Questions swirl over whether wildfire relief aid will pay tab for Maui mayor’s enhanced security
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s enhanced security detail cost approximately $115,000 for a six-week period after the devastating wildfires and, HNN Investigates has learned, federal relief aid designated for victims could be used to pay for the protection. State investigators instead of Maui County police officers provided the law enforcement officers. HNN […]
Read More
Maui wildfire survivors camp on the beach to push mayor to convert vacation rentals into housing
LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — A group of Lahaina wildfire survivors is vowing to camp on a popular resort beach until the mayor uses his emergency powers to shut down unpermitted vacation rentals and make the properties available for residents in desperate need of housing. Organizers with the group Lahaina Strong are focusing on 2,500 vacation […]
Read More
Maui mayor had to recuse himself from HECO suit because his daughter works for utility
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Mayor Rick Bissen was not involved in Maui County’s decision to sue Hawaiian Electric because his daughter, Sayble Bissen, works for the utility on the island. “With regards to the conflict, the mayor, out of an abundance of caution and to avoid the appearance of impropriety because of family ties within HECO, […]
Read More
850 people are still missing after Maui wildfires, mayor says
As of Monday morning, 850 people are still listed as missing after the the deadly Lahaina wildfire, Hawaii officials said, citing data compiled by the FBI and local authorities. In a video posted on social media, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said 114 people have been confirmed dead, 27 have been identified and 11 families […]
Read More
SF Mayor London Breed was on Maui when wildfires broke out
Breed was on a “personal trip,” her office said, and she has since relocated to the island of Oahu. “The Governor of Hawaii issued an order encouraging all visitors to depart the island,” Breed’s office wrote in a statement. “[Breed] has left the island and is now on Oahu. The Mayor was never in danger. This […]
Read More
Maui County building evacuated after mayor’s office receives ‘troubling’ call
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Authorities evacuated the Maui County building and surrounding areas on Wednesday after police said someone called in a threat. Police said just before 9:30 a.m., the mayor’s office received a “troubling” call. Officials evacuated employees and the public from Kalana O Maui and adjacent buildings. Officers searched the area, then let people […]
Read More
At inauguration ceremony, Maui’s new mayor pledges fiscal responsibility
WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – More than 1,000 people filled Castle Theater at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on Monday evening for the public inauguration of Richard Bissen. The former judge also promised his community he will prioritize collaboration. “We like to talk about having a seat at the table for everyone. Often times, it may […]
Read More
Sparks fly in contentious debate as Maui mayoral candidates vie for votes
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County’s race for mayor is turning into the most contentious in the state. In a debate Saturday night organized by Akaku Maui Community Media, incumbent Mayor Mike Victorino defended his record while retired Judge Richard Bissen accused Victorino of being a passive mayor. “I’ve been here 14 years and we’ve been […]
Read More
No clear front runner in crowded Maui mayor race say political analysts
WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the hottest races this election will be in Maui County. Current mayor Michael Victorino is facing three high-profile challengers and four lesser-known candidates. Political analysts said there is no clear frontrunner. “For political junkies like myself and other people, it’s an exciting primary and I’m looking forward to it, like […]
Read More