Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

Family Sues County Over Fatal Shooting in April

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Members of Naki ‘ohana have sued the County of Maui and police officers involved in the April 30 shooting of 39-year-old Nathaniel Naki. In the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court last week, his family claims officers on the scene used “unlawful deadly force when they discharged their weapons at Nathaniel without provocation.”

The suit is based on seven counts that include malicious, willful, and wanton conduct by police, emotional distress and suffering to Naki prior to his death, intentional infliction of emotional distress to his family, and wrongful death. For those seeking justice in similar cases, consulting a skilled wrongful death attorney Racine can provide crucial legal support.…

Country Fair

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

St. Damien Parish News Release 

Please join us for this free community event on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Damien of Molokai Parish Country Fair is in its 20th year.  The event offers something for everyone including, a country store, a plant sale, a silent auction, entertainment, keiki games, a prayer table, baked goods, Filipino food, popcorn and drinks, and our specialty food items.  This year we are again selling our marinated uncooked chicken and cooked shrimp plate by pre-sale tickets.  You can purchase both at the Damien Center office 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday or after mass at any of our parish churches. …

Grand Opening of the Molokai History Project

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

MHP News Release 

Join the grand opening of the Molokai History Project at 145 Ala Malama Street, Unit 103, 9:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6.  Blessings will be by Uncle Jimmy Duvauchelle and welcoming remarks by Donna Paoa. 

Following the passing of Dr. Aluli late last year, there was a groundswell of support to establish a place on Molokai to share our collective histories and cultural objects.

Over the past few months, a group of 15 plus individuals have met to brainstorm ways to make this possible.  Most recently, our group met with Pulama Lima, the executive director of Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center, a local non-profit already doing heritage preservation work on Molokai.…

Big Changes Coming for Mobile Market

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release

Sustʻainable Molokai is pleased to announce exciting changes to our Mobile Market schedule, aimed at better serving our valued customers across the island. These changes are set to roll out during the first week of October.

We are thrilled to be adding a new pick-up location, making it easier than ever for our Manaʻe community to access fresh, locally-sourced produce. Starting Oct. 1, you can find us at Kilohana Elementary School every Thursday from 2:30-3:30 p.m., to pick up your orders, right after the buses leave. 

For our Kaunakakai and Hoʻolehua customers, we have expanded our pick-up time windows to offer greater flexibility.…

Molokai Artists Selected to Statewide Exhibition

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release 

Hawaii Craftsmen would like to heartily congratulate the eight Molokai artists whose works were juried into the Hawaii Craftsmen 57th consecutive statewide exhibition.

This is a very competitive show to participate in and the Molokai entrants faced an even greater challenge being smaller in numbers in comparison to the other islands. This exhibition features 106 extraordinary artworks from 99 artists on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. These artworks were selected from 537 entries across the state.

Congratulations goes to Arabella Ark, Dan Bennett, Jason Elder, Patti Golebieski, Terry Klerlein, Jason Liu, Kim Markham and Carol Rocha.…

Know Your Place

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

Community Contributed

Li’ula Busby, MHS Grade 12 

Kalo is happiest when it is growing where it belongs. When I was five, my mom asked me what I want to be when I grow up. I said I want to be happy. I’m happiest when I have a sense of belonging. Belonging means to fit in. It means being in the right place with the right people. Knowing your place is challenging sometimes because your place shifts when you’re with different people and when you’re in different places. To truly know your place, you need to know who you are. Next, figure out your viewpoint on what’s right and wrong.…

Art and Health Go Hand in Hand at MGH

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

Art and Health Go Hand in Hand at MGH

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

“What do you want the art to say?” asked Dewitt Jones, longtime photographer and Molokai resident. 

He gestured along the walls of Molokai General Hospital, adorned with huge canvases capturing May Days, Makahiki, rodeos: Molokai people and Molokai days gone by. These are just some of the estimated 120 photos decorating the hospital. 

“When the nurses go away, it’s just the walls,” said Jones. “You feel very alone.” 

Jones’ hope is that pictures of local people, places and scenes help those who enter and work at the hospital to feel more at peace. 

“You come to a hospital.…

Can Insurance Providers Help Improve Flight Service?

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

Can Insurance Providers Help Improve Flight Service?

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

AlohaCare health insurance services 2,445 Molokai residents. Now, the insurance provider is looking at fixing a critical step in serving Molokai residents: getting to the appointment. 

Lacking most types of medical specialists on-island, Molokai residents often must fly off-island for critical appointments. This past spring was a well-documented nightmare as Molokai patients routinely missed appointments due to unexpected flight delays and cancellations. These concerns led to AlohaCare sitting down with Mokulele Airlines and government legislators to talk about solutions. 

Meetings with State Sen. Lynn Decoite and Rep. Mahina Poepoe resulted in a commitment to collaborate across companies, explained AlohaCare VP of External Affairs Paula Arcena. …

“Neva Give Up” Wrestling Tournament

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

“Neva Give Up” Wrestling Tournament

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

The ‘Ainapa’a Wrestling Team proudly organized and hosted the “Neva Give Up” Scramble Tournament, which took place at Molokai High School’s gymnasium on Sept. 9. 

This event showcased the prowess and determination of a diverse array of wrestlers, from the earliest stages of kindergarten up to 12th grade, and drew participants from the various islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Molokai. 

These dedicated athletes engaged in Folkstyle wrestling, exemplifying the highest standards of sportsmanship and competitive fervor. Matches were executed in a scramble format with no weight cutting with each wrestler receiving approximately three matches with opponents of close age, weight, and experience.…

Badges and Buckets Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

Badges and Buckets Fundraiser

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

Badges and Buckets, the three-day fundraiser for Special Olympics formerly known as Cop on Top, took place outside the Molokai Public Library from Wednesday to Friday last week. Off-duty police officers climbed the 10-foot scaffold over a dunk tank to create excitement around the event. Residents supported local Special Olympics athletes for a shot at dunking an officer. 

As of Friday morning, the fundraiser had reached over $7,000 of its $10,000 goal, according to  Rita Kalahiki, the area director for Special Olympics Molokai. 

Kalahiki has been involved with Special Olympics Molokai since 1989. Now she coordinates events and games for the group.…