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Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Channel Race Discussions

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Channel Race Discussions

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Molokai has long been home to some of the most challenging and exciting channel crossing races in the world. From the Molokai Hoe to Na Wahine O Ke Kai to the Pailolo Challenge and Molokai 2 Oahu, athletes from around the globe come to Molokai to compete in these storied contests. And while the races bring excitement to much of Molokai, there are also concerns over the number of competitors and escort boats coming to Molokai, as well as impacts on flight availability.

For the first time, representatives from all of the channel races that start or end on Molokai came together to field questions, concerns and ideas from the Molokai community.…

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Naval Band Visits Molokai

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Naval Band Visits Molokai

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Last week, Molokai residents were treated to a series of performances by the U.S. Navy’s woodwind quintet. The group of musicians was on a mission to celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday and spread awareness of the whole host of careers and experiences that the Navy offers, explained Lieutenant Matt Tremel, assistant band master for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

“We’re highlighting how the Navy is present across the world keeping Americans safe,” said Tremel. “The state of Hawaii is obviously very important to the Navy, and we’re here to connect with residents who don’t see sailors in uniform very often.”…

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Moana’s Hula Halau Presents a Stunning Show

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Moana’s Hula Halau Presents a Stunning Show

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Moana’s Hula Halau’s annual fundraiser show did not disappoint. Held at the Molokai Community Health Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, the stage was filled with thousands of flowers, elaborate set designs, and, of course, talented performers from Moana’s and a Maui kane group.

For over 60 years, Moana’s Hula Halau has taught all ages of Molokai residents for free and taken them across the world to perform.

The goal is “to bring the world a very special kind of aloha,” explained Zhan Dudoit-Lindo, who emceed the fundraiser. “It’s the family connections, the understanding and the wisdom that we have to share.”…

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MHS Basketball Falls Just Short

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

MHS Basketball Falls Just Short

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff
Boys basketball was also in action last week. After a second place finish in the MILs, the Farmers had a chance to compete in a play-in game to qualify for the state tournament. With their season on the line, the Farmers took on Le Jardin high school at the Barn on Feb. 15. Down 53-46 at the end of the third quarter, the Farmers rallied strongly in the fourth, outscoring their opponent 15-10. Ultimately, the Farmers fell just short, losing 63-61. Braylen Colon had an excellent offensive outing, dropping five three pointers for a total of 20 points.…

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Native Trees Vandalized in Kamakou Preserve

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Native Trees Vandalized in Kamakou Preserve

By Russell Kallstrom, Molokai Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Hawaii and Palmyra

Did you know Kamakou Preserve helps provide seven million gallons of water every day for Molokai residents? Yes, and it’s only able to do this because of the healthy native forest found there.

During a recent routine work trip in Kamakou, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff were disappointed and saddened to discover several ‘ohiʻa trees in the preserve had been cut down and left in place, in an apparent act of senseless vandalism. ʻOhiʻa (Metrosideros spp) is the dominant native tree in our Hawaiian forest. It serves as home to native birds and tree snails, provides material for lei, hula and other cultural practices, and helps to collect much of the water we drink.…

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Sen. DeCoite Honored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Sen. DeCoite Honored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Last week, Hawaii Senator Lynn DeCoite was honored as the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii (FLH) with their Mahalo Award.

“Mahalo Sen. DeCoite for all that you do to support libraries and literacy, especially your work to promote the ‘Ohana Readers program,” shared FLH in a social media post.

The Mahalo Award by FLH is presented to a Hawaii State Legislator who has shown considerable support for the Hawaii state public libraries in the previous year and throughout their career.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by FLH.…

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Celebrating Molokai Mothers

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Celebrating Molokai Mothers

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

“It takes a village,” said Molokai mom Crystal Nakihei. Nakihei along with other new and expecting moms joined the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies nonprofit for a community-wide baby shower on Saturday, Feb. 22.

At the shower, the moms had a chance to hear about health services from Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies and Na Pu’uwai, play games and raffles, and pick up free baby formula, diapers and more.

“Thank God for the resources like [Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies] for helping us,” said Nakihei. “Everything [on Molokai] is so expensive.”

The Oahu-based Healthy Mothers Health Babies came over to Molokai to host the shower for moms who hadn’t had a chance to have one yet, and also to share some of their specific resources and services.…

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New Native Bee Species Discovered

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

New Native Bee Species Discovered

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor
While traversing the rocky gulches of Makolelau in May of 2024, Dr. Karl Magnacca noticed bees buzzing around a rare native plant. Magnacca, a survey entomologist for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, quickly realized that these bees were different from any he’d seen before.
“I knew right away that it was a new species,” said Magnacca.
Magnacca collected samples of the insect to examine under the microscope, but his initial suspicion was correct – it was a species of native bee never identified before.
The new bee species was named Hylaeus paumako for its disguising feature of an all-black face on the male bee.…

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Wrestling Shines at MILs

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Wrestling Shines at MILs

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

At the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) wrestling championships, Molokai athletes dominated the mat. The Molokai High School Farmers ended up with five first place finishes, and 13 athletes qualifying for the state championships.
For the girls, nine out of 10 athletes scored in the top three places, all of whom qualified for states.
Hila’a Kapuni, Waile’a Ward and Masina Borden-Phillips all took home first place in their divisions, with Kindly Sproat and Stephanie Gandeza in second, and Anjolie Manabe, Kiara Hanaoka, Skye Kaawa-Caparida and Tiale Tancayo taking third.
Borden-Phillips, the number one seeded wrestler in the state for her division, explained that “wrestling is more than just a sport.…

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February Golf Ace

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

February Golf Ace

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Lee Derouin is the February Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club.
Derouin, Molokai High School athletic director and the leader of Farmer Nation, shot 40-41 for a gross total of 81. With his 12 handicap, his 69 net got him the victory! Congratulations Coach D!

The Hui O Kukui golf club would like to thank the staff and management of the iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai.…

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