Maui

Five storytellers took the stage on Aug. 3 having no idea, like the rest of us, of what was about to happen to the island they celebrated.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the County Council approve the mayor's proposal, with some tweaks, despite concerns that it will wreak economic havoc.

The lawsuit comes after parties failed to meet a Friday deadline for a mediated settlement.

Since the 2005 ban took effect, EPA says more than 3,862 cesspools in Hawaii have been closed.

For years, state officials have been unable to move forward with plans to build an entirely new jail at Puunene. Now, even a modest addition to the existing jail is being delayed.

UPDATED: Gov. Josh Green says settlement is not final but that parties are working toward a resolution in the near future.

In the span of a week, the Dadez family moved from a resort condo to a pair of studio hotel rooms and then, finally, into a five-bedroom home in Napili.

The ruling likely will result in the estimated 400,000 tons of fire debris and ash staying much longer than expected in the temporary dump site at Olowalu.

While stronger interagency coordination and better public communication are cited, some residents say they're relying on themselves, neighbors and past experience to stay safe.

The county is compiling public input to help prioritize fire recovery projects and programs for disaster funding.