Warm Holiday Wishes to Maui County 'Ohanas 🤙

Building Bridges: County Collaboration in Action

Earlier in July, Maui County attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference. NACo brought together local leaders from across the nation to share best practices, explore innovative policies, and discuss key issues that impact our communities. 

Big mahalo to the inspiring leaders, speakers, and attendees for sharing your visions and expertise.

Following NACo, the Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) Conference took place on the Big Island in September. 

With this year’s theme “Resilient Counties: Resilient Communities,” counties from across Hawaii came together, engaged in meaningful discussions, and shared insights in strengthening our collective commitment to Hawaiʻi’s future. 

A heartfelt thank you to the HSAC leadership team for creating a space for connection and partnership among Counties across our State.

Epic Comeback of the Maui County Fair this Fall

In early October, our community warmly welcomed the return of the Maui County Fair, marking its 98th year. After a long six-year hiatus, the fair drew a record breaking crowd of over 116,000 attendees over four fun-filled days. 

Huge thank you to the organizers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and everyone who helped bring the fair to life. And mahalo our Maui Nui ‘ohana; your aloha spirit made the Maui County Fair a joyful and memorable celebration for all. 

PC: Maui Photo Hub

Maui Charity Walk 2025: Record Breaking Turnout!

This year’s Maui Charity Walk absolutely blew us away with a record-breaking turnout; the most funds ever raised by the day-of-charity walk and the highest number of in-person participants in the event’s history!

A total of $1.7 million was raised and distributed to 76 local nonprofit organizations across Maui County.

Mahalo nui to the Maui Charity Walk team, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, our visitor industry partners, dedicated fundraisers, participants, and amazing volunteers. 

Your aloha continues to uplift and shape our Maui community.

DHHL Hawaiian Homestead Blessing, Maui Agricultural Lease Awards, and Maui Residential Project Lease Awards.

Maui Island celebrated three meaningful milestones with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in August, September, and November, of this year, advancing housing needs and agriculture opportunities to Maui families. 

In August, DHHL held a blessing ceremony for the Pu’uhona Homestead, welcoming families into the first homes of the project. 

The Pu’uhona Homestead project, launched in 2023, is planned to deliver 137 turn-key single-family homes and 24 vacant improved lots for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. With the mission to expand affordable housing, the DHHL Hawaiian homestead program continues to serve as a foundation for generation prosperity among Native Hawaiian families. 

Following the blessing, DHHL presented the Maui AG Project Lease Award in September. 

For the first time since the early 2000s, DHHL presented a total of 105 agricultural leases - 55 in Waiehu Mauka and 50 in the Honokōwai subdivisions. These awards help eligible beneficiaries cultivate a future in farming on Maui.

And in early November, the Maui Residential Project Lease Award Ceremony took place at Kamehameha Schools Maui.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Land issued more than 1,000 project leases across four subdivisions—Leialiʻi 1B, Waiehu Mauka, Wailuku Single-Family, and Kamalani—helping families shape their future homes and communities.

Big mahalo to the DHHL team and everyone behind the scenes for their dedication and positive impact in our community🤝🌺 And warm congratulations to all families and award recipients! 

Check out the DHHL website to learn more. https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/

PC: Department of Hawaiian Homelands, State of Hawaii

South Maui Community News

Reopening of Pi’ikea Avenue

After more than a year of closure, Pi’ikea Avenue officially reopened to the public in September! 

Pi’ikea Avenue received a much needed makeover with critical infrastructure upgrades, including new curbs and gutters, an improved storm drainage system, and underground utilities; key infrastructure improvements needed to to support the area’s continued growth. 

Mahalo to the community for your patience and aloha as we continue to work towards building a safer, stronger infrastructure and improved road conditions. 

LĪPOA Aloha Pickleball Courts Coming Soon!

Exciting news for local sports enthusiasts! With pickleball’s growing popularity in our community, the upcoming 18-court Aloha Pickleball complex in Līpoa will be a fantastic addition for us all. Aloha Pickleball Courts will offer a fresh space for players of all skill levels to connect, compete, and have fun.

It is planned to break ground in early 2026, so stay tuned for the official opening date!

Community Voices: FAQ from the Office Inbox

Councilmember Cook’s Office is dedicated to providing prompt and accurate information in response to questions or concerns brought to our attention from community members. To further this commitment, we’re launching a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) series—a quick and convenient resource for residents to access. 

Keep an eye out for the next FAQs on social media platforms, newsletter, and linktree. 

Our Office inbox is always open to community members for any questions, concerns, or inquiries. Please don’t hesitate to reach us at (808) 270-7108 or [email protected]