News Releases

Fishermen, Scientists Unite to Tackle Shark Depredation

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

WPRFMC News Release

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, in partnership with the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group, hosted the region’s first shark depredation workshop Feb. 10–11, 2026, to address the issue and develop mitigation strategies for U.S. Pacific Island fisheries. Fifty-two participants from four countries and all three U.S. Pacific Island territories attended.

Shark depredation was repeatedly raised during the Council’s community consultation meetings held region-wide in 2025. Fishers described lost catch, damaged gear and safety concerns during bottomfishing and trolling—what many called a growing “tax” on their livelihoods. The issue was highlighted in Molokai, Kauai, Waianae, Kona, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Manu‘a Islands, where fishers reported more frequent interactions both nearshore and offshore.…

Circadian Health, AlohaCare Offer Heart Health Monitoring

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

AlohaCare News Release

AlohaCare and Circadian Health announce the successful launch of Circadian’s first Virtual Care Program in Hawaii for members diagnosed with “heart failure.” The term heart failure is used to describe the most severe form of heart disease, making it difficult for the heart to pump effectively. 

From August to December 2025, the program yielded impressive results – 127 members enrolled, 81 fully onboarded and 39 Emergency Department visits/ hospitalizations avoided for 16 participants. 

In the U.S. and Hawaii, heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death. AlohaCare members diagnosed with stage B, C or D heart failure qualify to receive personalized remote monitoring, giving members an additional layer of support for what can be a challenging medical condition.…

Christy Chung is MEO’s New COO

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

MEO News Release

Christy Chung has joined Maui Economic Opportunity as Chief Operating Officer. Her job is to manage, coordinate and support MEO’s day-to-day operations and more than 30 programs in the agency’s five departments and offices in Hana and on Molokai and Lanai. She also is overseeing facilities and ensuring contract compliance.

Currently, Chung holds the third highest leadership position in MEO behind CEO Debbie Cabebe and Executive Director Maggie Batangan.

Across her career, Chung has led complex projects, coordinated multidisciplinary teams and navigated regulatory and interagency processes on Maui and the mainland. Prior to joining MEO, she was employed by the County of Maui Department of Public Works, where she oversaw infrastructure projects, supported grant-funded projects and worked on wildfire debris removal in collaboration with federal and state agencies. …

MAC’s 16th Annual Soup ‘R Bowl

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

MAC News Release

It’s that time of year! Come celebrate all that the Molokai Arts Center has accomplished in 15 years and help us continue our efforts to create outstanding educational opportunities in the visual and performing arts.

What’s the Soup ‘R Bowl you ask? It’s the MAC’s premier event that visitors and part-time residents plan their visits around. It’s the art lover’s haven for unique finds, primarily by Molokai artists (all donations welcome). And for each ticket holder, it’s a chance to find, among over 500 pieces in various colors and styles, THE ceramic bowl or mug, made by Molokai artisans, that calls you to take it home.…

Hawaiian Council Assisting OHA’s Emergency Fund

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Hawaiian Council News Release

The Hawaiian Council is continuing its statewide effort to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries applying for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs I Ola: OHA’s Emergency Relief Fund.

The program, funded by OHA, is designed to support Native Hawaiian SNAP recipients without minor dependents who experienced financial hardship during the 2025 government shutdown. Eligible applicants may receive up to $350 in grocery stipend check, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To date, more than $500,000 in grocery assistance has been distributed across the pae ʻāina.

Members of the Hawaiian Council outreach team will be on Molokai to provide in-person assistance to eligible Native Hawaiian residents.…

Printmaking Classes

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Paʻa Printmakers News Release

Paʻa Printmakers is offering two new classes at the Molokai Center, located next to American Savings Bank. Below are the course details:

Mokuhanga Woodblock Workshop

– Instructor: Faith Stone

– Technique: Traditional Japanese water-based woodblock printing (no press required).

– Schedule: Saturday, March 14 (9 a.m.- 4 p.m.) and Sunday, March 15 (9 a.m.-1p.m.).

Link: honoluluprintmakers.org/classes/japanese-mokuhanga-with-faith-stone

Make a Flag Book

– Instructor: Tamara Moan

– Technique: Constructing an accordion-spine flag book using stencil prints.

– Schedule: Saturday, March 21st (10:00 am – 4:00 pm). Please bring your own lunch and snacks.

Link: honoluluprintmakers.org/classes/on-molokai-flag-book-with-stencil-imagery-with-tamara-moan…

Head Start Preschool Accepting Applications for Next School Year

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start preschool program will be accepting applications beginning February for the 2026-2027 school year.  

Head Start is a federally funded program that provides comprehensive early childhood education services at no cost to families that meet the federal poverty income guidelines and selection criteria. All families with age-eligible children are welcome to apply.

Eligible participants are children, who are or will be 3- or 4-years-old by July 31, 2026. Parents or Legal Guardians are required to provide the child’s birth certificate and income verification (preferably 2025 income tax returns or 2025 W-2 forms). When applicable, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit history printouts will be required. …

Homesteader Is First Molokai Driver to Complete New MEO CDL Program

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

MEO News Release

A Hawaiian Homes homesteader who recently returned to Molokai is the first resident to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Maui Economic Opportunity’s new CDL training program on the island.

Kayla Luuloa passed her CDL exam on Feb. 5 and will be training to drive MEO buses that provide the island’s only mass transit option through a Human Services transportation contract with the County of Maui.

With no other CDL training opportunities on Molokai and a demand for bus drivers, MEO created the in-house program. Driver Supervisor Amy Makaiwi runs the training program for the CDL, a required qualification for an MEO bus driver on Molokai.…

P. Denise La Costa Announces Bid for Maui Mayor

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

MLC 2026 News Release

P. Denise La Costa, a Maui community leader and business owner, announced last week that she is running for Maui County Mayor. 

P. Denise La Costa is a longtime Maui resident and former Maui planning commissioner who has spent decades working directly on housing, land use, public safety and community recovery.

She has led major organizations, managed budgets, built businesses, and served Maui across nonprofit, regulatory and community roles for more than 30 years. 

Visit MayorLacosta2026.com for more information.…

Pūlama Ka Heke Launching ERMAT Program to Improve Medical Access

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Pūlama Ka Heke News Release

Pūlama Ka Heke is proud to announce the launch of the Essential Rural Medical Air Transport (ERMAT) program which will be called Kaulele a Ola (meaning to take flight to heal and regain health), a groundbreaking initiative designed to expand equitable access to specialty healthcare for residents of Molokai and Lānai. 

ERMAT will provide coordinated, reliable medical air transportation to Oahu and Maui, addressing long-standing barriers that have limited timely access to specialty care for rural communities.

Funded by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, ERMAT will offer 12 round trip flights between Molokai and Oahu and four round trip flights between Molokai and Maui per month for Molokai residents.…