Arrival and Dedication of MFD's 3 New Apparatus and Blessing of MFD Joint Training Center in Kahului
This past March, three new fire apparatus and the newly remodeled Joint Training Center were blessed in Kahului, at the Joint Training Center. The apparatus includes Wailuku’s Engine 1 “Kahekili,” replacing the unit lost in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, Hāna’s Tanker 7 “Ka ua Lanihaʻahaʻa,” and Kahului’s Hazmat 10 “Kilohanaola.” The blessing was conducted by retired Maui Fire Department Battalion Chief and now MEMA Administrator, Amos Lonokailua-Hewett.
The Joint Training Center was developed as a vision to provide more comprehensive training for our MFD first responders. Collaborative public-public efforts by the State DOT & County made it possible to overhaul this old site, plan, renovate, and build out the training facility.
  Kahekili and crew
The Dedication and Completion of Pu'unene Avenue in Kahului
Just 17 months after breaking ground, the State Department of Transportation's Pu'unene Road Expansion project is complete. On Friday, April 17, State and County officials gathered to witness the completion and participate in the dedication of the updated Pu'unene Avenue.
The newly improved Pu'unene Avenue expands the road to four lanes between Wakea Ave. and Kuihelani Hwy. Designed to increase roadway safety and enhance freight and vehicle circulation, the project includes dedicated bike lanes, ADA‑compliant sidewalks, upgraded drainage, modernized traffic signals and lighting, and the incorporation of sustainable landscaping with native, drought‑tolerant plants.
  Pu'unene Avenue Dedication April 2026
Blessing of Hale o Pi'ikea in Kihei
In April - Hale of Pi'ikea, affordable & senior housing in Kihei opened its doors as the completion of Phase III came to a close. Hale o Pi'ikea broke ground in 2023, and began construction in late 2023, at a most critical time - immediately following the 2023 wildfires. The blessing of Hale o Pi'ikea arrives at just 2 1/2 years after the start of construction and marks a huge milestone for public/private development on Maui.
Facts about Hale o Pi'ikea:
- 223 rental units for families, individuals, and kupuna
- Offers additional public amenities and work/study spaces to offset private spaces
- Serves households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income
Hale o Pi'ikea is managed by Mark Development Hawaii. Visit their site for information on waitlists and applications.
 Blessing by Kumu Leiohu Ryder
 Completed Hale of Pi'ikea, April 2026
Western Interstate Region Conference (WIR) on Maui
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus issues facing our Western Region and our residents.
Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the seventeen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and exchange ideas and tools to address challenges.
Years before her passing, the late Councilmember Kama requested and encouraged her colleagues to bring WIR to Maui. This past May 'WIR on Maui 2026' happened on the shores of Ka'anapali hosted by the Hyatt Regency Maui. This year's WIR event on Maui yielded nearly 700 registrants from all across the Western region, which to date is the most attended WIR event ever recorded.
On the third day of the event, the National Association of Native County Leaders & Allies (NANCLA) held a sunrise tribute in honor of the late Councilmember Tasha Kama. Prior to her passing, Councilmember Kama proudly served as NANCLA’s Vice-Chair, helping to advance Native leadership and advocacy at the county level. The tribute featured the Manaiakalani sailing canoe and flower ceremony, organized by Councilmember Shane Sinenci, his staff, and the Office of Council Services team, celebrating her legacy of service, leadership, and aloha.
Article: WIR meeting focuses on disaster recovery following Maui wildfire
 Commissioner Irene Fernando, Councilmember Batangan, Supervisor Lena Fowler, Executive Assistant Evan Dust
 Tribute Ceremony, Manaiakalani, Councilmember Shane Sinenci
2026 Visitor Industry Charity Walk Gives Opportunity for Connection and Public Service
This past May the 47th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk brought nearly 2,000 participants out for the annual early morning Taiko drums and walk around Kahului. Councilmember Batangan was privileged with the opportunity to kick-off the Charity Walk with special opening remarks and the official event blessing.
This year's charity walk yielded more than $1.6 million that will benefit more than 74 Maui County nonprofit organizations - all money raised by the Charity Walk will remain in Maui County.
 Hale Pilina on the Rise
Hale Pilina, Catholic Charitie's 386-unit affordable housing project in central Maui is taking shape. Despite the project experiencing a number of rain out days in the past couple of months, we are pleased to report there are no damages to the build and completion of the project is generally on target for the end of 2027.
Facts about Hale Pilina:
- 4 Buildings consisting of 178 family units, 89 1-bedroom and 89 2-bedroom units for rent between 30-60% AMI
- 263 parking stalls, 2 multi-purpose community rooms, playground, and perimeter fence
- Broke ground in May 2025 and expected to be completed between Q2-Q3 of 2027
- Waitlist priority will be given to those impacted by Maui wildfires for 2 years from completion
REMINDER: Townhall Tonight
Pomaika'i Elementary School Cafeteria
 
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