Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Hawaii Pacific Teleport Continues Despite Challenges

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

Nine antennas encased in white, space-age looking balls attracted Molokai’s attention early in 2024. These antennas are satellite receiving stations for Starlink internet. Installed by Hawaii Pacific Teleport, this receiving station will expand Wi-Fi coverage across rural areas of Molokai and the rest of Hawaii.

The project garnered some criticism after the antennas were installed at the Goodfellow Brother’s quarry before receiving approval from the Molokai Planning Commission.

Zhan Lindo, a commissioner on the Molokai Planning Commission, explained that the project was installed after the planning commission failed to rule within a 60-day window from the project’s proposal.

“The shot clock ran out,” said Lindo at an Aug.…

Molokai Hosts State Paddling Championships

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

This year’s Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) state championships were held at Ke’ehi Lagoon on Oahu, Aug. 3, and hosted by the Molokai Canoe Racing Association.

“We would like to send out a huge, heartfelt mahalo to members of both associations that put in endless hours of work to get us here today,” said the Molokai Canoe Racing Association in a statement.

Molokai crews from both Molokai Canoe Club and Wa’akapaemua competed in a wide range of races. The top finishers on the day for Molokai came in the Women’s 70 and up category, where Wa’akapaemua came in third place. Overall, Lanikai took home their fifth straight HCRA state championship.…

Bon Dance Celebrates Heritage, Ancestors

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Molokai celebrated its annual Obon Festival in memorable fashion last Saturday, Aug. 10. Many Molokai families clad in yukata, kimono and happi coats descended on the Guzeiji Soto Mission in Kaunakakai for a night of spirited remembrance.

Obon Festival, or Bon, is a Japanese holiday honoring the return of deceased ancestors, which goes back over 100 years in Hawaii. Molokai’s Soto Mission was founded in 1927 and is one of only nine Soto Missions statewide.

After Buddhist services at Kapa’akea Cemetery and the temple, participants gathered in the Soto Mission’s courtyard for the much-anticipated Bon dance. Centered around the yagura, or stage, and beset to music, chanting and taiko drums, the goal of dance is to imagine yourself moving with your ancestors, explained Rev.…

One Year Later, Molokai Remembers the Maui Fires

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Aug. 8 marked one year since the devastating Maui wildfires which destroyed Lahaina, killing 102 people and displacing over 12,000. Molokai was one of the first communities to respond to the disaster, which was the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over 100 years, immediately sending boats laden with supplies. Lahaina and Molokai have been linked communities for generations, with many Molokai community members having families, jobs or even having attended high school in Lahaina. Now, a year later, Molokai residents continue to support the Lahaina community.

The Molokai-based nonprofit Ho’aka Mana has been providing crisis counselors through the Malu I Ka Ulu program to those affected by the fires.…