All articles tagged with #maui
The PGA Tour has canceled The Sentry tournament at Kapalua, Maui in 2026 due to severe drought and water restrictions, which also threaten the local economy and charitable contributions that the event supports, highlighting ongoing water management issues and their broader community impacts.
Recent studies reveal that the health toll of the Maui and LA wildfires extends beyond immediate fatalities, with significant increases in lung damage, mental health issues, and indirect deaths such as suicides and overdoses, highlighting the extensive and lasting human health impacts of these climate-driven disasters.
Maui firefighters are battling a brush fire near Kaanapali, Hawaii, which is slowly being contained, leading to road closures and smoke impacting the area, just miles from the site of the devastating Lahaina wildfires two years ago.
A brushfire in Maui, Hawaii, rapidly expanded to 500 acres prompting evacuations and a state of emergency, with no injuries reported. The fire, known as the Kahikinui fire, is in a sparsely populated area and follows devastating wildfires in 2023 that caused significant destruction and loss of life. Authorities have activated emergency protocols and the National Guard to assist with containment and response.
Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as Maui in the live-action adaptation of Disney's 'Moana,' using a bodysuit to achieve the demigod's iconic physique. Despite his naturally muscular build, Johnson confirmed the use of the suit to enhance his appearance for the role, which required hours of preparation each day. The film, directed by Thomas Kail, is scheduled for release in 2026, with newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia playing Moana. Johnson expressed the unique challenge of embodying Maui in a live-action format compared to the animated films.
Dwayne Johnson confirmed he is wearing a bodysuit to portray the demigod Maui in the upcoming live-action adaptation of "Moana." This revelation came after leaked set photos sparked online debate about his physique. Johnson explained that the suit helps achieve Maui's muscular build and intricate tattoos, requiring hours of preparation each day. The live-action film is set for a summer 2026 release, while "Moana 2," the animated sequel, is currently performing well at the box office.
Disney's live-action remake of "Moana" is underway, featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, marking a unique move for Disney as the original film is only eight years old. A new set photo reveals Johnson's look as Maui, showing the use of prosthetics to achieve the character's animated physique. The film, set to release on July 10, 2026, aims to capture the charm of the original, with Johnson's portrayal of Maui being a key focus for fans and filmmakers alike.
Investigations into the Maui wildfires last August reveal a series of failures in planning and infrastructure, including downed power lines, blocked evacuation routes, and poor communications, which allowed the blazes to grow into a monstrous conflagration, killing at least 101 people and destroying 2,200 structures. Reports commissioned by the Hawaii attorney general and the Western Fire Chiefs Association highlight issues such as failed pipes, low water pressure, overwhelmed emergency responders, and communication breakdowns. These problems were exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and invasive grasses, fueled by climate change and historical land use. Multiple investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and provide recommendations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
A new report by the Hawaii attorney general's office reveals that Hawaiian Electric did not respond promptly to alerts of its power lines breaking before the deadly Maui fire last August, with a utility worker arriving on scene hours after the initial alert. The report raises questions about how the utility and public agencies handled the fire, emphasizing the link between hurricanes and wildfires. The investigation also highlights deficiencies in emergency response, including understaffing and lack of preparedness, while lawsuits and subpoenas continue to seek answers about the disaster.
Two reports released this week shed light on the factors contributing to the deadly wildfires on Maui last August, including communication breakdowns, lack of disaster preparedness, and unprecedented weather conditions. The Maui Fire Department's ill-preparedness and insufficient resources were highlighted, with recommendations for creating new evacuation routes and improving communication systems. The reports also emphasized the need to learn from the tragedy, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and build more resilient communities to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.
A report from Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has highlighted Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen's response to the devastating wildfire last summer, raising questions about his actions during the crisis. The report revealed delays in declaring an emergency and lack of communication with state officials, as the fire ravaged Lahaina, killing over 100 people and causing billions of dollars in economic loss. Former officials have criticized the government's response as negligent, while Bissen has acknowledged the investigation and emphasized his commitment to aiding Lahaina's recovery.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez released findings from an investigation into the deadly Maui wildfires, which killed at least 101 people and caused extensive destruction. The report details the timeline of events and factors contributing to the fires, but does not address their cause. Local agencies and companies have faced scrutiny for their response to the wildfires, with Hawaiian Electric defending itself against allegations of fault. Lawsuits have been filed against the company, Maui County, and the state of Hawaii, alleging negligence and wrongful conduct. The Maui Fire Department's after-action report did not mention the cause of the wildfires, as it is still under investigation. Recommendations for future fire response efforts, including the need for more firefighting equipment and an evacuation plan, have been made.
An analysis of the deadly wildfire that overtook the town of Lahaina in Hawaii last year revealed that the Maui Fire Department did little to prepare crews in areas at risk despite warnings of high wildfire danger, leading to delays of up to an hour in deploying them to the fire lines as workers struggled to gather equipment for their vehicles. The after-action report highlighted the decision to pursue minimal upstaffing and prepositioning of resources despite dire weather alerts, and recommended the use of new technology to monitor potential fire danger and position firefighters and equipment in high-risk areas.
After the devastating Lahaina fire, a community in Maui is facing the challenge of rebuilding and preventing speculators and developers from altering the local landscape. In response, community members are working on establishing a nonprofit community land trust to purchase properties and maintain affordability for local residents. This model, already used in other disaster-affected areas, aims to preserve housing affordability and cultural value while addressing the post-disaster housing market pressures.
Hawaii's tourism industry is facing challenges as residents experience visitor fatigue and businesses struggle to make ends meet. The Maui Mauka Conservation Awareness Training (MMCAT) aims to educate tour guides on the importance of conservation and responsible tourism. The program covers topics such as native species, forest bird recovery, invasive species, and sustainable tourism. While initially focused on Maui, the program could serve as a model for other islands if given the necessary support and funding.