It has come out that a Hawaii state official deprived Lahaina landowners of the water they needed to protect their properties before the fiery inferno burned it all to the ground.
On Aug. 8 when the fires first began, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) delayed the release of water requested by the West Maui Land Co. to help keep the fire contained and well away from people’s properties.
Why did they do this, exactly? One source claims that a “woke” politician of a leftist bent set out to harm the people of Lahaina by intentionally depriving them of water until after it was already too late.
M. Kaleo Manuel, a native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and the DLNR’s deputy director for water resource management, made the decision to withhold water from Lahaina. Manuel later released the requested water, but not until after the fire had already run its course.
As of this writing, neither Manuel nor any other government official in Hawaii has commented on the revelation.
(Related: Is America finally reaching a breaking point? Learn more here.) Gov. Josh Green: Water a source of great conflict in Maui “for many years”
The West Maui Land Co. (WML) manages a number of agricultural and residential subdivisions all throughout West Maui. Other water regulators in the region include the Launiupoko Irrigation Co., the Launiupoko Water Co., the Olowalu Water Co., and the Ha’iku Town Water Association.
Four separate sources with knowledge about the situation have pegged Manuel as the culprit in rejecting the release of water to the fire-stricken area. Manuel reportedly asked WML to first get permission from a kalo (taro) farm located downstream from the company’s property.
Hawaii Gov. John Green, aDemocrat, has promised a thorough investigation into this and other strange matters related to the fires. According to an official response from the governor’s office, “conflicts over water are being reshaped in an age of climate change and wildfires.”
“One thing that people need to understand, especially those from far away, is that there’s been a great deal of water conflict on Maui for many years,” Green said. “It’s important that we’re honest about this. People have been fighting against the release of water to fight fires. I’ll leave that to you to explore.”
Back in 2022, two state senators, both from Maui, submitted a bill that would have pushed the DLNR “to allow fresh water to be used to fight fires and pointed to West Maui as being particularly vulnerable.” That bill died without a hearing and was never passed into law.
One would think that in an emergency situation such as an out-of-control fire that it would be an all-hands-on-deck kind of situation as far as getting as much water to the scene as possible, as quickly as possible. The opposite happened in Lahaina and West Maui.
The issue seems to stem from Native Hawaiians’ discontent with the takeover of their homeland by what they deem to be outsiders. This includes land owners and their water rights, which remains a point of contention across Maui.
“There is going to be much more coming from this story of the Maui fires,” one commenter wrote about how all these anomalies and conspiracies are only scratching the surface of the true extent of the criminality that took place behind the scenes of this horrific incident.
“For some reason, West Maui has become a ‘media-free zone’ with many highly suspicious events surrounding the fire and how it originated in the first place.”
More related news about the Maui fires can be found at Disaster.news.
Aventon’s final summer sale gives the new Abound SR smart cargo e-bike its first discount to $1,799, more from $1,199
Aventon has launched its final summer sale through September 3 with up to $500 being taken off its e-bike lineup, including increased savings on legacy models, and two of its newest smart models seeing price cuts. Alongside the second-ever discount on the new Pace 4 Step-Through e-bike, we’re seeing the first cash savings on Aventon’s Abound SR Cargo e-bike to $1,799 shipped. This smart commuting solution has been fetching $1,899 since hitting the market at the end of 2024, with discounts having been placed on its predecessor model (currently down at $1,599). This is the first time we’ve spotted any savings being attached to this model, setting the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more about it or to check out the full lineup of deals during this sale.
The new Aventon Abound SR e-bike takes all that we love about its predecessor and steps up the game with smarter features. To start, there is a 750W rear hub motor (1,188W peak) paired with a 733Wh battery (which you can conveniently unlock and remove without keys via the LCD screen) that provides you with up to a 60-mile travel range at up to 20 MPH speeds (that can be adjusted to 25 MPH). There are three riding modes available here, with the added Ride Tune customization letting you alter their performances to suit your preferences.
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There are some great structural features like the Tektro hydraulic disc brake system, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and the rear cargo rack with an increased 143-pound payload, but what really makes this cargo hauler truly special is the large array of new features we’ve only seen on the latest releases. First, there’s the Sensor Switch tech, allowing you to choose between a cadence sensor and a torque sensor as you ride, as well as other in-ride functions like cruise control, a boost mode to increase power for steep hills, and even a hold mode when you’re on said inclines and don’t want the bike rolling backwards. Of course, there’s also the security measures in the form of a startup password, an integrated kickstand lock, and in-app geofencing settings, which cuts the power and sends you alerts should it ever leave your designated areas.
Jackery’s Explorer 300 power station is a compact companion keeping your personal devices running for $169
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its compact Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 shipped, beating out its pricing directly from the brand’s website by $70. While it carries a $279 MSRP from the brand, it keeps down at a $259 full price tag here at Amazon, with discounts having kept the costs even lower between $199 and $169 over 2025, with a one-time appearing $159 low back during Prime Day. Aside from that short-term discount, you’re otherwise looking at another shot at the best price we have tracked, which gives you an easy-to-manage compact backup power solution with $90 in savings ($110 off the MSRP). Head below for more on this model and its bundle options.
Streamline your water system with smart controls through Rachio’s 8-zone sprinkler controller at $169
Amazon is now offering the Rachio 3rd Gen 8-zone Wi-Fi Smart Sprinkler Controller at $169 shipped. While it may carry a $230 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it keep down to $200 at full price here at Amazon. Aside from the short-term Prime Day discounts, which first took the price down to $165 before falling to $160, this is the best rate we’ve seen since mid-March. While it’s gone as low as $143 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $31 off the going rate ($61 off the MSRP) that lands it among the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.
Take advantage of up to 50% off this pro-grade 80V Greenworks cordless cultivator at a new $175 low
Amazon is offering the Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Cordless Cultivator at $174.99 shipped, which beats out its tool-only option that is sitting $75 higher in price. While this package carries a $400 MSRP, which is where it’s currently priced on the brand’s direct website, it is now 50% off the price we have been tracking on Amazon since the spring and is now at the lowest price we have tracked all-time.
Get a budget-friendly commute to your college or work on Gotrax’s APEX XL e-scooter at its $235 low
Amazon is offering the Gotrax APEX XL Electric Scooter at $234.90 shipped. While it carries a $349 price tag, we’ve been seeing it keep more at $320 at Amazon lately, with discounts having mostly kept the costs above $243, with one previous fall to this same rate at the end of July. That low price is coming back around here, with the 27% markdown cutting $85 off the going rate for the best price we have tracked – and just in time to cover any last-minute back-to-school commuting needs.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, was “unboxed” after arriving in parts of Europe this week. After opening pre-orders in new markets, the PV5 is ready to take on the world.
Kia’s first electric van unboxed in Europe
It’s not just a futuristic-looking electric people mover, but the PV5 is the first van from Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.
Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 in the UK earlier this year, starting at £32,995 ($44,000). Now, it has officially arrived in a few more European markets.
The PV5 went on sale with pre-orders opening in Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, and other global markets. In Germany, the PV5 Passenger is priced from €38,290 ($45,000) or €249 per month. In France, it starts at €39,550 ($46,300).
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Kia Sweden posted a video on social media of the PV5 arriving on a car carrier with the caption “Unboxed, washed, and ready to face the world!”
Kia’s electric van is available in Passenger (for everyday use) and Cargo (for businesses) with various seating options.
The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, arrives in Sweden (Source: Kia Sweden)
The PV5 Passenger is offered with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, rated with WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. Although it has the same battery pack options, the Cargo variant is rated with ranges of 181 miles and 247 miles.
During its PV5 Tech Day last month, Kia announced plans to launch seven PV5 body types, including a Light Camper, an Open Bed (similar to a pickup), and a premium “Prime” version.
Kia PV5 tech day (Source: Kia)
After launching the PV5 in its home market, Kia will begin delivering the vehicle in Europe and other global markets over the next few months.
For those in the US, Kia has yet to say if it will launch the PV5 in the States. It was spotted testing in the US again last month, but it would face hurdles due to Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles from South Korea.
Kia builds all PBVs at its Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea. The plant can produce up to 150,000 units a year. In its first full sales year, Kia aims to sell around 3,000 to 4,000 PV5s. Kia will expand its electric van lineup with the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.
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Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins speaks at the Business Roundtable CEO Workforce Forum in Washington on June 17, 2025.
Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images
CIsco reported results on Wednesday that narrowly exceeded analysts’ expectations and issued quarterly guidance that was also better than expected. The stock slipped in extended trading.
Here’s how the company did in comparison with LSEG consensus:
Earnings per share: 99 cents adjusted vs. 98 cents expected
Revenue: $14.67 billion vs. $14.62 billion expected
Revenue increased 7.6% year over year in the quarter, which ended on July 26, according to a statement. Net income rose to $2.82 billion, or 71 cents per share, from $2.16 billion, or 54 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago.
Management called for 97 cents to 99 cents in fiscal firsœt-quarter adjusted earnings per share on $14.65 billion to $14.85 billion in revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG were expecting 97 cents per share on $14.62 billion in revenue.
For the full 2026 fiscal year, Cisco forecast $4 to $4.06 in adjusted earnings per share and $59 billion to $60 billion in revenue. The LSEG consensus was for earnings of $4.03 a share and $59.53 billion in revenue.
“While we have some clarity on tariffs, we are still operating in a complex environment,” Mark Patterson, Cisco’s finance chief, said on a conference call with analysts.
In the fiscal fourth quarter, Cisco generated $7.63 billion in networking revenue, up 12%. Analysts polled by StreetAccount were looking for $7.34 billion.
Cisco’s security revenue for the quarter totaled $1.95 billion, up 9% and trailing the StreetAccount estimate of $2.11 billion.
During the quarter, Cisco said it would collaborate with a partnership to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure, alongside BlackRock, Microsoft and other companies. It joined a Stargate data center initiative for the Middle East that involves OpenAI and SoftBank. And the company introduced switches and routers that can take on AI workloads.
AI infrastructure orders from web companies in the quarter reached $800 million, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said on the call. The total for the 2025 fiscal year was over $2 billion, more than double the company’s goal, he said.
Cisco’s AI infrastructure sales pipeline from enterprises is in the hundreds of billions of dollars, Robbins said.
At market close on Wednesday, Cisco shares are up 19% in 2025, while the S&P 500 has gained about 10%.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.