Support for the two affordable housing projects was approved unanimously after several heated meetings about the selection committee's process.

The Hawaii Senate unanimously passed a bill to turn over much of West Maui to the Hawaii Community Development Authority, despite growing opposition to the idea.

The property owner and local partners had been working on a private venture to develop the land into a new construction and demolition landfill facility.

Council approval is needed for the mayor to complete agreements with the state before the closing can occur on the $38 million property with 175 furnished guest rooms.

Members grilled officials over the cost of staffing 63 guards at 13 checkpoints, and the administration said the next contract will go out to bid.

Citing a missed deadline by Mayor Richard Bissen, the committee decided to select its own nominees for government panels. Some question the authority to do so.

Narrow roads, gates and parking are playing into how the county and residents should rebuild certain neighborhoods.

Maui officers are continuing to search for the two people left on their "credible missing persons list" from the Aug. 8 fires.

Kate Blystone takes over a department reeling with low morale, a backlog of permits, a staffing shortage and other issues while dealing with the fire recovery.

County council members want the Bissen administration to take advantage of the federal money before it's too late.