Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

Vandalism at the Library

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023

Our historic Molokai Public Library, built in 1937, is a wahi pana and pu’uhonua for our island. It is truly a hale, hosting guests and making people feel at home. We have all come to enjoy the cool comfort of its interior, an escape from the fierce Kaunakakai heat, the free WiFi provided both inside and out, the helpful staff who go above and beyond for our community members, and the plethora of information, community programming and valuable resources housed within. 

The Library’s lawn has hosted many special events and is home to the distinct “Pule Oʻo” copper sculpture by Bumpei Akaji, Nisei Veteran, installed in 1973.…

Mahalo, Misaki’s

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023

Thank God for Kevin Misaki and all of the wonderful people that work at Misaki’s to bring the people of Molokai food to nourish their bodies and minds. The very trying times that COVID has had on the people of Molokai have deepened our appreciation of those working at Misaki’s who have given so very much, often putting others above their own safety. Through endless weeks, months and years, Kevin and his employees persevered and gave endless hours of their time, energy, kindness, politeness and helpfulness to the people of Molokai. Upon entering Misaki’s grocery store from now on, I plan on shouting, “Thank God for Kevin Masaki.” …

March 19, 2003

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023

March nineteenth two thousand and three, 

-twenty years ago today- 

the world looked on in utter dismay 

as America displayed shock and awe 

and awe and shock 

and the stock market climbed as high 

as the bombs before they fell 

from the Iraqi sky 

but too few did what we would have others do 

if we were attacked out of the blue 

too few demanded to know why 

as an oil man told lie after lie 

after lie after lie after lie 

and do you cry for all the dead 

the known and the unknown 

and the known unknown 

and the unknown known 

killed by a bullet or an unmanned drone 

do you cry for all the collateral damage 

we’ll never have to atone for 

America doesn’t run on Dunkin 

it’s always run on recruiters 

funneling the poor into war 

after war after war after war. …