Maui Fraud Risk Assessment reveals inadequate policies, identifies millions of dollars in ‘direct pay’

“Today’s blessing builds on the significant progress already made in Lahaina’s recovery,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “From clearing more than 1,500 properties and restoring essential infrastructure to engaging the community, developing recovery plans and creating a clear path for businesses to rebuild, each milestone has brought us closer to restoring Lahaina’s commercial heart.”

The report identified two key findings: inadequate anti-fraud controls and the absence of a countywide fraud complaint process. The study found $21 million in “direct pay” transactions by the Department of Water Supply that bypass standard procurement. The upcoming 2027 Audit Plan also includes a review of private jet travel provided to county employees.

Community groups, state agencies and nonprofits across Hawaiʻi teamed up to participate in a statewide restoration event for World Ocean Day. This multi-island effort, organized as part of the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana, focused on protecting the precious shorelines, reefs and wetlands that are vital to Hawaiʻi’s identify and prosperity.

The offer allows girls to start participating right away in troop activities, council programs, outdoor adventures, STEM experiences, leadership opportunities and the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

This recognition highlights banks that consistently deliver trusted, high-quality financial services and exceptional experiences at the local level.

Gov. Josh Green today officially assumed the chairmanship of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), launching a yearlong bipartisan initiative, Health Beyond Healthcare, aimed at improving mental health outcomes by expanding access to care, while addressing the broader factors that shape health and well-being.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has already served nearly 145,000 free summer meals to children across the state, providing access to nutritious breakfasts and lunches while school is out for the summer.

State House District 14 candidate Sne Patel today announced the endorsements of the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly, the REALTORS Political Action Committee and Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675.

If the proposals are successful, water systems in West Maui, including both drinking and irrigation, will transition from 25% to 65% publicly owned. More importantly, public stewardship of drinking water systems in West Maui will increase from 45% to 93%, representing a major step toward ensuring this essential resource is managed in the public trust, according to county officials.

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announces that beginning today, individuals serving as jurors in Hawaiʻi state courts will receive $50 per day for their service, an increase from the previous rate of $30 per day. The increase marks the first adjustment to juror compensation since 1989, when the daily rate increased from $20 to $30.

A multiagency child recovery operation conducted last week Thursday and Friday, known as “Operation Shine the Light VII,” resulted in the safe location and recovery of 14 children on Oʻahu.

A 50-year-old Kahului woman who became lost while hiking was airlifted from the Makawao Forest Reserve on Tuesday afternoon.