News Releases

Hoʻolehua Congregational Church Celebrates 100 Years 

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

HCC News Release

The congregation of Hoʻolehua Congregational Church is honored to celebrate its 100th Anniversary this August, marking a century of worship, fellowship, and service to the people of Molokai.
Established in 1926 to serve the growing Hoʻolehua Homestead community, the church has been a spiritual home for generations of families. Through times of joy and hardship, Hoʻolehua Congregational Church has remained a place where faith, Hawaiian values, and community come together.
The congregation is part of the rich tradition of Congregational churches in Hawaii, whose roots date back to the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in 1820. Mitchell and Gertrude Pau’ole, Harry and Emma Purdy, Bessie Kalua, Manuel Spencer, David Kalauhala Pa Sr. …

New Rules Allow up to Three Units on One Lot

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Maui County News Release

To increase housing opportunities for residents, the County of Maui adopted new rules that allow qualifying residentially zoned properties throughout Maui County to be eligible for up to two accessory dwellings in addition to a primary residence — a potential of three residential units on a single lot, the County Department of Planning announced.
Previously, the number of permitting accessory dwellings, known as ʻohana units, varied based on lot size and island location.
“Keeping our families home requires pursuing every practical solution available,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “This ordinance is another step toward increasing our housing inventory, creating more homes for local families, and making it easier for future generations to stay and live in the communities they love.”…

Registration for Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai, Moloka‘i Hoe Filling Fast

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

O‘ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association News Release

 

There is still time to register for the 2026 O‘ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) Molokaʻi Channel World Championships. Crews from O‘ahu, California, British Columbia and Tahiti have already secured their places among the limited slots in the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai on September 27 and Moloka‘i Hoe on October 11 respectively. For teams wishing to compete against top paddlers from across the globe, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required across all paddling divisions ranging from Junior level to 65 years and over. 

The 2026 Molokaʻi Channel races presented by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority represent a grueling challenge for paddlers from around the world.…

OHA Meeting Shares Mokulele, Surf Air Collaboration Update

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

OHA News Release

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees will hold

its annual community meeting at Lānikeha Community Center in Hoʻolehua on July 27 and July 28. 

As part of the Monday evening agenda, a representative from Mokulele Airlines will

share about the airline’s collaboration with Surf Air Mobility. Additional presentations will

be delivered by community leaders who will share their experiences and ongoing efforts

to support Molokai’s recovery from the Kona Low storms. Attendees will also receive

updates from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on current initiatives and programs.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is a semi-autonomous state agency established in 1978.…

Pālāʻau State Wayside Park Reopens

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

DLNR News Release

The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) is pleased to announce the reopening of Pālāʻau State Wayside Park on Molokai. The park reopened July 10 following the completion of several improvement projects designed to heighten the visitor experience and preserve one of Molokai’s most treasured places.
Over the past several months the park has undergone significant upgrades, including the renovation of the park pavilion, improvements to the water system, upgrades to the camping area comfort station and enhancements to the designated tent camping area. These projects reflect DLNR’s continued commitment to investing in Hawaii’s State Parks by providing safe, functional and welcoming facilities while protecting the natural and cultural resources that make each park unique.…

Guzeiji Soto Mission Announces Changes to 2026 Obon Observance

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

 

Guzeiji Soto Mission News Release

Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokaʻi has announced that its annual Obon observance will take on a quieter and more reflective format this year. 

While the temple remains deeply committed to honoring departed loved ones through its

traditional Obon and Hatsubon memorial services, the temple will not be hosting its Bon Odori (dance) celebration or its chicken hekka plate fundraiser this summer.

The temple welcomes all who wish to participate in the Obon memorial services on July 25,

A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Kapa’akea Cemetery Service at Sangai Banrei monument, which serves as a memorial not only for our own ancestors and loved ones, but also for all departed souls-known and unknown, remembered and forgotten.…

OHA Seeks Nonprofit Partners for Mālama Honua Grant 

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

OHA News Release

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is seeking qualified Hawaii nonprofit organizations to administer its FY27 Mālama Honua Home Improvement/Renovation Program Grant for Nonprofits (FY27 Mālama Honua Grant for Nonprofits), a home repair initiative designed to help Native Hawaiian families remain safely housed by addressing critical health and safety needs in owner-occupied homes. 

The FY27 grant solicitation opens July 6, 2026, for eligible Hawaiʻi nonprofit organizations. 

The FY27 program builds upon OHA’s commitment to increasing housing stability for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries through partnerships with trusted community organizations. To distinguish this initiative from OHA’s separate Mālama Honua Disaster Fund, the program is now formally identified as the Mālama Honua Grant for Nonprofits. …

Hoʻāhu Energy Completes Nanogrid Project

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokaʻi News Release

Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokaʻi is proud to announce completion of Phase 1 of its Nanogrid Project, a community-led initiative that brings renewable energy and battery storage to off-grid households while advancing energy sovereignty, resilience and environmental justice across Molokai. 

The project provides 14 qualified off-grid ʻohana with community-designed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems paired with battery energy storage. By delivering reliable clean electricity, the initiative reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowers household energy costs and improves quality of life for families facing some of the island’s greatest energy challenges. 

“Our vision is to ensure that every family has access to reliable, affordable and resilient energy,” Projects Coordinator Leilani Chow of Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokaʻi said. …

Flagbook Classes with Tamara Moan

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Paʻa Printmakers News Release

Paʻa Printmaking Studio is offering workshops on July 18 and 19 to teach Flagbook making using Turkish folding techniques.
Participants will learn stencil-making and pop-up techniques from Oahu artist Tamara Moan. The class, held at the Paʻa Printmakers studio at 201 Ala Malama Avenue, will offer step-by-step instructions on how to create a book full of imagery with space to add poetry, a story or a letter to a friend.
Pa’a Printmakers: a hui for Molokai makers, is a creative space for local artists to learn and hone printmaking skills. Community programs at the studio include open studio time and printmaking workshops by local and visiting artists.…