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Catching Up With High Watah

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Catching Up With High Watah

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

 

There’s something kind of perfect about celebrating the Fourth of July in one of the biggest shopping centers in America. This year, along with the mall’s offerings of Americana — snacks, deals and loud urban culture — the Ala Moana Center also presented a bit of Molokai in its long weekend lineup: a free concert by High Watah.

Since moving to Oahu a couple of years ago, the island reggae band has been performing concerts in Hawaii, California and Las Vegas. Most recently they opened a new concert and event venue in downtown Honolulu. With their producers and distributors located in New Zealand, the band is gaining a following there, too.…

Mud Bog Turns One

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Mud Bog Turns One

ByDayanti Karunaratne, Editor

After the Kona Low storms flooded roads and driveways across the island this spring, some people might find it hard to believe that Molokai residents still want to watch souped-up trucks fight their way through mud — but there’s just something special about the Mud Bog that keeps people coming back. 

“It’s just a fun, relaxing family event. And our events are still free to the community,” Hana Alcon, one of the event organizers said, noting that they don’t charge their food vendors, either. “That’s the thing we’re proud of — we don’t charge entry.”

The next race in the Mud Bog series happens Saturday, July 18 at the mud tracks on Lihi Pali Avenue in Ho’olehua.…

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Guzeiji Soto Mission Announces Changes to 2026 Obon Observance

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Guzeiji Soto Mission Announces Changes to 2026 Obon Observance

 

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 Completes Nanogrid Project

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.…

Election Announced for Vacant Senate Seat

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Office of Elections News Release 

Following the retirement of Senator Michelle Kidani on June 30, the Office of Elections has issued a proclamation announcing the vacancy election for Senate District 18. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 17-3(b)(3), the vacancy will be filled at the 2026 General Election on November 3, 2026.

All qualified political parties have till 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, to submit their nominee. For nonpartisan candidates, applicants also must submit their Nomination Paper by September 4 at the Office of Elections. In the event there is more than one nonpartisan candidate, a drawing to determine the candidate that will appear on the 2026 General Election ballot will be held at 5:00 PM on September 4.…

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