Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Ho‘āhu Program Graduates Six Clean Energy Technicians

Thursday, September 11th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja
A literally electrifying program at a Molokai nonprofit organization has produced in the last few years dozens of clean energy technicians ready to put their skills toward cheaper energy and improved quality of life for island residents.
“We are able to now have people who are skilled and knowledgeable in the field of renewable energy. So, as the demand continues on the island, the goal is for the local residents to be able to secure those positions with employers, but also to explore into the entrepreneurship realm,” said Liliana Napoleon, training and workforce developer at Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai.…

County Teaches Grant Writing Workshop

Thursday, September 11th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja
What are the right steps that could help nonprofit organizations to successfully seek, apply for, receive and manage grants? Through a comprehensive workshop, Maui County staff members tried to demystify the grant writing process and open new avenues for grant funding on Molokai.
“Our vision is to create an army of grant writers throughout the county to gather partnerships and funding resources for our needs, not necessarily coming from county dollars,” Maui County Chief of Staff Cynthia Lallo said at a public meeting at Mitchell Pauole Center Aug. 25, seeking participants for a grant writing workshop on the same location the following day.…

Molokai Monk Seal Pup Recovering on Big Island

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

By The Molokai Dispatch staff
This has been another “banner year” for monk seal pupping in the main Hawaiian Islands, with 35 new pups so far, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in a recent news release. As the peak pupping season winds down, most of these new pups are thriving and exploring the reefs on their own.
However, two small pups, one on Molokai and another on Kauai, needed extra help. Due to quick action by NOAA’s team and partners, both are now receiving life-saving care at the Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian monk seal hospital, Ke Kai Ola, in Kona, Big Island.…

Bissen Hears Concerns at Holomua Kākou

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

Mayor Richard Bissen landed on Molokai last week as part of the Holomua Kākou series designed to reach out to Maui County’s further communities, including the Friendly Isle, Lanai and Hana. 

“The whole purpose is to come in and get your concerns, your priorities, and how we can be available to you folks,” Bissen told about 30 residents at Mitchell Pauole Center Aug. 25. 

The meeting only lasted about an hour, but Bissen left with a bag full of issues and concerns. He made assurances he would look into all of them and follow up, despite some not being the county’s responsibility, and others being caused by previous administrations.…

Through the Words of John Papa ʻĪʻī

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja
Some of the most invaluable insights on how Hawaiian kings and commoners lived in the 19th century came from the written accounts of a man who served four generations of the Kamehameha Dynasty and wielded a significant power and influence in the Kingdom.
“If anyone needed something to be done, they always seemed to call John Papa ʻĪʻī. He was the guy to get it done,” Awaiulu head researcher Kalei Roberts said at the E Hoʻomanaʻo series event at Molokai Public Library Aug. 26.
Close to 20 people came to the library to learn more about the life and legacy of Ioane Kāneiakama Papa ʻĪʻī — widely known as John Papa ʻĪʻī — including members of the Alu Like Kupuna Program and members of the Kaʻahumanu Society, Molokai Chapter 8.…