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Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

Vandalism at Kamakou

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

E malama i ka lako honua no na hanauna a pau. Take care of the resources for future generations. 

I was disappointed to hear that a fence in the Kamakou Preserve was cut and vandalized two weeks ago.  The fences of Kamakou Preserve protect some of the last and best native forests on Molokai and are home to species found nowhere else on the planet.  The native forest of Kamakou collects the water that is used by residents across the island, which includes Hawaiian Homes, county, private and other folks.  

We only have 13 percent of the native forest this island once had, pushed back miles inland by fire and hooved animals, now mostly at the tops of the mountains, such that many people now never see what a healthy forest looks like. …

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William Harry Johnston Sr.

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

William Harry Johnston Sr.

We are sad to announce the passing of William Harry Johnston Sr. “Uncle Bill” of Kaunakakai. He died on May 15, 2023 at the age of 79. Uncle Bill passed away surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Earline; sons Wayne and Kalani; and daughter Tammy. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday July 8, 2023 at the St. Damien Catholic Church in Kaunakakai at 8:30 to 10 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:20 a.m., eulogy then 10:30 to 11 a.m. services.  

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, please come by and celebrate via drive by at dad’s house Lot 28 Kapa’akea at 11 a.m.…

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Youth Theatre Program for Teenagers

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Youth Theatre Program for Teenagers

Community Contributed

By Mahina Segario

Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM) is proud to announce our new Senior Division for those 13 to 18 years of age who would like hands on performing art opportunities in all performing art genres beyond just acting. I am working as an intern at CTOM under the AluLike work program as a community youth coordinator. I am tasked with producing a youth empowerment performance and recruiting youth wanting to develop talent in all areas of performing arts.

Is comedy, singing, dancing or becoming a writer your passion? Would you like to be a make-up artist?…

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Molokai’s First Community Solar Project Nears Completion

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai’s First Community Solar Project Nears Completion

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

An array of solar panels anchored into the stoney ground near Kawela Plantation represent Molokai’s first completed community solar project. While not online yet, Molokai residents can now sign up for community solar. 

Community based renewable energy (CBRE) is a program through Hawaiian Electric that allows residents the benefits of solar power without having to own solar panels, which is especially beneficial for renters or those who can’t install their own rooftop system. Normally, solar panels are installed by electricians like Las Vegas Electrician on individual homes, requiring homeowners to make an upfront investment and manage maintenance.…

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Progress on Solutions for the Unhoused

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

A newly-formed organization is dedicated to addressing Molokai’s unhoused population, and is seeking community feedback on their proposal to create long term housing solutions.  

Led by President Leola Kahalewai, Hui Kaiaulu is a Molokai-based group formed this past December.  

Currently, Hui Kaiaulu is searching for a seven to 10-acre plot to construct permanent homes out of shipping containers, explained Kahalewai. Recipients of this housing would farm the land as well. Presently, Kahalewai is engaged in talks with Molokai Ranch about utilizing some of their properties in Kaunakakai.

 Molokai’s estimated homeless population sits at about 25 people. However, many more Molokai residents live as “hidden homeless.”…

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Molokai Cousins Victorious at State Rodeo

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai Cousins Victorious at State Rodeo

By Jack Kiyonaga, reporter 

Two Molokai youth were named state champions at the Hawaii High School State Rodeo. Cousins Kahiwa Augustiro, age 18, and Bailey Sproat, age 16, put on impressive displays of horsemanship and athleticism at the June 9 and 10 rodeo at the New Town and Country stables in Waimanalo, Oahu. 

Along with individual victories, the Molokai duo took home first place together in the team roping event. 

“It was like nothing else,” said Augustiro reflecting on the weekend’s accomplishments. In addition to the team roping title, Augustiro came away with victories in bareback bronco riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding.…

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Molokai Holokai Brings Community Races

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai Holokai Brings Community Races

Youth in Motion News Release

The Molokai Holokai Ho’olaule’a is to be held on Molokai, July 14-15 and is a combination of some fun ocean paddling and land events.  

The event kicks off on July 14 with the Maui to Molokai Challenge, 27 miles from DT Fleming Beach Park, Maui, at 9 a.m. and the Gorilla Ogo and Mangrove Seed contest kicks off on the Molokai side at Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai, with Sustainable Molokai. Finally, a late afternoon evening Skate Jam session will be held at the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) with local boy Alex Mawae.

Day two is full of action on Molokai, with the Ho’olaule’a bringing out the community and visiting paddlers to enjoy a day of festivities as we celebrate our youth.…

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Kupu Seeks Conservation Leaders

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Kupu News Release 

Applications are open for the Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) through Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and environmental education nonprofit.  The organization also announced monthly living stipend will be raised to $2,560 for Hawaii residents and $2,320 for US Pacific residents for the 11-month term. Conservation programs on Molokai are among the host sites. 

Recent high school graduates, college graduates and young professionals looking to establish a career in conservation are strongly encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 30.

The raise in living stipend, in addition to health insurance and education and career benefits, means CLDP participants will earn a compensation package valued up to $36,000 while addressing urgent conservation needs and jump-starting a career path.…

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Tourism Authority Funds Community Projects

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

HTA News Release

The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs demonstrate its longstanding commitment to reinvesting in the community and implementing its strategic plan and destination management action plans. HTA recently announced it is awarding $3.78 million in funding to support 76 community projects, festivals and events throughout the state as part of its Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs in 2023, some of which are on Molokai. 

“The festivals and events being supported by our Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs are integral to Hawaii’s multi-cultural community and contribute to a stronger, diversified economy,” said John De Fries, HTA’s president and CEO.…

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Leadership Transitions at the Dispatch

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

The Molokai Dispatch News Release

The Molokai Dispatch would like to let readers, advertisers and supporters know about some upcoming transitions in leadership and staffing roles at Molokai’s only newspaper. 

Catherine Cluett Pactol, who has worked at the paper for the past 15 years and served as editor for more than a decade, is beginning a new chapter in her career. She will be working with Hawaii Public Radio as the organization’s Maui Nui reporter, where she will continue to live on Molokai and share the island’s voices and stories on statewide radio, while also expanding the station’s coverage of Maui and Lanai news.…

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