Canceled: public meeting March 17, 2026
3/17/2026 #kihei #kca #publicmeeting Due to the lingering effects of the Kona Low storm that hit Kīhei and Maui hard, the planned KCA public meeting Tuesday, March 17 has been canceled. The invited speakers from the County are working hard to help the island recover and are unable to participate at this time. We will announce a possible later date for the meeting soon.
https://gokihei.org/news/canceled-public-meeting-march-17-2026
How to Help After Record-Breaking Kona Low on Maui, Hawaii March 2026
3/15/2026 #kihei #volunteering #environment Record-breaking wind and rain hit Maui over the weekend, bringing as much as four inches per hour in South Maui. Many homes and businesses makai of Pi’ilani Hwy were flooded, and the extent of the damage is still being uncovered. South Kihei Rd was flooded in various places, especially from the North Kihei Rd intersection all the way to Kalama Park and…
https://gokihei.org/hot-topics/how-to-help-after-record-breaking-kona-low-on-maui-hawaii-march-2026
Current status of the Aquarium Fish collections in Hawaii So far , so good
3/3/26 #kihei Bill HB 2101 passed at the State House Finance Committee this evening. There is still a long way to go in the 2026 State Legislature session, but getting through all the House committees is a positive step to keep natural resources in Hawaii on the reefs, and not in some fish tank in another part of the world…
https://gokihei.org/news/current-status-of-the-aquarium-fish-collections-in-hawaii-so-far-so-good
Kihei, Hawaii’s Carlos Frate sentenced to 5 years in prison
Carlos Frate, 41, of Kihei, Maui County, Hawaii, United States is a former officer with the Maui Police Department in Wailuku, Maui Island, Maui County. In a significant ruling regarding police misconduct and the abuse of authority, he was sentenced on February 27, 2026 to 65 months in federal prison.
The sentencing follows Frate’s earlier guilty plea regarding a violent encounter with an individual in custody, an act that federal prosecutors characterized as a blatant “deprivation of rights under color of law.”
Details of the assault
The criminal proceedings stem from an incident on January 6, 2024. During the encounter, Frate admitted to repeatedly deploying his taser against an arrestee who was neither resisting nor posing a physical threat to the officer or the public. Despite the victim’s desperate pleas for the discharge to stop, Frate continued the assault.
In Frate’s guilty plea in August 2025, he acknowledged that he was fully aware his use of force was unjustified and excessive at the time of the incident. Following his five-year-plus prison term, he will be required to serve three years of supervised release.
Statements from federal officials
The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized that such actions tarnish the badge worn by thousands of honorable officers. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division noted that Frate’s behavior was “abusive and unbecoming” of his professional oath. Dhillon reiterated the administration’s commitment to holding law enforcement officers accountable when they step outside the bounds of the law.
U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii echoed these sentiments, framing the sentence as a necessary reminder that the legal system applies to everyone, regardless of their position. He clarified that while most officers in Hawaii serve with integrity, the office remains dedicated to prosecuting the “rare occasion” where an officer violates public trust.
Impact on community trust
David Porter, the special agent in vharge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation‘s field office in Honolulu, Hawaii, highlighted the broader social consequences of Frate’s actions. Porter noted that such abuses of power make the daily work of honest law enforcement officers significantly more difficult by eroding the foundational trust between the police and the citizens they serve.
The investigation into Frate was initiated following a referral from the Maui Police Department itself. The case was ultimately prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorney Michael F. Albanese and trial attorney Julia White.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J9b9fmGm_Q
#Kihei
County Department of Water Supply announces updated water conservation rules
2/27/26 #kihei Are you aware of these new rules?? The updated rules follow the Maui County Council’s approval of Bill 158 in January, which amends the County Water Code to address water waste, promote responsible water use and ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply. Under the amended code, potable water may not be used to water lawns and landscaped areas from 9 a.m.
Final Phase of Hale Pi’ikea truly affordable rentals (Phase II)
2/25/26 #kihei HEADS UP! ALERT! This is the final chance to qualify for one of these quality rental units, conveniently located in central Kihei. They are currently accepting preliminary interest forms for households who would like to enter a lottery that will determine the order in which applicants are processed for eligibility. To be included, interested individuals must submit the preliminary interest…
New Cycling Safety Signage Erected on So Kihei Road
2/19/26 #kihei Mahalo to the Maui Bicycle League (MBL), the guys having the S Maui group ride this Saturday for advocating for this signage. Mahalo to the County Department of Public Works (DPW) for acting on this recommendation and erecting the sign on the makai side of So Kihei Rd (SKR) near 940. We had addressed this topic last month when we noted the first sign further South on SKR …
https://gokihei.org/volunteer/new-cycling-safety-signage-erected-on-so-kihei-road
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