Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Call for Artists

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release

Hawaii Craftsmen recently announced an open call to artists for our 58th consecutive annual statewide exhibition. This exhibition will be juried by Suzanne Isken, and is open to residents of Hawaii for artworks in the categories of clay, fiber, glass, wood, metal, stone, and mixed media. Entries must be registered online at HawaiiCraftsmen.org.

For Molokai, online registration will run from Aug. 1 to Sept. 2, with jurying taking place on Sept. 10.

Hawaii’s premier statewide exhibition, which has been held annually since 1967, features traditional and contemporary craft from across the state of Hawaii. Hawaii Craftsmen’s 2024 juror Suzanne Isken served as the executive director of Craft Contemporary in Los Angeles from 2011 through 2023 where she led initiatives to support the creation of contemporary craft and build audiences by establishing a large-scale program of hands-on-experiences for the public.…

Poaha-Kaai Awarded Legacy Scholarship Program

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Takitani Foundation News Release

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. (Takitani Foundation) has named nine high school seniors from Maui County as scholarship recipients of its annual Legacy Scholarship Program.

For Molokai, Naneaikauhaahaa Poaha-Kaai was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for Maui District Public School students.

Poaha-Kaai of Molokai High School has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school for maintaining a 4.0 academic average. She has enjoyed participating in the Molokai College Career Club, the Culinary Club and Molokai High School’s May Day and Homecoming festivities. Her success at school is attributed to her leadership skills and positive contributions to the school community.…

Paddling Championships to Return

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Paddling Championships to Return

Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association News Release

After a four-year hiatus, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is proud to announce the return of the Molokai Channel World Championships, Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe. Registration is now open to all eligible paddling divisions from the junior level to 70 years and over.

The Na Wahine O Ke Kai Championship race kicks off a two-week stint of inter-island paddling as the top female paddlers from across the globe take on this grueling inter-island challenge on Sunday, September 29. The Molokai Hoe follows on Sunday, October 13, celebrating the 72nd crossing of the Ka‘iwi Channel.…

‘A Fly on the Wall with a Camera’

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

‘A Fly on the Wall with a Camera’

Thousands of photos from the 1970s and 80s on Molokai are now available thanks to longtime resident Mike Dooley. Via the YouTube account “Molokai Photos,” Dooley shares his collection dedicated to Molokai’s past.

“I documented everything,” said Dooley. “I was a fly on the wall with a camera.”

Arriving on Molokai in the mid-1970s, Dooley started working at the Ka Molokai newspaper, which gave him access to a darkroom to develop his photos. Dooley explained that he developed more than 50,000 photos over the years, however many of them have since been damaged. What remains are approximately 5,000 film photos of Molokai families, fairs, farms, and more.…

MHS Sports Celebrate Successful Year

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

MHS Sports Celebrate Successful Year

Molokai High School (MHS) teams and athletes were honored at the annual sports banquet on May 21.

With the school year wrapping up, families and coaches gathered at the MHS cafeteria to recognize the accomplishments of this year’s athletes and athletics department, and especially the departing seniors.

This year, the Farmers produced four Maui Interscholastic League champion teams: baseball, eight-man football, boys volleyball and girls softball. Additionally, individual Molokai athletes from wrestling, cross country and track and field qualified for their respective state tournaments.

The boys volleyball team finished highest in the state tournament this year of all MHS teams, earning fourth place.…

Queen’s Gala Highlights Student Chef Successes

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Queen’s Gala Highlights Student Chef Successes

Molokai’s high school chefs had a chance to shine at last weekend’s Queen’s Gala.

A celebration and fundraiser for the Molokai High School Culinary Club, the Queen’s Gala showcased the high schoolers’ culinary prowess. Now in its second year, the Culinary Club is thriving, offering high school seniors education and job opportunities right out of high school.

“If the community sees the success at the end of the rainbow, then they’re more bound to support in the future,” explained club moderator and Molokai High School teacher Tiare Hubbard. “This is a student focused, student created and student driven event.”

The MHS chefs created and served a five-course meal, working alongside mentor chefs from UH Maui College, the Four Seasons Maui and Fairmont Kea Lani.…

Opunui Appointed to Omidyar Fellows Program

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Hawaii Leadership Forum News Release

Landon Opunui, executive director and medical director of Na Puʻuwai, was one of 16 local leaders in Hawaii welcomed into the ninth cohort of the Hawaii Leadership Forum’s Omidyar Fellows program. The program seeks to cultivate the conditions in which Hawaii thrives by equipping leaders with the skills and cross-sector relationships necessary to affect societal change.

Following a rigorous application process, these individuals were selected from the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors based on their accomplishments, innovative skills, ability to collaborate with other leaders, and motivation to make a positive difference.

“We are excited to bring back this unique opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in impactful discussions, learn from one another, and help make Hawaii even better,” said AJ Halagao, president of Hawaii Leadership Forum.…

Broadband Infrastructure Program Will Begin on Molokai

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Oceanit News Release

Oceanit recently announced that their team will lead an initiative to implement accessible broadband infrastructure across Hawaiian Home Lands. Oceanit’s work is a collaborative effort with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and is a significant step toward addressing digital equality for Native Hawaiians, while also boosting the state’s economic diversity. Oceanit’s work is a vital part of a broader, nationwide endeavor to extend high-speed broadband access for all.

Oceanit is commencing work in 2024 with Molokai as an initial focus for implementation. The collaborative initiative will benefit both current and future Native Hawaiian residents by enhancing reliable broadband access and providing digital literacy training through community anchor institutions.…

Continuing to Thrive

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

This history project continues to thrive and grow thanks to our wonderful community and your support. Thank you to Misaki’s and to Molokai Drugs who allowed us to place huge posters guiding the community to the library. Thank you to the staff at the library where we have been allowed to install our Paniolo Exhibit, with a nod to many of our Molokai cowboys with saddles and lots of facts and photos. Thank you to the staff at the airport as our beautiful display case, built locally, is placed right in the center of the departure lounge allowing you to walk all the way around to see the beautiful display for the history project and the Molokai Arts Center.…

Scholarships for MHS Students

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Scholarships for MHS Students

Tens of thousands of dollars were awarded to Molokai High School (MHS) students for post-high school studies at the annual scholarship award ceremony last week. The scholarships are funded through a combination of local businesses, MHS alumni, and more.

“Remember who you are and where you come from,” said Keo Hirata, in the presentation of a scholarship from KAPA Curious to a MHS senior.

Many of the scholarship presenters were MHS alumni themselves. Ruth Dean, Class of 1961, introduced a new $5,000 award. Dean, whose mother was born in Kalaupapa, explained that she wanted to give an award for a student intending on attending a vocational school.…