There is good news and bad news concerning Maui’s economy heading into 2012.

Dr. Leroy O. Laney, economic advisor to First Hawaiian Bank and professor of economics and finance at Hawaii Pacific University, recently sized up Maui in an economic forecast.

Laney said Maui’s visitor industry is doing “extremely well” with an upscale image among travelers, higher room rates and growth in airlift to the island.

The mediocre data in Maui’s “mixed bag” economy is its lagging construction and real estate market, which is being dragged down by short sales and foreclosures.

For an insider’s view on Maui County heading into the new year, attend the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (MNHCC) meeting, “Maui County Updates,” on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Mayor Alan Arakawa will discuss issues and trends impacting the Maui business community at the meeting at Maui Tropical Plantation.

MNHCC strives to host speakers and events that help local businesspeople keep their enterprises healthy.

Its membership includes business owners who are not of Hawaiian descent but share Hawaiian values and the group’s mission: “To promote and sustain Hawaiian culture and enhance the socioeconomic status of Native Hawaiians in business and as individuals.”

This holiday meeting is open to the community. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a holiday buffet and meeting at 6 p.m. The cost is $20 per person.

There will be opportunities to support local charities and drop off donations for the Maui Food Bank.

Register by Dec. 9 by contacting Kai Pelayo at 874-2426 or Kai.Pelayo@grandwailea.com. For more information, call Katherine Smith at 268-0787.