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Molokai Boy at HPD Makes His Island Proud

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

Molokai Boy at HPD Makes His Island Proud

By Léo Azambuja

A Molokai boy who moved to the Big Island to become a police officer received a prestigious recognition at a ceremony last week for his outstanding service to Hawaii County in 2025.

The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii recognized Hawaii Police Department’s Puna Patrol Officer Dallas Arce as the 2025 Officer of the Year. He was honored for his “exemplary initiative, leadership and notable investigative skills demonstrated throughout the year,” officials said during the award ceremony in Hilo March 7. 

“I just hope I made my island and my family proud,” said Arce, who in 2025 alone, had received the Officer of the Month award three times. …

Veterinary Hui Hosts First Molokai Clinic

Monday, March 16th, 2026

Veterinary Hui Hosts First Molokai Clinic

By Léo Azambuja

A nonprofit organization launched earlier this year, catering to men’s best friends and feline masters, held its first veterinary clinic on Molokai a couple weeks ago, attending dozens of furry patients over the course of two days.

“We are a charitable organization,” said Letisha Kolb, secretary of the Molokai Community Veterinary Hui. “We want to improve access to veterinary care. So, we figure we can do this by encouraging traveling vets to come. Our objective is to provide the space for them where they can show up, and they can just walk in and they can practice.”

The first veterinary clinic was held by Dr.…

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Phyllis Mililani Gomes

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Phyllis Mililani Gomes

Phyllis Mililani Gomes, 82, peacefully passed away at The Queens Medical Center Punchbowl, in Honolulu on December 21, 2025 with her children present. She was born on December 15, 1943 to William (Palapala) Starkey and Lucy English Starkey.

She is survived by her children Raymond (Eliizabeth) Gomes III of Hoʻolehua, Molokai, Aletia (Gerald Jr.) Mahadocon of Hana, Maui, Yolanda (Chad Sr [d] Puaoi of Hoʻolehua, Molokai, and Michael Gomes of Hoʻolehua, Molokai. She has 15 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings Billy, Puanani, Bobby, Gerard, Ona Mae, Llewelyn and Darrell.

She’s a graduate of Molokai High School – Class of 1961, and was preceded in death by her late husband of 51 years; Raymond T.…

Printmaking Studio Celebrates Success with Juried Selection

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Printmaking Studio Celebrates Success with Juried Selection

Pa’a Printmakers News Release

Less than a year after opening, Paʻa Printmakers is already making its mark on the statewide art scene. The studio is proud to announce that student and Kaunakakai resident Leila Anasazi has been selected for the Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition, opening April 3, 2026, at the Downtown Arts Center in Honolulu.

Anasazi is one of only 68 artists chosen from across Hawai’i. Her accepted piece, “In the Ulu,” was created using gel plate printing — a medium she only first discovered in January during a workshop at Paʻa Printmakers taught by visiting Oahu artist Helena Noordoff.

“We are thrilled to see our local artists gaining statewide recognition so quickly,” said Keao Chow.…

Rawlins Announces Leadership Transition After 67 Years

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Rawlins Announces Leadership Transition After 67 Years

Rawlins Enterprises News Release

After 67 years as a family-owned and operated business serving the Molokai community, Rawlins has announced a thoughtful transition as Aunty Shirley Rawlins prepares to step back from day-to-day operations.

For the past 33 years, Aunty Shirley and her daughter Lori-Lei have led the company together, continuing a four-generation legacy of service and commitment to Molokai. At 82 years old, Aunty Shirley and her daughter recently began reflecting on what the next chapter should look like.

“The time has come for my mother to focus on her health and well-being,” said Lori-Lei Rawlins Crivello, President of Rawlins Service.…

100 Years of Gratitude

Friday, March 20th, 2026

100 Years of Gratitude

By Léo Azambuja

In January, Ana Lintao celebrated her 100th birthday with family and some of her long-time Molokai friends. More than half a century ago, she and her small family came to Molokai from the Philippines. As she got older, she moved to Maui to be with her daughters, but her heart never left the Friendly Isle.

“Pray every day, green tea with three scoops of sugar and soda crackers for breakfast, a banana with every meal, Wheel of Fortune, walk laps around the house, smile often, occasional yardwork, and always ask where everyone is” are Lintao’s secrets to long, healthy life, according to her granddaughter, Jackie Ruiz. …

Registration for 2026 OHCRA Championships Now Open

Monday, March 16th, 2026

OHCRA News Release

The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) invites the world back to Hawai‘i for another year of extraordinary competition across the Kaiwi Channel. Registration for the 2026 Molokai Channel World Championships: Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai and Moloka‘i Hoe is now open for all eligible competitors, bringing together elite paddlers from the Junior level to 65 years and over.

Two weeks of inter-island paddling launches with the world’s greatest female paddlers in the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai Championship race on Sept. 27. Two weeks later on Oct. 11, 2026, the men answer the call with the Molokai Hoe.…

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