Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Seeking Next Editor of The Molokai Dispatch

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

The Molokai Dispatch is a weekly, locally-owned newspaper that’s been in print for 40 years. We’re seeking a new editor to lead community-centered journalism and guide the paper’s content. This person would ideally already be a Molokai resident, with a commitment to amplifying local voices, fostering the island’s cultural legacy, upholding the highest standards of journalism, and ability to separate personal viewpoints from the professional responsibilities to provide inclusive and trustworthy news coverage of Molokai’s issues and events. We’re looking for someone with a love for Molokai and passion for storytelling and community journalism. 

Join The Molokai Dispatch ‘ohana in our mission to keep Molokai’s stories alive and make a positive community impact through responsible journalism, adding to a strong legacy of preserving our island’s history for future generations. …

Mahiki Lankford 

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Mahiki Lankford 

Mahiki Lankford was born in Ho’olehua, Molokai. She is preceded in death by her husband Adolphus Lankford, parents William and Annie Kaiahua Aki, and siblings.

She is survived by her children Lu Ann Mahiki (Kenneth), Donna, Kuulei, Micheal (Ronnette), Yvonne, Kaanohi, and Mahikili’ili’i, 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

We will celebrate her homecoming luau Friday, June 20, at 4:30 p.m. at the Maunaloa Recreation Center.  …

May is Wildfire Preparedness Month

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Community Contributed
By Erin Peyton, HWMO Community Wildfire Ambassador

Choosing to work together to prepare rather than repair preserves precious resources.

There are simple things you can do to protect your homes from ember intrusion. Clearing ignitable materials such as dry leaves in the zero to five foot area from your home is one example.

Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) has partnered with Molokai Public Library during the month of May to provide information on what you can do to be prepared. We invite you to visit the library for more ways to protect your homes – just look for the little red house.…

May Golf Ace

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

May Golf Ace

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Zachary Helm is the May Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Helm, a Molokai golf professional and Molokai musician extraordinaire, is now retired with 34 years of service with the County of Maui Parks and Recreations Department. Big Z shot 42-36 for a gross total of 80. With his 17 handicap, his 63 net got him the victory. Congratulations Big Z.

The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of Iconic Ironwood Hills Golf Course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai.…

Campaign to Protect Medicaid Continues

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

AlohaCare News Release

Molokai Medicaid beneficiaries can help support the healthcare program by sharing stories of the importance of Medicaid with lawmakers.
During Medicaid Awareness Month, AlohaCare highlights the crucial role of Medicaid to Hawaii’s residents. Known as QUEST locally, the federal and state funded program provides health insurance for over 400,000 of our neighbors, friends, and family. As a nonprofit health plan, AlohaCare will raise awareness, show appreciation and continue to advocate on behalf of Medicaid beneficiaries. AlohaCare invites the public to join the celebration by thanking their healthcare provider and sharing a positive story of how Medicaid may have helped an individual or family through their health journey.…

Axis Deer Control

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Axis Deer Control

DLNR News Release
Axis deer continue to negatively impact Maui Nui forested watersheds, agricultural land and population centers. To combat these problems, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting eligible private landowners and lessees to apply to the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) to achieve appropriate, sustainable population levels.
This program aims to incentivize landowners on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai to increase the number of axis deer removed from their properties and enhance protection efforts for the state’s threatened natural and agricultural resources. Applicants awarded a contract will be eligible to receive up to $50 for each qualifying deer tail presented.…

Preschool Educators Hold Unique Retreat

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Preschool Educators Hold Unique Retreat

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Last weekend, early childhood educators on Molokai took to Pu’u O Hoku Ranch for two days of professional development and networking amongst activities like hiking and coconut basket weaving. Organized by Na Kamali’i Hoaloha preschool, the retreat fulfilled licensure requirements as well as offered a much needed end-of-year respite for educators – especially as worries around federal funding for some programs have mounted in the past weeks.

Sarah Ching, director of Na Kamali’i, explained that the retreat was an exceptional experience for Molokai’s early childhood educators.

“This is the first time something like this has happened for our island,” she said.…

40 Years Brings a Transition to The Molokai Dispatch

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

40 Years Brings a Transition to The Molokai Dispatch

By The Molokai Dispatch Board of Directors

In 1985, The Molokai Dispatch first took shape on Myrle Florea’s dining table, printed on a typewriter and cut and pasted using X-Acto knives and rubber cement.
Forty years later, the weekly publication is still in print — now using the latest technology — serving Molokai as the island’s only remaining newspaper. We’ve come a long way, but much has remained the same – most of all, our commitment to informing and strengthening our community through locally produced, responsible journalism.
Now, the newspaper is on the brink of a big transition.
To ensure both the financial sustainability and community stewardship of the newspaper, The Molokai Dispatch is shifting to a nonprofit model.…

Queen’s Gala Celebrates Student Chefs

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Queen’s Gala Celebrates Student Chefs

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

For the third year, the Queen’s Gala brought the Molokai community together to celebrate the work of young, aspiring chefs. The evening featured a five-course meal with specialty dishes and drinks designed and executed by members of the Culinary Club. From kalo chowder to maki sushi rolls, to meringue pavlova, the student chefs did not disappoint.

The requirements for this year’s menu were that the dishes contain at least one locally sourced ingredient along with the added challenge of being gluten-free, explained Tiare Hubbard, program director of the Culinary Club.

The young chefs spend months preparing for the end of the year gala.…

Share Your Manaʻo for Molokai’s Economic Future

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Solutions Pacific News Release

Molokai residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders are invited to participate in a survey that will look deeper into the business landscape today and explore community-driven economic opportunities for the future. The survey aims to identify and learn from businesses on Molokai, gather insights from community members, and get input into how economic development and growth on Molokai can align with the values and aspirations of her people. The survey project is funded by the County of Maui and will provide decision-makers, including business and nonprofit leaders on Molokai, with important insights and information. Your survey responses can empower actions that improve well-being for all of Molokai.…