Community Corner

🌱 What new power will Wailuku’s senator wield at the Capitol in 2026?

Coming up on the Wailuku Patch calendar: Make That Sandwich

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday December 18th Patch AM
Thursday December 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Wailuku! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What new power will Wailuku’s senator wield at the Capitol in 2026?
  • Why wildfire settlement checks are stalled after a key Wailuku hearing
  • How a late-night Pukalani crash left a Wailuku woman badly hurt

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Wailukufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 83, low: 65.
  • Saturday: Increasing amounts of sun, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Maui senators weigh in on leadership roles for 2026 session : Maui Now (mauinow.com) — Wailuku residents’ state senator, Troy Hashimoto, will serve as assistant majority whip and vice chair of the powerful Housing Committee, while keeping key budget and education roles. Alongside fellow Maui senators, he says this lineup positions the county to push for wildfire recovery funds, housing solutions, and fair treatment in a tight 2026 state budget.
   

Find out what's happening in Wailukufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Maui wildfire survivors won't receive settlement payments before year's end (hawaiinewsnow.com) — In a Wailuku courtroom, attorneys confirmed Maui wildfire survivors won’t see any settlement checks this year because insurance companies are still fighting over a share of the $4 billion deal. About 12,000 people have joined the class-action so far, but payments are frozen until the Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments in late January and rules on the insurers’ appeals.
   

3. Man, 31, wanted in fatal Maui crash taken into police custody (staradvertiser.com) — A Wailuku woman was seriously injured when a driver allegedly fled a fatal head-on crash in Pukalani that killed a 19-year-old Makawao man. Police say 31-year-old Kaleo Kubo, wanted for the collision and a no-bail warrant, was arrested Monday after days of public alerts. Investigators are still determining whether speed, alcohol, or drugs were factors.
   

4. Kamehameha Maui students help name new airport fire truck, Kinaiahiikalīlīlehua (mauinow.com) — Kahului Airport’s newest fire truck now carries the Hawaiian name Kinaiahiikalīlīlehua, chosen and researched by Kamehameha Schools Maui students. Their work tied the name to local rains, winds, plants, and the historic Wailuku Heiau and ahupuaʻa of Wailuku, highlighting cultural roots behind this modern safety upgrade.
   

📸 Around Wailuku

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

📣 Wailuku Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost dogs spotted outside Maui Learning Academy!
    I couldn't get a photo, but there is a pair of two brown dogs each with collars on. They seem very friendly so I'm thinking they are someone's pets… (Nextdoor Wailuku Town)
  • Anyone been up to makawao forest bike track lately and know if their finished working on the track?
    It’s been a few months since we’ve been up there because of the construction. (Nextdoor Makua St)
  • Troon Golf, L.L.C. posted a job opening for Steward in Wailuku. Apply here.
  • Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Customer Service Rep (Maui Lani) in Wailuku. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wailuku here.

Ok Wailuku! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Wailuku