News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Community Feedback Needed to Shape Aging Services

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Office on Aging News Release

The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns Office on Aging is inviting community members to share their input on aging services, which will help shape future services and resources for older adults, caregivers and their families across Maui Nui. 

“The voices of our community are essential to shaping a stronger, more age-friendly Maui County,” County Executive on Aging Rowena Dagdag-Andaya said. “Every perspective shared helps us better understand the needs of our kūpuna, caregivers and families. By listening and learning from those we serve, we can direct resources where they will have the greatest impact and create a community where everyone can age with dignity, connection and support.” …

July 4th Fireworks Information from Maui Fire Department

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

 Maui Fire Department News Release


The County of Maui’s Department of Fire and Public Safety announce the sale of July 4th fireworks beginning on Monday, June 29, 2026, and ending on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. A fireworks permit is not required during designated times (see below) for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, and cylindrical or cone fountains, which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground. 

Retail stores will not sell firecrackers for this holiday; therefore, Firecracker Permits will not be available for purchase at these stores. The Maui Fire Department also would like to remind residents that fireworks can only be legally set off from 1 p.m.…

AARP Commits $139,200 to Strengthen Communities

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

AARP Commits $139,200 to Strengthen Communities

AARP News Release

AARP is awarding five grants totaling $57,000 to improve communities on Maui, part of $139,000 given to 12 organizations throughout Hawai‘i through the AARP Livable Communities 2026 Community Challenge grant program.
Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.…

MHS State Winners Head to National Educators Rising Conference

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

MHS Educators Rising News Release

Four talented Molokai High School (MHS) Educators Rising (EdRising) state winners departed Molokai on June 1, to showcase their skills on the national stage. Kealaula Pali, Kruz Lani, Leila Pereira and Mark Ragonton are traveling to Portland, Oregon, to compete in the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference, running from June 20–23.

The students earned their spots after a stellar performance at Hawaii’s first in-person Educators Rising State Conference and Competition, held on February 5 – 6, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education.

Educators Rising is a vital national program active in 42 states.…

Bissen Bringing Holomua Kakou back to Molokai

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen is bringing Holomua Kākou back to Molokai on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 as part of his ongoing effort to take county government directly to Maui County’s rural communities.

“Holomua Kākou is about ensuring every community — no matter how rural or remote — has meaningful access to county services, information and the people responsible for serving them,” Bissen said. “This effort reflects our commitment to meeting residents where they are and listening to what matters most to them.”

Bissen will host a community talk story from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria, 30 Ailoa St.,…

Common Cause Hawaii Hosts Town Hall

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Common Cause Hawaii News Release

Common Cause Hawaiʻi will host a town hall on Tuesday, June 30th from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Molokai Public Library (15 Ala Malama Ave.). This gathering is an opportunity to come together, stay informed and share your voice. State Director for Common Cause Hawaiʻi, Camron Hurt, will discuss highlights from the recent legislative session, provide updates on flood impacts and relief efforts and open the floor for community questions, concerns and ideas.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy.  The organization works at every level of government on priorities that impact each of our lives.…

Kalaupapa National Historical Park to Offer Public Tours 

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

National Parks Service News Release

For the first time, Kalaupapa National Historical Park will offer public tours starting July 9, 2026. The tours will be provided twice a week, and reservations can be made beginning June 26.

The all-day hiking tours will be ranger-led and provide information about Kalaupapa history. The tours will be offered on Thursdays and Saturdays. These tours are currently the only way visitors can access the park. The number of visitors to the park remains capped at 100 per day. 

“We are excited to offer visitors an opportunity to learn about and be inspired by Kalaupapa, said Superintendent Nancy Holman.…

Eight Athletes Compete in Special Olympics Summer Games

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Eight Athletes Compete in Special Olympics Summer Games

Special Olympics Molokai News Release

Earlier this month, eight athletes, including five in track and field categories and and three swimmers,  along with their coaches and chaperone waited patiently to board their flight and head to Honolulu for the Special Olympics 2026 Summer Games. 

Out of the eight athletes, Blake Eddy and Donovan-Wyatt Bicoy are new to the program. Eddy joined the track and field team and Bicoy chose to swim. 

“These eight athletes worked hard practicing for ten weeks, and with such amazing support from the coaches, they were able to hold area meets for both sports so that the athletes qualified,” said Rita Kalahiki with Special Olympics Molokai.…

Maui County Makahiki Grant Program Open Until July 10, 2026 

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Maui County News Release

In partnership with the County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources, the County Office of the Mayor through its Office of Economic Development (OED) announced that the Fiscal Year 2027 Makahiki Grant Program application period is open starting June 10, through 5 p.m. July 10, 2026. Applications, eligibility requirements, funding guidelines and program details are available at https://mauioed.submittable.com/submit. 

A total of $850,000 in grant funding is available to support organizations, community groups, educational institutions, cultural practitioners, businesses and other eligible applicants interested in developing programs, events, promotions and community activities that recognize the Makahiki season throughout Maui County. …

Kualapuʻu School Provides Free Summer Meals

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Kualpuʻu School News Release

Kualapuʻu School is pleased to provide free summer meals to keiki across Molokai through the USDA Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Food Service Program. This program helps ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is out of session.
Meals will be served at the Kualapuʻu School Cafeteria from June 8th to July 17th (excluding holidays, June 11th and July 3rd).

Meals will be served during the following times:

Breakfast: 7 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 10:30 – 12 p.m.

We are considered a congregate feeding site, which means all meals need to be consumed on site in the Kualapuʻu School cafeteria.…