Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Farmers Roll at MILs

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Farmers Roll at MILs

Famers Volleyball got the weekend started by claiming the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II title. Defeating Seabury Hall in a tournament held on Lanai, the boys volleyball team capped off an undefeated season and earned back-to-back MIL championships. The Hale Domingo coached crew will make the journey to Oahu to compete in the state tournament from May 9-11.

Likewise, Farmers Baseball finished a perfect season by securing the MIL Division II title. Defeating Seabury Hall in a 2-0 victory, the Farmers earned an astounding tenth straight MIL title. The Farmers held Seabury to seven scoreless innings, with both David Lima-English and Kobra Cariaga-Abafo throwing no-hitters in the win.…

Langer Ritte Named Branch Manager

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Langer Ritte Named Branch Manager

Since last August, the Molokai Public Library has been without a branch manager. The task of running the library has fallen on the shoulders of its capable, dedicated staff, and especially those of substitute librarian Mia Langer Ritte. As of April 16, Langer Ritte is now the full-time branch manager of the Molokai Public Library.

“For over six months [Langer Ritte] has juggled the many duties of running the library with grace, efficiency and good humor,” shared Friends of Molokai Public Library, a nonprofit that supports the Molokai library, in a press release.

“During this last winter, letters of support were sent to the Hawaii State Library System as well as a petition recommending she be hired,” explained the press release.…

Record Setting Keiki and Teen Fest

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Record Setting Keiki and Teen Fest

There was fun for youth of all ages last Saturday as Molokai celebrated Keiki and Teen Fest, put on by the Molokai Community Action Team. This year’s event featured a record number of booths and pre-registered participants.

The event is held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, explained Tylor Tanaka, one of the event organizers.

“Keiki Fest is a place where we can foster that connection with the families,” said Tanaka.

Tanaka explained that the Community Action Team uses games and booths to teach kids and parents about child abuse prevention resources, rather than just pass out a flyer.…

Wedding Announcement

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Wedding Announcement

Glenn and Rita Poller celebrated their wedding on April 14, at a residence on Seaside Pl.
“Glenn and I were married as one on this beautiful island of Molokai,” writes Rita.
“Our pastor at Heart of Aloha Church, Cameron Hiro, graciously performed the ceremony overlooking the ocean. Though the rain and wind came, we looked at it as God pouring blessings and favor upon our union. Our guests who attended as friends are now considered in their eyes and ours as ohana. From the first day we stepped upon Molokai, we could feel and sense how special Molokai was. We had found what we were looking for all our lives – people genuinely caring for one another regardless of circumstance.…

Lourdes Fujimoto

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Lourdes Fujimoto

Lourdes Fujimoto 91, of Kaunakakai, died in Honolulu on Wednesday,
Feb. 14. She was born in Ho’olehua, Molokai. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Kalaiakamanu Hou Congregational Church.

 …

George Kaleohone Kazuo Fukuoka

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

George Kaleohone Kazuo Fukuoka


George Kaleohone Kazuo “Kazu” Fukuoka, 58, passed away on Feb. 22 in Kaunakakai, Hawaii.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 27 at Kiowea Park (Coconut Grove Pavilion), in Kaunakakai, Molokai. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., with service at 11 a.m. and paʻina to follow. Casual attire. Scattering of ashes will be at a later date.
Kazu was the son of Harriet Keaonaona “Nona” Fukuoka (Purdy), and George Daniel Fukuoka, born March 13, 1965, in Kaunakakai, Hawaii. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama in 1983 and entered the U.S. Air Force shortly after. His eight years of service started in Indian Springs, NV, then took him to Travis AFB, CA, and lastly to Clark AFB in the Philippines where he served during Desert Storm.…

Medical Records Update

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Molokai Family Health Center News Release

We are writing to announce that a final decision has been reached that Molokai General Hospital (MGH) will be the permanent home for former Molokai Family Health Center patients’ electronic records. Molokai Family Health Center (MFHC) has no successor health care provider to preserve and maintain former patients’ electronic records and did not maintain any “paper charts.”

The Molokai Family Health Center officially closed one year ago on April 30, 2023. Prior to the closure, letters by mail, email and/or MyChart were sent to inform each patient that they could access their individual medical records on-line for an indefinite time at mychart@queens.org.…

Molokai Turmeric Workshop

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

UH CTAHR News Release

The Molokai Extension Team will be hosting a turmeric production workshop on Thursday, April 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will cover the history, marketing, production, and harvesting of turmeric. Presentations will be provided by Ted Radovich, CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program (SOAP) and Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP) Specialist from UH Manoa, and Jennifer Hawkins, CTAHR Molokai Extension Agent for Edible Crops. The workshop will be held at the UH CTAHR Molokai Cooperative Extension Office at 69-1 Puupeelua Avenue, Hoolehua, next door to the Hoolehua Post Office. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the aromatic and visual qualities of various varieties.…

Volleyball Named Regular Season Champs

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Volleyball Named Regular Season Champs

In a stunning display of skill, the Molokai Boys Volleyball team continued their remarkable run by securing commanding victories over Lanai. This past Friday, the matchup saw Molokai triumph 3-1 with scores of 25-13, 25-17, and 25-12. Lanai fought hard and won the third set with a score of 21-25.

Molokai continued their winning streak with Lanai on Saturday. Lanai struggled to keep pace with Molokai’s relentless offensive onslaught, with Molokai winning 25-12, 25-10, and 25-20. Molokai’s cohesive teamwork and strategic plays were evident throughout the match, highlighting their status as a formidable force in the league.

With this victory, Molokai extended their undefeated streak to an impressive 8-0, earning their position as the regular season champions.…

Kamp Kaohi

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Kamp Kaohi

MEO News Release
Twenty-three Molokai youth participated in games and activities that highlighted the negative impacts of alcohol, tobacco and bullying and learned about their “sources of strength” at the second Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) run Kamp Kaohi on April 13 and 14 at Molokai Baptist Church.
The middle and high school youth maneuvered around an obstacle course wearing goggles that simulate drunkenness, played the telephone game to illustrate the harm of spreading rumors, and learned the power of listening. Other activities focused on leadership, resiliency and effective communication.
Dr. Deborah Goebert of the John A. Burns School of Medicine stopped by to present her “Sources of Strength” curriculum, which touched on mental health and suicide prevention.…