The Maui News: A Century of Journalism and Ownership
For over 120 years, The Maui News has served as a primary record of events on the island of Maui. From its humble beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to its transition into a nonprofit-led entity, the publication has navigated shifts in ownership, technological advancements, and the evolving landscape of the media industry.
The Early Years and Founding
The Maui News began publication on February 17, 1900, founded by George B. Robertson, who served as its first editor. The early 1900s were marked by rapid changes in leadership. In August 1904, C.L. Clement joined the team as business manager. By February 1905, Clement organized a stock company to acquire the paper from Robertson, assuming the role of editor. During this period, Henry Perrine Baldwin emerged as a major stockholder.
The publication's early history was not without tragedy. In October 1905, an editorial revealed that Clement had been forced out of the business, an event followed shortly by his suicide. Following the death of H.P. Baldwin in 1911, the paper continued to operate under the influence of the Baldwin family.
The Cameron Era and Media Expansion
The mid-20th century saw the rise of J. Walter Cameron, who married Frances H. Baldwin (granddaughter of H.P. Baldwin) in 1924. Cameron was placed in charge of the newspaper in 1939. Following the resignation and subsequent death of H.A. Baldwin in 1946, Cameron took over management of various enterprises.
Under Cameron's leadership, the company diversified into broadcasting. Maui Publishing launched the radio station KMVI in 1947, followed by the television station KMVI-TV in 1955. By 1956, Cameron secured complete control of the newspaper by purchasing additional stock in the Maui Publishing Co.
The leadership transitioned to Richard Cameron after the death of J. Walter Cameron in 1976. This era saw the company consolidate its position as the island's primary news source after its rival, the 11-year-old Maui Sun, closed in 1981.
Modern Challenges and Corporate Transitions
The 1980s and 90s brought both growth and financial instability. The News added a Sunday edition in 1984 with a circulation of 16,000 and invested $3 million in a new production plant in 1988. However, by 1996, the company faced a $500,000 deficit, resulting in a 10% staff layoff. By October 1999, Richard Cameron announced the paper was for sale due to ongoing financial struggles.
In December 1999, Ogden Newspapers acquired the publication, prompting a shift from an afternoon to a morning delivery schedule. The 21st century brought further economic hurdles; in 2009, unionized workers accepted a 10% pay cut in response to the Great Recession.
Recent years have seen a drastic shift in the delivery model. In April 2024, the newspaper transitioned from daily to weekly printing, with physical editions produced only on Thursdays. This followed an announcement in June 2023 that Ogden was exploring sale options for the Maui Publishing group.
The most recent chapter began in July 2026, when Ogden sold The Maui News to the Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative, a local nonprofit organization.
Key Facts
- Founded: February 17, 1900, by George B. Robertson.
- Media Expansion: Launched radio station KMVI (1947) and TV station KMVI-TV (1955).
- Market Dominance: Became the sole daily paper on Maui in 1981 after the closure of the Maui Sun.
- Ownership Shift: Acquired by Ogden Newspapers in 1999 and later sold to a local nonprofit in 2026.
- Current Format: Switched to a weekly print schedule (Thursdays) in April 2024.
Ownership and Milestone Summary
| Year | Key Event / Owner | Significant Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | George B. Robertson | Founder and first editor |
| 1905 | C.L. Clement | Acquired paper via stock company |
| 1939-1976 | J. Walter Cameron | Expanded into radio and television |
| 1976-1999 | Richard Cameron | Managed through the closure of rival Maui Sun |
| 1999-2026 | Ogden Newspapers | Shifted to morning edition; later moved to weekly print |
| 2026 | Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative | Transition to local nonprofit ownership |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Maui News?
The Maui News was founded by George B. Robertson, who began publication on February 17, 1900.
When did the paper stop being a daily print publication?
In April 2024, the newspaper announced it would switch from daily to weekly printing, providing a physical edition only on Thursdays.
What other media outlets were owned by Maui Publishing?
The company expanded into broadcasting by launching the radio station KMVI in 1947 and the television station KMVI-TV in 1955.
Who owns The Maui News currently?
As of July 2026, the paper is owned by the Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative, which is a local nonprofit.
Why did the paper face layoffs in the 1990s?
In 1996, the paper faced a $500,000 deficit, which led the company to lay off 10% of its staff.