Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

Meet the Artists: Carol Rocha

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Meet the Artists: Carol Rocha

Community Contributed

By Na Heona Molokai

Na Heona Molokai (Artists of Molokai) is a group creating an exhibition titled “No Stop Light: Molokai” for the 3,600 square foot Downtown Art Center in Honolulu, in May 2022. In the coming months, we will introduce each artist.

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Carol Rocha.  I grew up in Northern California.  My family is from the Azores, Portugal.  

What is your art form?

I am a sculptor.  I owned a wood shop for years in California that produced one of a kind reclaimed wood furniture.  Using wood for sculpting and creating art has been most of my professional art experience. …

Strategy for Economic Prosperity

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Community Contributed

By Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Maui County Council, Molokai

The county is in the midst of updating its fourth Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), “an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies,” for publication later this year.  

This update occurs every five years, as a result of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Reauthorization Act of 2004. Maui County has completed three CEDS, in 2004, 2010 and 2016. 

The CEDS is intended to create a local-based strategy for economic development and an environment for economic prosperity and resilience. 

Maui County has historically contracted the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) who achieved the objective of completing the required analysis and report by working with a network of connected businesses, suppliers and associates in specific fields that are all located in the same geographical area.…

New Mobile Provider

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

New Mobile Provider

Cricket Wireless Molokai News Release 

What’s all the buzz about Cricket Wireless? It’s a new business on Molokai that opened its door on Jan. 7.  We offer cellular services utilizing the AT&T network with affordable monthly plans. There are no contracts or credit checks. The best part about Cricket Wireless is that you don’t have to wait for shipping of any cell phone or accessories because we have lots in stock.  

Here are some of this month’s specials when porting in from your current carrier: $50 instant credit added to your account; 10 different free phones to choose from; get an iPhone 11 for $99; get an iPhone SE for $49. …

New Organization Continues Hospice Molokai

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

New Organization Continues Hospice Molokai

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Having the support and care to spend one’s final days in the comfort of your own home is a gift that’s given by hospice staff on Molokai. And it’s a gift that can continue being offered on island thanks to the umbrella of Hospice Maui, a new partnership that was launched last week. 

Previously, hospice services on Molokai operated under Hospice Hawaii for several decades, which rebranded as Navian at the end of 2019. The unification under Hospice Maui, an organization which has served Maui for 40 years, will now offer services across Maui County, taking over Navian on Molokai and Lanai. …

Hokule’a License Plate Designed by Molokai Resident

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

Hokule’a License Plate Designed by Molokai Resident

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Hawaii residents have a new license plate option that supports and honors the Hokule’a voyaging canoe and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The plate was designed by Molokai’s Todd Yamashita, an artist and graphic designer who worked for the Polynesian Voyaging Society for five years during the Worldwide Voyage and also served as a crewmember during one of the journey’s legs, along with other Molokai crewmembers.  

The plate features a depiction of Hokule’a at the Hakipu’u area on Oahu, a place important to Polynesian voyagers for more than a thousand years, according to Yamashita. 

“In 2017, just after Hokule’a had returned from her historic worldwide voyage, I sailed with a small crew from Magic Island to Hakipu’u and spent the night onboard doing anchor watch.…

The Weekend in Sports

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

The Weekend in Sports

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Last weekend, five Molokai High sports teams competed, with some losses and some wins. 

On the mat, Molokai’s wrestling team raked in more top finishes. On the girls’ side, Kailani Bicoy finished third in the 107-pound division, Barbara Simon placed second at 112 pounds and Carly Dudoit earned third at 138. For the boys, Austin Kaalekahi placed second in the 106-pound division, Reyn Raguindin came in third in 113B, Johnson Harris finished third in 132A, Hezekiah Horner placed second at 152, Clarence Horner finished third at 160, in the 195-pound division Heno Kaiama and Elisha Horner placed first and second respectively, and Leo Kalipi came in third at 220. …

Molokai Artist Receives National Cultural Fellowship

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

Molokai Artist Receives National Cultural Fellowship

First Peoples Fund News Release

First Peoples Fund, the oldest national Native-led organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous artists, has selected 12 individuals from across the country as recipients of the 2022 Cultural Capital Fellowship.

Local artist Kanaka Maoli Hawaii, Kanoelani Davis of Molokai, was named as one of the fellows. An artist whose artforms include regalia, jewelry and weaving, Davis will receive a $7,500 project grant, technical support and professional training over the course of the year.

An internship at a renowned jewelry company like Julius Klein Diamonds could further enhance her skills, offering access to a global platform and expertise in diamond sourcing, design, and business strategies.…

Meet the Artists: Victor Lopez Orozco

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

Meet the Artists: Victor Lopez Orozco

Community Contributed

By Na Heona Molokai

Na Heona Molokai (Artists of Molokai) is a group creating an exhibition titled “No Stop Light: Molokai” for the 3,600 square foot Downtown Art Center in Honolulu, in May 2022. In the coming months, we will introduce each artist.  

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Victor Lopez Orozco. I am from Mexico, and I have been on Molokai almost 26 years.

What brought you to Molokai?

I came to build fences for Molokai Ranch. I worked there for about three years and after then the crew moved to Honolulu or Big Island, but I decided I like Molokai.…

Golf Ace

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

Golf Ace

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely

Greig Len Wai, the pride of Friendly Market Center, is the February Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Len Wai shot 34–40 for a gross total of 74 and with his 11 handicap, his 63 net he secured the victory. …

Celebrating Kalaupapa Month

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

Community Contributed

Opinion by Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

You may have noticed that I’ve been AWOL from these pages for the past several weeks. The reason is that my computer died a sudden and unexpected death several weeks ago, perhaps as a result of the acidity of my writings. So, last week, I spent several hours in Honolulu (make that several days) under the tutelage of our man, Bill Pimental, learning computer. Power to the Portuguese! Bill gave me a crash course on how to use my new computer as well as my new Apple smart phone. He was very patient with me, seeing that I am not the brightest bulb in the room.…