Latest news with #MauiPolice
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hawaii traffic deaths up 51% from same time last year
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It's been a deadly year on Hawaii roadways with the state seeing a 51% increase in fatalities compared to this time last year, and experts warn the deadliest days are ahead. Four hospitalized after head-on crash on Maui's Hana Hwy From January 1, 2025 to May 2, 2025 there have been 50 deaths on Hawaii roads; compared to 33 the same time in 2024. On Friday, four people were hospitalized on Maui after police said a truck was overtaking vehicles and collided head-on to a car of visitors from Idaho. Maui Police said one person sustained life-threatening injuries. 'It's just reckless, aggressive behavior,' said former Maui Police traffic Commander William Hankins. Officials said it's going to get worse with the 100 deadliest days of summer, or the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, approaching. 'With the summer months and people traveling, you're going to have more deaths, I'm talking double, triple fatalities where one car crash kills two or three people, it's coming,' the former commander said based on experience. He said it's due to more people on the road, more parties, and more drivers in a hurry. 'And now you add e-bikes into the equation when there's already a large number of cars and it's the same thing with pedestrians, they just don't mix,' he continued. 'People are too oblivious to what's going on around them to pay attention about other people on the road.'Also on Friday, a 12-year-old and 13-year-old were taken to the hospital after a vehicle hit them while they were riding their e-bike in Waianae. Officials said the two boys were not wearing helmets at the time. 'It's going to continue happening and I couldn't think of a better time than now to put forth this bill,' said Rep. Darius Kila (D) who is the House Transportation Committee Chair. Rep. Kila introduced HB958 that defines what a legal e-bike is by class and what is considered an illegal high speed electric device. 'If you're bike doesn't classify as a Class 1, 2, or 3 it will be a high speed electric device at 750 watts or more your device would be subject to impounding by local law enforcement and you won't get the vehicle back,' he explained. He said the high speed bikes were never designed to be on public roads. Car fire on H1 snarls traffic Saturday afternoon If signed off by the governor, moped riders will also be required to wear helmets and all e-bikes will have to be registered. Another bill sent over to Governor Green's desk would impose strict penalties on excessive speeding. 'Speeding endangers a lot of people's lives, and in some cases unfortunately it can kill people,' explained Sen. Brandon Elefante (D) who introduced SB97 after concerns from community members about excessive speeding on roads. Excessive speeding if defined as driving 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, or exceeding 80 miles per hour. If SB97 is signed off by the Governor, three violations within five years could mean jail time or having your vehicle taken away. 'For three violations in a five year period, it could be removal of license, fines, an educational course, minimum jail time, and potential of forfeiture of the vehicle,' he explained. He said it would be up to the judge's discretion but the bill is aimed at keeping dangerous drivers off the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found nearly half of fatalities in Hawaii were speed related based on data from 2013 to 2022. From November 2024 to January 2025, Honolulu Police made 57 excessive speeding arrests. Sen. Elefante said it will be another tool for prosecutors and police to go after repeat offenders. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Governor Green has until the end of June to announce any bills he plans to veto or has to sign off on bills to become law by July 9. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maui County officials to get significant pay raises starting July 1
WAILUKU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Several Maui County officials will see decent pay raises starting July 1. The county salary commission voted on the salary increases for elected officials, public safety officials, appointed directors and deputy directors during its March meeting. Child abuse cases in the islands rise between 2023, 2024 One of the biggest salary boosts was an 89% increase in pay for the Managing Director position, going from an annual salary of $172,154 to $325,104. The Maui Fire Chief and Maui Police Chief would both see a 30% pay increase from $183,889 to $239,043. The Mayor job would see a 32% pay raise from $159,578 to $211,119. And Council Chair would get a 23% boost from $86,336 to $106,367–while council members receive a 26% increase from $80,299 to $101,302. Most department directors would be paid $192,458 and most deputy directors would earn $173,212. The salary numbers came from an outside consultant which was used to analyze and come up with salaries comparable to places on the mainland that have similar populations, income, and government employees like Maui a February 14 salary commission hearing, one of the consultants explained the different salary scenarios and ranges from its Classification and Compensation Study. The consultant, MGT, also interviewed current county employees. 'We did hear that with interviews with employees that was one of the primary themes we heard: the cost of living for their position, and when we looked at the salaries, they were at or below the 50th percentile,' explained MGT's Director of Human Capital, Rachel Skaggs. That means 50% of similar counties are paying more than Maui County employees, and 50% of counties pay less for seemingly similar jobs elsewhere on the continent. Based on the study, the commission approved increasing compensation at the 75th percentile. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'What you're recommending is that we consider using a higher percentile from a philosophical standpoint to either capture some of the cost of living gap to recruit and retain more employees?' Acting Maui County Salary Commission Chair Grant Nakama asked Skaggs, to her confirmation. The Maui County Council does not get a vote on the commissions proposed increases, and it is up to the salary commission to determine the salaries of elected officials and appointed directors and deputy directors of all the departments of the county. Council Chair Alice Lee sent in testimony supporting the pay increases. 'We have to emphasize, and especially in this climate these days, it's really hard to get good, qualified people to work here because the cost of living is so high,' she said by phone on April 6. Firefighters locate missing hiker off Lulumahu Falls Trail She added in the testimony that salaries should keep up with inflation and basic living expenses, noting the state commission on salaries proposing a 64% increase for state senators and representatives. Acting Chair Nakama also brought up the Lahaina fire and the long road ahead. 'I think we need the most qualified people leading the county government as we go down this road,' he said, while noting it could take five to 10 years. The salary commission liked the study and said they would use it as a guidebook in the future. 'The county was telling us, and it's no secret to the world, that they were having trouble recruiting based on salaries they already had, so this will allow us to make smarter decisions moving forward,' said one of the salary commissioners. The next salary commission meeting is on April 11, where they will discuss the salaries for managing director and the mayor. The new salaries will take effect on July 1, 2025. For comparison on other elected officials and directors pay, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
9 injured in Kā'anapali explosion; ATF joins investigation
KAANAPALI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Maui Memorial Medical Center said it treated nine individuals who were injured in an apparent propane explosion that occurred in Kā'anapali on Feb. hospital said two patients were transferred to Oahu in critical condition and three are in stable condition at Maui Memorial. The other individuals were treated and released. Multiple agencies were seen investigating The Whaler on Kā'anapali Beach on Friday with the pool area and grilling area, including the beach blocked off to the ocean. WATCH: Maui live cam captures Kaanapali explosion, at least 7 injured Witness videos from the incident show debris flew onto the sand. The Whaler on Kā'anapali Beach said in a statement: It is with deep regret that we confirm an explosion occurred at our Condominium Project on February 20, 2025. The incident tragically resulted in injuries to seven persons according to the Maui Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those injured in this tragic event. At about 6:20 p.m. yesterday, an explosion occurred near the outdoor barbeques. Emergency services were immediately alerted and arrived on the scene promptly. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by local authorities. We are cooperating with the investigators and support personnel. Our primary focus at this time is to provide support to the affected families, our guests, and our employees. We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to ensure the safety of those who are staying at our property, our employees, and the local community. We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities in their investigation. We are also conducting our own investigation to understand the cause of the explosion and to ensure that such an incident does not occur again in the future. We deeply regret this incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who suffered injuries and their families. We are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time. Maui Police have not provided an update on the investigation since 10:30 p.m., Thursday. Police said the incident happened around 6:15 p.m. and Central Dispatch received multiple reports of an explosion at 2481 Kāʻanapali Parkway in Kāʻanapali. MPD said when they arrived on the scene there were already multiple bystanders with medical experience providing life-saving measures and first-aid until medics and firefighters arrived. Police added seven individuals, ranging from 18 to 74 years old, sustained injuries, and three were in critical condition with one being flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center's emergency room for further treatment. Police said preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may have involved liquefied petroleum gas, which supplies common area BBQs. Witness statements indicate a possible grill malfunction before the incident. The official cause remains undetermined and is under active investigation. The Maui Fire Department said multiple grills were being fed by a single large tank on the property. The cause is still being investigated by MPD, MFD and the ATF. Check out more news from around Hawaii The emergency response included 10 police officers, three fire companies consisting of 13 firefighters, a Battalion Chief, and a Fire Investigator. EMS sent four transport units, one non-transport Paramedic unit (Medic 15), and Maui Medevac. Witnesses said the explosion shook the building and many civilians ran to assist those who were injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
