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Iconic Imports Gift Shop Closing Down

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Iconic Imports Gift Shop Closing Down

By Léo Azambuja

After almost five decades serving the needs of Molokai residents and visitors, Imports Gift Shop is gearing up toward closing its doors for good. With everything on sale at 50% off — aside from consignment art — the store will fold when the inventory is gone.

“I’m closing the store, but we’ll still remain open until we sell everything,” said Maria Watanabe, who first opened Imports Gift Shop in 1979. “It’s time to slow down; I have two more stores to take care of.”

Originally from Philippines, Watanabe arrived on Molokai in 1971, and worked at her family’s business, C.…

Grant Will Kickstart Historical Archive

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Grant Will Kickstart Historical Archive

By Léo Azambuja

A nonprofit organization on Molokai recently received a large grant that will allow it to support the establishment of the first permanent physical historical archive dedicated to the island.

“This grant was through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, but specifically for Native Hawaiian libraries,” said Pulama Lima, executive director of the nonprofit Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center.

She said the nonprofit has a working relationship history with IMLS, and was familiar with the grant application process. But aside from being a competitive grant worth about $100,000, what really made it difficult was an uncertainty whether the grant would be released because of the current administration’s policies.…

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Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.

The descendants of Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr. honor our beloved makuakāne, who departed this life on Nov. 9, 2025, in his 86th year, at Moanalua, Oahu. Born Dec. 30, 1938 at Nānākuli, Oahu, he was the fourth son of Joseph Kahapea Paʻahao and Kulani (Lima) Hoohuli. Of chiefly, priestly and warrior ancestry, he was the last of his generation, all seven brothers and seven sisters now gathered to Ke Akua in Heaven. He wed his one true love, Velma Lou Leinaala “Leina” Adams, on Aug. 17, 1963 at Nānākuli. Together for 39 years, they lovingly raised our ʻohana until her passing in 2002.…

Glenn K. Nanod

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Glenn K. Nanod

Glenn K. Nanod, 70, was born on Molokai on Nov. 20, 1954, and died at in Wailuku on Sept. 26, 2025. He valued education, was concerned for community issues and had a love for his daughter and family. 

Glenn’s education included MHIS 1972; Lahainaluna HS (3 years); University of Hawaii with an emphasis in Archeology; Cannons Business College; and MCC.

He worked as a substitute teacher; as an archeologist at various island locations while supporting the Molokai community with his research; at Ah Fook’s Supermarket until the store was destroyed by fire 2005 and then sold. Employers Options hired Glenn after he volunteered and travelled by bus to Lahaina to support and feed the fire-impacted residents.  …

Last Hole in One of 2025

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Last Hole in One of 2025

By Rick Schonely

It was a typical Wednesday on the last day of the year, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, and the Molokai Skins Golf gang was playing their regular Wednesday game at Iconic Ironwood Hills Golf Course.
Little did we know that Scott Shelton would take out his number-seven iron on the 16th hole (#7 on the back nine) and get his first hole-in-one of his career — from the white tee at 204 yards.
Shelton, a long-time resident of Molokai and the head coach of Lady Farmers soccer team for many years, hit a beautiful shot that rolled onto the green and dropped into the hole.…

ʻGrow Aloha’ Surpasses 5K Native Plant Adoptions, Extends Through June

Friday, January 16th, 2026

NTBG News Release

Grow Aloha, the statewide initiative dedicated to restoring Hawaii’s native plants and our relationships with them, is proud to announce the extension of its free, monthly plant adoption program through June 2026. This extension ensures continued access for residents across Hawaii to native plants, Hawaiian heritage crops and educational resources. 

Since its launch, Grow Aloha has placed more than 5,000 native plants and Hawaiian heritage crops into the hands of local residents through free monthly plant adoptions. These plants — representing over 100 species and varieties  —  are now growing in backyards, schools, and community spaces statewide, helping restore our built environment collectively. …

Youth Summit to Reveal Student Voices

Friday, January 16th, 2026

By Ric Ornellas

On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, the Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria will transform into a hub of student advocacy and community connection for the 4th Annual Molokai Youth Summit. Running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the summit continues its mission of bringing forward to the Molokai community the voices of our 21st-century youth and future leaders.

Since its inception, the summit has prioritized providing opportunities to hear the authentic voices of keiki o ka ʻāina, Molokai students. This year’s theme poses a direct, provocative question to students in grades 1–12 across both public and private schools: “What do I want from my school?”…

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