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Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Molokai Community Veterinary Hui Launches

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

MCVH News Release

Molokai Community Veterinary Hui is pleased to announce the official startup of the organization as a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving access to veterinary services through education, collaboration, and community support.

Molokai Community Veterinary Hui is organized and operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization was created to support the unique veterinary needs of Molokai by providing essential infrastructure and resources that enable visiting veterinarians to serve the community effectively.

The primary mission of Molokai Community Veterinary Hui is to establish and maintain a veterinary clinic space that can be utilized by traveling veterinarians.…

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Kualapuʻu School’s Sixth Graders Visit the Dispatch

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Kualapuʻu School’s Sixth Graders Visit the Dispatch

By Léo Azambuja

The Molokai Dispatch staff got quite busy last week, when a dozen schoolchildren filled up the newspaper’s headquarters during a trip to Kaunakakai.  

Kualapuʻu Charter School’s sixth graders stopped by The Molokai Dispatch office for about 45 minutes in the afternoon of Jan. 15. Travelling under the guidance of teacher Jamie Kalama, the students had a lot of questions about the different stages of crafting a newspaper. 

The students learned about news gathering, news sources, design and layout, sales, distribution, advertising and printing. They saw the newspaper’s first issue — dated April 24, 1985 — on display on the wall. …

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Summit Reveals What Youth Wants

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Summit Reveals What Youth Wants

By Léo Azambuja

The results are in. Now, Molokai teachers may have a better idea about what their students want. The 4th Annual Youth Summit at Kaunakakai Elementary School Jan. 17 revealed the results of a large survey taken by students from all grades in all public schools on the island.

“Four years ago, we were the only island that did this. And then three years ago, (Hawaii State Teachers Association) asked us to show it to other islands,” Molokai High School teacher Ric Ornellas said, adding Hilo now organizes the same summit. “So, our small rural community is able to really influence other communities and other schools.”…

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Kū Ka Lau Lama 2026 Akaʻula School Fundraiser

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Kū Ka Lau Lama 2026 Akaʻula School Fundraiser

By Léo Azambuja

A nearly sold-out fundraiser event last weekend at Molokai Community Health Center will help carry one of the smallest schools on Molokai for another year, subsidizing students’ tuitions and other school programs. 

“This event is Kū Ka Lau Lama. It means, ‘many torches uplifted and lighting the way for education,’ and it’s a fundraiser to help fund our student financial-aid program,” said Dara Lukonen, the head of school at Akaʻula School and a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Almost 200 people attended the Kū Ka Lau Lama 2026, the school’s annual fundraiser Jan. 17. 

“This is our signature fundraiser.…

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Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.

The descendants of Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr. honor our beloved makuakāne, who departed this life on Nov. 9, 2025, in his 86th year, at Moanalua, Oahu. Born Dec. 30, 1938 at Nānākuli, Oahu, he was the fourth son of Joseph Kahapea Paʻahao and Kulani (Lima) Hoohuli. Of chiefly, priestly and warrior ancestry, he was the last of his generation, all seven brothers and seven sisters now gathered to Ke Akua in Heaven. He wed his one true love, Velma Lou Leinaala “Leina” Adams, on Aug. 17, 1963 at Nānākuli. Together for 39 years, they lovingly raised our ʻohana until her passing in 2002.…

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Glenn K. Nanod

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Glenn K. Nanod

Glenn K. Nanod, 70, was born on Molokai on Nov. 20, 1954, and died at in Wailuku on Sept. 26, 2025. He valued education, was concerned for community issues and had a love for his daughter and family. 

Glenn’s education included MHIS 1972; Lahainaluna HS (3 years); University of Hawaii with an emphasis in Archeology; Cannons Business College; and MCC.

He worked as a substitute teacher; as an archeologist at various island locations while supporting the Molokai community with his research; at Ah Fook’s Supermarket until the store was destroyed by fire 2005 and then sold. Employers Options hired Glenn after he volunteered and travelled by bus to Lahaina to support and feed the fire-impacted residents.  …

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Last Hole in One of 2025

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Last Hole in One of 2025

By Rick Schonely

It was a typical Wednesday on the last day of the year, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, and the Molokai Skins Golf gang was playing their regular Wednesday game at Iconic Ironwood Hills Golf Course.
Little did we know that Scott Shelton would take out his number-seven iron on the 16th hole (#7 on the back nine) and get his first hole-in-one of his career — from the white tee at 204 yards.
Shelton, a long-time resident of Molokai and the head coach of Lady Farmers soccer team for many years, hit a beautiful shot that rolled onto the green and dropped into the hole.…

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ʻGrow Aloha’ Surpasses 5K Native Plant Adoptions, Extends Through June

Friday, January 16th, 2026

NTBG News Release

Grow Aloha, the statewide initiative dedicated to restoring Hawaii’s native plants and our relationships with them, is proud to announce the extension of its free, monthly plant adoption program through June 2026. This extension ensures continued access for residents across Hawaii to native plants, Hawaiian heritage crops and educational resources. 

Since its launch, Grow Aloha has placed more than 5,000 native plants and Hawaiian heritage crops into the hands of local residents through free monthly plant adoptions. These plants — representing over 100 species and varieties  —  are now growing in backyards, schools, and community spaces statewide, helping restore our built environment collectively. …

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Youth Summit to Reveal Student Voices

Friday, January 16th, 2026

By Ric Ornellas

On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, the Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria will transform into a hub of student advocacy and community connection for the 4th Annual Molokai Youth Summit. Running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the summit continues its mission of bringing forward to the Molokai community the voices of our 21st-century youth and future leaders.

Since its inception, the summit has prioritized providing opportunities to hear the authentic voices of keiki o ka ʻāina, Molokai students. This year’s theme poses a direct, provocative question to students in grades 1–12 across both public and private schools: “What do I want from my school?”…

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Iconic Imports Gift Shop Closing Down

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Iconic Imports Gift Shop Closing Down

By Léo Azambuja

After almost five decades serving the needs of Molokai residents and visitors, Imports Gift Shop is gearing up toward closing its doors for good. With everything on sale at 50% off — aside from consignment art — the store will fold when the inventory is gone.

“I’m closing the store, but we’ll still remain open until we sell everything,” said Maria Watanabe, who first opened Imports Gift Shop in 1979. “It’s time to slow down; I have two more stores to take care of.”

Originally from Philippines, Watanabe arrived on Molokai in 1971, and worked at her family’s business, C.…

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