Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Bissen Bringing Holomua Kākou Back to Molokai

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen is bringing Holomua Kākou back to Molokai as part of his continuing efforts to take county government to the rural areas of Maui County. 

“Our rural communities deserve meaningful access to government in their hometowns,” Bissen said. “Our residents lead busy lives with work, family and community commitments, and we appreciate the time and valuable insights they share with us.”

“Mayor Bissen and Team in Your Town” events will be held in Molokai on Monday, Aug. 25, and Tuesday, Aug. 26. Office of the Mayor staff will be available to answer questions and provide assistance from 10 a.m.…

Addressing Obesity, Associated Chronic Diseases

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Addressing Obesity, Associated Chronic Diseases

Na Pu’uwai News Release

Na Pu’uwai is reaching out in partnership to help address one of the most pressing health concerns facing our Moloka’i community — obesity and its associated chronic diseases.

In the United States, 41.9% of adults are living with obesity, with annual healthcare costs directly attributable to obesity estimated at $147 billion. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality, with risk increasing in a dose-response fashion: the higher the BMI, the greater the risk. 

From metabolic performance to cardiovascular health, Everlab provides cutting-edge biological testing that transforms vague symptoms into clear action steps.…

Fire Prevention Tips

Thursday, August 14th, 2025

HWMO News Release

Wildfire safety tip from Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization: Regularly maintain machinery that might spark — this includes weed whackers, chainsaws, grinders, welding equipment, and off-road vehicles. Dry vegetation is extremely flammable. All it takes is one spark to cause widespread damage. For more wildfire preparedness information visit hwmo.org.…

Livestock Brands Must Register with Department of Agriculture

Thursday, August 14th, 2025

Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity News Release

Owners of livestock brands in Hawai‘i have until Dec. 31, 2025 to reregister their brands with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) or risk losing their rights to their brands. Hawai‘i law requires owners of livestock in the state to register their brand to secure its validity and individuality. While it is not mandatory to use brands in Hawai‘i, it is mandatory for owners using brands to register them every five years. The registration fee is $10. 

During the period 2020-2025, there were 803 registered brands in Hawai‘i.  

“Owners of existing brands may re-register at any time before December 31, 2025,” state veterinarian Dr.…

PUC Begins Next Chapter in Distributed Energy Resources Development

Thursday, August 14th, 2025

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs News Release

The Public Utilities Commission closed Friday its long-standing investigation into distributed energy resource (DER) policies for Hawaiian Electric and laid the foundation for the next iteration of DER development in Hawaiʻi.  

“For the past decade, the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission led the nation in its groundbreaking innovative development of distributed energy resources,” Commissioner Naomi Kuwaye said. “With changes in the regulatory landscape and shifts in environmental and energy policies, now is the time for us to refocus our efforts on the next phase of DER policies to meet the needs and expectations of today’s electric grid and its customers.”…