By The Molokai Dispatch Staff
Dredging is underway to remove a build-up of silt and restore the Kaunakakai Harbor to its previous depth of 23 feet so the barge can continue to use the wharf. A crane uses a clamshell bucket to grab 30,000 cubic yards of inky sediment from the bottom of the harbor, deposit the silt into a dump scow barge, and drop it 40 miles away at a dumpsite off-shore from Kahului. The dredging should be completed around May 6.…
The $1.69 billion 2025 Maui County budget includes funding for a variety of Molokai projects — from suicide prevention programs, to the Molokai Hunting Club, to the MEO bus. There was, however, one project not in the county plan that raised more concerns than any other: pickleball.
Molokai’s pickleball participation has exploded in the past six months, with participants estimating that up to 300 Molokai residents now play the sport. The quick-growing sport has gained popularity with Molokai kupuna in particular, who use the low-impact game to exercise and socialize.
“I’m going to be 77 and I’m still playing,” said Clay Ching.…
“I really like the international Earth Day slogan that says, ‘think globally, act locally,’” said Ed Misaki, one of the recipients of this year’s Malama Kuleana Honua Award. Misaki and the other founding members of the Molokai Cares organization, who started Molokai’s version of Earth Day back in 1992, were honored with the award.
Molokai Cares launched the Earth Day celebration along with other initiatives, like establishing the recycling center at the landfill and stopping the building of a parking lot in front of the public library. Several years after Molokai Cares established the event, The Nature Conservancy took over hosting, and moved it from Kaunakakai Elementary School to its present-day iteration at the Mitchell Pauole Center.…
Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely
Jeff Egusa, iconic Molokai businessman and professional golfer, is the April Ace Winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Egusa, an Ironwood Hills legend and one of the Susumu Brothers with his good buddy Dana Takashima, shot 38-40 for a gross total of 78 and with his 12 handicap his 66 net got him the Victory. Congratulations Jeff!
The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai.…
Community Contributed
By George Kahinu, Commander, Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans
On Jan. 27, a special membership meeting was held at our veterans center. The members voted to remove the entire board of directors and elected an interim board to oversee the center until a new, independent election can be held. Why was this action necessary? On May 15, 2023, Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) lost its tax exemption status with the IRS. Tim Meyer was told several times by membership that we needed to get into compliance with the IRS. Now, we are in the process of reinstating our non-profit status.…
On April 12, John Arruda, a patient and resident of Kalaupapa for over 75 years, celebrated his 100th birthday.
Arruda’s remarkable journey began in 1945 when he was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease and sent to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. At the time, the prevailing belief was that Kalaupapa was a place to die. However, Arruda maintained a resilient spirit. Over the years, he defied expectations, finding love, happiness, and success in Kalaupapa. He worked on the Suez Canal, witnessed Father Damien’s canonization, and fought to regain custody of his daughter.
“The State of Hawaii has provided me with everything, and that’s why I have this beautiful Kalaupapa, which has kept me going all these years and where I call home,” said Arruda.…
Hokulani CTOM News Release
The Atherton Foundation has awarded a generous grant to Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM), furthering its commitment to enriching the lives of children through the arts. With a grant totaling $16,150, the Atherton Foundation is empowering CTOM to expand its programming and provide invaluable opportunities for young performers across Hawaii.
The Atherton Foundation has been a cornerstone of philanthropy and community enrichment in Hawaii for years. With a rich history rooted in a commitment to social responsibility and cultural preservation, the foundation has consistently championed initiatives that uplift and empower communities across the islands. Guided by its mission to promote education, arts, and culture, the Atherton Foundation has supported a diverse range of programs and organizations, striving to foster a more vibrant and inclusive society for all residents of Hawaii.…
Farmers baseball secured the regular season championship and the number one seed for the Maui Interscholastic League Division II tournament with wins at Seabury Hall this past weekend. Friday’s victory came in a 10-0 shutout. David Lima-English shined as the starting pitcher, tossing seven strikeouts in the win. The Farmers’ offense was bolstered by strong hitting from the likes of Kian Toledo, who ripped a two-run triple, and Kobra Cariaga-Abafo.
Saturday’s game was much closer, but the Farmers still came away with the win in a narrow 3-2 victory. Despite being out-hit, the Farmers held on to their perfect record. Pitcher Kobra Cariaga-Abafo threw four shut-out innings and came away with the pitching win.…
After delays due to the Maui wildfires in August, dredging at Kaunakakai Harbor is set to begin the week of April 15. The multi-million-dollar U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project will ensure that commerce can continue to reach Molokai through the harbor.
Last dredged 50 years ago, over 30,000 cubic yards of sediment have accumulated in the harbor basin, resulting in spots as shallow as nine feet. Constructed in 1934, the Kaunakakai Harbor was originally 23 feet deep. The Army Corps of Engineers described this project as “maintenance” dredging, aimed at restoring the original condition of the harbor, rather than “deepening” dredging.…
For the first time, the community of Lanai will be getting subsidized flights through the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s EAS program was established in 1978 to ensure small or underserved communities maintain adequate transportation to larger hubs. The program offers subsidies, if needed, to air carriers on a per-flight basis.
Lanai and Molokai were determined as EAS airports in 1983 but in the program’s more than 40 years, no airline has requested a subsidy to either island – until now. Both airports have operated under the “basic” EAS program, in which the U.S. DOT holds no contracts with airlines as long as a required level of air service continues to be offered.…
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