Cade Watanabe News Today

West Maui is open to tourism after August wildfires devastated Lahaina. Residents are trying to find an equilibrium between meeting pressing economic needs and caring for each other.

When Hawaii was in its 2021 COVID crisis, it was no surprise that people would lose their jobs.

Hotels in West Maui are fuller than others across Maui but the combination of wildfire evacuees and workers from the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and other relief organizations means some tourist-oriented hotel operations are shuttered and reduced, affecting hotel workers — many of whom rely on tips.

Two months after wildfires tore across the Hawaiian island, it remains unclear whether survivors will receive unemployment payments if they’re too traumatized to work. The August wildfires killed 98 people and destroyed 2,200 structures.

Two months after the deadly Maui wildfires, widespread confusion and uncertainty continue over whether survivors will be denied weekly unemployment payments if they’re too traumatized to work.

The names of 40 of the 115 confirmed dead so far — with many more to be identified — to a certain degree reflect the town’s character and history.

The center has been told to prepare to host evacuees for at least 24-hours, but possibly up to 48-hours.

Hawaii's hotel industry could face another strike next summer unless things change according to the union that represents thousands of hotel workers.

City officials could appeal to a higher court or find some way to compromise with property owners who rent their places for fewer than 90 days.

Nearly 6,000 union hotel workers in Hawaii are now working without a contract. UNITE HERE! Local 5 wants the hotels to bring back services and staff to pre-pandemic levels.