Festival Concert for the benefit of Kīhei Charter School and featuring singer-music director from the Conan O’Brien Show Jimmy Vivino and an all-star line-up.

The festival concert, starting at 5 p.m., also includes food booths, an art hale and a designated dance area. It features multi-talented singer Sheryl Renee as well as “Long Tall Deb” Lendolt and bluesman Colin John.

For more information, go to sherylrenee.com and longtalldeb.com Doors open at 4:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit JazzMaui.org or text: 808-283-3576.

No. 5 — Maui Jazz & Blues Festival (July 30, Kula)

Grammy-nominated Mark Johnstone and Lenny Castellanos are among music artists performing at the Maui Jazz & Blues Festival at Ocean Organic Vodka farm distillery in Kula on Sunday from 1:30 to 7 p.m.

The free admission festival with a mountain view of the valley also includes artists Dr. Nat, saxophonist Joie Yasha and Benny Uyetake. Sponsors include Mokulele Airlines and Bounty Music.

No. 6 – Maui Bon dance season (July 28 & 29, Wailuku)

The Bon dance season continues on Maui through September, with a bon dance at the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission at 1828 Vineyard Street on Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m.

It’s a time when Japanese and other Buddhists commemorate and reunite with deceased ancestors. It’s believed that ancestral spirits visit their relatives, then return to their afterlife. The Bon dance is a celebration of this season, with a mixture of Hawaii influences. Buddhist members sell a variety of island food. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 808-244-0406.

No. 7 — Ledward Kaapana at Slack Key Show (Aug. 2, Napili)

Multiple Grammy winner George Kahumoku performs with featured guest Ledward Kaapana on Aug. 2 from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at the Slack Key Show at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Kaapana is a master of the slack key and plays seemingly effortlessly, singing and sharing his stories. He’s developed a loyal following of “Led Heads.”

Kaapana, who has performed on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium stage, began his career with his twin brother Nedward and falsetto master Dennis Pavao in the trio Hui O Hana. He formed his own recording company and earned a Grammy nomination for an album with Mike Kaawa in 2009. Kaapana and Kaawa received the Favorite Entertainer Award at the 2009 Nā Hōkū Hanohano. For more information, go to the slackkeyshow.com

No. 8 — Kīhei 4th Friday at Azeka Place Shopping Center Mauka (July 28, Kīhei)

Nuff Sedd, Molokaʻi Boys and Dale Kapua are among the live entertainment at this month’s Kīhei 4th Friday at Azeka Place Shopping Center Mauka from about 6 to 9 p.m.Parking is at Azeka Makai in the Kīhei shopping plaza.

There will be a dozen food trucks and craft vendors, as well as the indoor restaurants and gift shops. There’s also a keiki zone with free face painting and balloon twisting, 4 kids Quick Science along with T-Rex the realistic dinosaur, games and hula hoops. For more information, go to www.kiheifridays.com or www.facebook.com/kiheifridays.

No. 9 — CD release by Randall Rospond (July 29, Pāʻia)

Singer-songwriter Randall Rospond is having a CD release party for his new album “Looking Back… the Music of Randall Rospond” at the Pāʻia Bay Coffee Bar on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Rospond’s music is described as “funky, groovin’ poetic folk.” He plays guitar and harmonica, and has opened concerts for Leon Russell, John Prine and Jackson Brown. He plays regularly at South Shore Tiki and Maui Brews. He also has a monthly radio program on Manaʻo Radio. For more information, go to RandallRospond.com.

No. 10 – Mailani Makainai at The Shops (July 28, Wailea)

Hawaiian songwriter-singer Mailani Makainai performs a benefit concert at The Shops at Wailea on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. as part of the Ke Kai Hone O Wailea concert series.

The concert supports the the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui – an organization that has been healing children of abuse and neglect in Maui County for 33 years. Guests at the concert can donate, learn how to volunteer, and receive more information about the organization.

Makainai started her professional career in Hawaiʻi as a backup singer for her cousin’s reggae group, Soulfree. In 2009, she began focusing her artistry on her Hawaiian identity, writing and recording Hawaiian music, including “Hawaii Nui Kualii.” Makainai is currently in the studio writing, performing weekly to keep her voice warm, and sharing Hawaiian culture, music and stories wherever she goes. For more information, visit theshopsatwailea.com.

No. 11 – The House Shakers at Fleetwood’s (July 27-28, Lahaina)

The House Shakers with bassist-singer Lenny Castellanos performs classic rock and blues at Fleetwood’s on Front Street on Thursday and Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Castellanos is a member of Mick Fleetwood’s Grammy nominated blues band.

Others performing include Kenny Geiser on guitar and Paul Marchetti on drums. Coming up fast is the 11th year anniversary of the restaurant on Aug. 15 and 16 featuring Mick and his House of Rumors Band with Gretchen Rose and Eric Gilliom. For more information, including tickets, go to fleetwoodsonfrontst.com.

No. 12 – Jeff Helmer & Friends at Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory (July 30, Lahaina)

Jazz pianist Jeff Helmer & Friends perform a youth music benefit at the Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory at 78 Ulupono Street on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Jazz Maui, a branch of the nonprofit Arts Education for Children Group, provides opportunities for participation for Maui youths at school workshops.

Helmer has led performances of his band at the North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festivals and has appeared with jazz masters Christ Potter, Joshua Redman, John Clayton and Kenny Garrett. He was the long-time director of the Texas Jazz Orchestra. He’ll be performing with bassist Marcus Johnson, drummer Paul Marchetti and multi-talented Paul January.

Attendees at the Chocolate Factory concert must be 21 or older and have a valid photo ID. Advance ticket purchase is required and tickets are available at Maui Chocolate Tour or JazzMaui.org.

No. 13 – Musical comedy “Something Rotten” (July 28-30, Wailuku)

Audience comments have been very good for the Maui production of the Tony award-winning musical comedy “Something Rotten,” which continues on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the ʻĪao Theater. When it opened in 2015 in New York, the musical comedy had 708 performances on Broadway. Time Out New York said: “It funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years.”

Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, “Something Rotten” takes place in 1590 during the Renaissance, and brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of the Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” The answer — the world’s very first musical.

The Maui production has more than 20 singers and actors along with a seven-piece orchestra. Maui theatrical producer Vinnie Linares said the production is “highly amusing” and “magical.” Tickets at MauiOnstage.com

No. 14— Kūikawā at Baldwin Home Museum lawn (July 27, Lahaina)

The Hawaiian music trio Kūikawā performs a free concert at the Baldwin Home Museum lawn Thursday at 6 p.m. Trio members include Joshua Kulhavy-Sutherland, James “Koakāne” Mattos and Lukela Kanae.

They met in 2016 during their studies at the Institute of Hawaiian Music of the University of Hawaiʻi and began playing their favorite songs inspired by their idols, Makaha Songs of Ni’ihau and Brothers Cazimero. The three released their debut album “Kūikawā” in 2019. For more information, go to lahainarestoration.org

No. 15 — Island Soul dance band at Mulligans On The Blue (July 30, Wailea)

Island Soul performs dance hits from the 1970s up until now at Mulligans On The Blue on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Missy Aguilar sings, with George Tavoularis on keyboards, R.E. Meoyer on guitar and vocals, James Somera on drums and Jay Molina on bass and vocals. For reservations, including cover, call 808-874-1131.

No. 16 – Mark Johnstone & Friends (July 29, Pāʻia)

Pianist-singer Mark Johnstone & Friends perform at Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Pāʻia Bay Coffee & Bar on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Johnstone is a member of Mick Fleetwood’s Blues Band and The Island Rumors Band. He has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, John Mayall, Michael MaConald and Alice Cooper. For more information, call the restaurant, located next to the old Charlie’s Restaurant, at 808-579-3111.

No. 17 — Damien Awai at Halekava (July 27 & 29, Lahaina & Kihei)

Singer-songwriter Damien Awai performs at Halekava at 602 Front Street in Lahaina on Thursday and at 1794 South Kīhei Road in Kīhei on Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m.

His songs are “organic island music,” including Rainforest Reggae. His website is damienawai.com. For more information, go to halekava.com or call 808-344-0427.

No. 18 – Juried exhibit at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (July-Aug. 26, Kahului)

A juried exhibit of art from 38 Hawaiʻi artists continues through Aug. 26 at the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. More than a third of the selected artists in the MACC Biennial 2023 are from Maui. Admission is free.

The works include photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, textile, mixed media and installation. Artists include Sally French, Barclay Hill, Joyce Jeffers, Meleanna Aluli Meyer and Abigail Romanchak.

Schaefer International Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and before select performances in the Castle Theater and Yokouchi Pavilion. For more information, go to MauiArts.org.

No. 19 — Pianist-singer Louise Lambert at Sargent’s Fine Art & Jewelry (July 28 & 29, Lahaina)

Pianist-singer Louise Lambert performs at Sargent’s Fine Art & Jewelry in Lahaina on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. This week’s featured artist is Arcade LaTour — “Born of Fire.”

Lambert is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner. For more information, go to sargentsfineart.com or louiselambert.com.

No. 20 — Maui Ocean Center’s marine exhibit (Daily, Māʻalaea)

Maui Ocean Center has Hawaiʻi’s largest salt water tank with views of ocean animals including fish, multiple species of sharks and rays swimming above and below the surface. Admission includes a 3D film sphere experience of the magnificent humpback whales that frequent Hawaiʻi’s waters.

There are also exhibits on Hawaiian culture, science exhibits and a children’s activity area. For more information, go to MauiOceanCenter.com.

Editorʻs Note: Send inquiries or event listings with attached photographs about Maui Entertainment, Arts and Community events to garytkubota@gmail.com. To add events directly to the Maui Now Events Calendar, click here.

The continuing shortage of qualified school bus drivers statewide will completely or partially suspend bus transportation services at ten of Oʻahu’s 24 high schools and four schools on Kauaʻi when the new school year begins for students on Monday, Aug. 7.

The high schools listed below will rely heavily on county bus systems for student transportation in School Year 2023-24:

Oʻahu

• ʻAiea High  
• Campbell High (3 of 4 school bus routes suspended)
• Castle High 
• Kailua High 
• Kapolei High 
• Mililani High
• Nānākuli High & Intermediate (all high school bus routes suspended, intermediate school routes will continue) 
• Pearl City High 
• Waiʻanae High 
• Waipahu High 

Kauaʻi

• Kapaʻa High
• Kapaʻa Middle
• Kapaʻa Elementary
• Hanalei Elementary

All students at these high schools will be provided with subsidized county bus passes to use TheBus on Oʻahu and Kauai Bus for transportation as part of the Expanding Ridership to Educate Students in Schools (EXPRESS) program. 

High school bus routes on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island have been modified due to the bus driver shortages, but school bus service will continue. School bus routes on Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are currently not affected. School bus routes on all islands are subject to change should further staffing shortages occur.

“The continued shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaiʻi and across the nation requires the temporary reduction of high school bus routes to ensure that bus services can continue for special education and younger students,” said Assistant Superintendent Randy Tanaka. “We ask our students and families for their continued patience and understanding and we truly appreciate the support of our county partners in making county bus routes a priority option for our students.”

Based on student ridership from the last school year, approximately 1,130 high school student bus riders will be impacted on Oʻahu and approximately 250 student bus riders on Kauaʻi. Among eight bus service contractors statewide, an estimated 226 additional drivers are needed to fully staff school bus routes. Over the last school year, 76 school bus drivers have vacated their positions.

Since the disruptions to the labor force in both Hawaiʻi and nationwide caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has reached out to mainland bus operators, tour bus operators, the National Guard and firefighters, among others, to recruit qualified bus drivers. All of these groups were unable to assist due to their own staffing shortages and liability issues. Bus service contractors are continuing to offer hiring bonuses, pay incentives and increased benefits to attract and recruit new drivers.

Families at impacted schools are being contacted by their respective school administrations with detailed route information and guidance.

The County of Maui’s roadway along rural Alelele Point in East Maui was reopened Tuesday, after the completion of infrastructure reinstallation that followed emergency slope scaling and rock debris removal.

“The road closure has had a significant impact on the lives of residents in the East Maui and Kaupō areas who have used the road for daily travel between theserural areas for work, home, animals and family caretaking duties,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “We appreciate their patience and resilience as our contractor completed the necessary work. We are also very grateful for the diligence and hard work of our Public Works staff and the crew members of contractor Prometheus Construction who worked seven days a week to enable a reopening that could occur as soon as safely possible. I’m pleased the work is done, the area is in a better stabilized condition, and we can return access to our residents.”

The reopening had been delayed by Tropical Storm Calvin last week and postponed material deliveries before Hawaiian Telcom completed the infrastructure reinstallation.

The narrow, remote roadway connecting the rural communities of Kīpahulu and Kaupō was closed in May due to safety issues in the wake of rockfall that obstructed the road and created hazardous conditions.

In June, more than 120 residents attended community meetings led by Mayor Bissen and Public Works Director Jordan Molina in Kīpahulu, Hāna and Kaupō to inform residents of the conditions and work planned.

Emergency slope scaling and rock debris removal by contractor Prometheus Construction Inc. started July 11, with crews removing about 2,300 tons of material – 800 tons more than initial projections. Crew members rappelled to remove loose boulders and other material along the slope, which extends nearly 300 feet high. Some boulders were up to 10 feet in diameter and weighed up to 22 tons.

As conditions permitted, residents received limited access starting July 11 during non-construction work hours.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Maui on Wednesday into Thursday, July 26-27, and Molokaʻi on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28, 2023.

While on Maui, the Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Kahului Airport, Maui Nui Venison, Kahului Civic Center, University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, and Maui utility sites. The visits will be made in conjunction with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and the Public Utilities Commission. 

This Maui visit will include presentations highlighting a need for inter-modality in airports, harbors, and highways, master plan improvements to facilitate regional economic development mobility plan and neighbor island connectivity, and Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement personnel expansion. 

On Thursday, July 27, The Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit the Haggai Institute and Kūlanihākoʻi High School. These site visits will be held in partnership with the Department of Education, County of Maui, and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. During the stop at Kūlanihākoʻi HS, the committee will be joined by the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to discuss the vision and future of Kahoʻolawe upon its transfer to a US and State-recognized Sovereign Entity.  

Section 6K-9, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes states, “Upon its return to the State, the resources and waters of Kaho‘olawe shall be held in trust as part of the public land trust; provided that the State shall transfer management and control of the island and its waters to the sovereign native Hawaiian entity upon its recognition by the United States and the State of Hawaii. All terms, conditions, agreements, and laws affecting the island, including any ongoing obligations relating to the clean-up of the island and its waters, shall remain in effect unless expressly terminated.” 

On Thursday and Friday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Molokaʻi Airport, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands homesteads in Hoʻolehua, and Kalaupapa. 

These visits will be a culmination of presentations and oversights of continued improvement projects in partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Education and DHHL.