Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

$10,000 Donation to MHS AND MMS

Friday, October 25th, 2024

$10,000 Donation to MHS AND MMS

Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools Foundation

Established in 1952, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is a non-profit organization committed to perpetuating the rich heritage of Hawaiian canoe racing.

OHCRA is the organizer of Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe canoe races across the Ka’iwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu. Both events are regarded as among the most famous and challenging outrigger canoe events in the world. More than 2,000 canoe paddlers from around the globe come to Molokai to compete in the annual 41-mile event from Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai to Waikiki Beach on Oahu.…

Girls Volleyball Reaches Semi-Finals

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Girls Volleyball Reaches Semi-Finals

Last weekend, Molokai High School played host for the 2024 Maui Interscholastic League DII Girls Volleyball tournament. Teams from across Maui County made the trip to the Barn to take on the best of the best.

The Lady Farmers started out strong with a 3-0 victory over Kulanihakoi High School with scores of 25-10, 25-18 and 25-4. Advancing to the semi-finals, the Lady Farmers took on Seabury Hall. Seabury ultimately took a close 3-1 win over Molokai, with scores of 25-17, 25-19, 23-25 and 25-14.

In the finals, number one seeded Maui Prep continued their dominant season in a back-and-forth match which ended in a 3-2 set victory over Seabury.…

Young Brothers Proposes Major Rate Increase

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Young Brothers News Release

Young Brothers, LLC has filed a rate case with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC), requesting approval of a $26.3 million increase in revenue – or an average 20 percent increase in rates for the majority of cargo – to cover significant increases in the cost of service, support critical investments to upgrade equipment and infrastructure, and sustain the vital interisland shipping service that connects the state’s island communities.
If approved by the PUC, rates for the majority of the cargo Young Brothers ships to Neighbor Island ports will increase by an average of approximately 20 percent, which is equivalent to approximately 3.7 percent average increase per year since its last rate increase — slightly lower than overall inflation during that same period.…

Seeding for Success

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Seeding for Success

While Molokai is home of the Molokai High Farmers, many agricultural farmers here continue to navigate challenges with small-scale food production from access to equipment to the cost of shipping.

“I don’t think [farming] is easy,” said Jorgen Busby, a Molokai kalo farmer and member of Molokai’s chapter of the Hawaii Farmers Union United (HFUU). “I think it’s a hard thing, but maybe we can get more people passionate about doing it.”

After retiring as a firefighter, Busby turned to small scale agriculture on his family’s lands.

“Instead of buying it, grow it yourself,” Busby encouraged. “It’s doable.”

To celebrate and support its farmers, Molokai’s chapter of the HFUU made the trip over to Maui for a special conference in honor of National Farmers Day.…

Ferry Talks Continue 

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Ferry Talks Continue 

Molokai residents had a final chance to voice ideas and feedback on bringing back the Molokai ferry. The Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study began over the summer, with the idea of creating a publicly run ferry system for Maui County like the MEO bus. The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which helps plan transportation projects for Maui County, will put forward the proposal to the county council early next year.

Following a community meeting and survey back in July, the Maui MPO was back on Molokai to share results and attain feedback on potential proposals. 

“What we heard is that ferry service is vital,” said Kaunoe Batangan, executive director of Maui MPO.…

Welcoming Back the Molokai Hoe

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Welcoming Back the Molokai Hoe

Early on Sunday, Oct. 13, Molokai residents gathered at Hale O Lono to witness the start of the Molokai Hoe for the first time since 2019. Seventy-five crews from Hawaii, Tahiti, Japan, California and more, turned their wa’a west, dug in their paddles, and embarked on a 41-mile journey across the Ka’iwi Channel. This year, representing Molokai was a crew from Wa’akapaemua Canoe Club, along with Molokai athletes also paddling with Waikiki Surf Club and Wailea Canoe Club.

“This race is special,” said Wa’akapaemua’s Kamakou Mariano, who sits in the stroke seat. On the eve of his seventh channel crossing, Mariano took a moment to reflect on the paddling season, which culminates with the Molokai Hoe.…

October Golf Ace

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

October Golf Ace

Community Contributed
By Christine Kage

Rick Schonely is the October Golf Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club.
Retired Maui County firefighter, Molokai High’s singing substitute teacher for 40 years and counting, professional musician with Six Pak, Eddie Tanaka, and Rick’s own Kalaupapa Backyard Band, Rick is also the voice of Molokai Farmers’ football and baseball, as “ESPN Molokai” team leader. His weekly Molokai Sports Report can be seen all over the world!
Schonely shot 38-44 for a gross total of 82. With his 15 handicap, his 67 net got him the win. Congratulations Rick!

As always, 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!…

Young Brothers Invests in New Barges

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Young Brothers Invests in New Barges

Young Brothers News Release

Young Brothers recently christened the new Kalohi and Naulu barges, marking a key milestone in their $45 million investment to boost interisland shipping reliability. Set to enter service in December 2024, these barges will enhance cargo capacity and feature advanced technology for safer, more efficient loading and unloading.

The Kalohi is a nimble 286-foot barge designed to service smaller ports like Kaunakakai, Molokai and Kaumalapau, Lanai. The Naulu, a 365-foot vessel with the largest cargo capacity in Young Brothers’ fleet, allows for increased cargo transport during peak periods and operational efficiencies during off-peak times. Both barges feature advanced ballast technology for stability in varying ocean conditions and multiple cargo ramps for improved loading and unloading efficiency.…

New Ideas at the History Project

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

New Ideas at the History Project

The Molokai History Project News Release

The Molokai History Project has fired up our idea machine and all the ideas are now progressing into definite plans and events that are fun and full of surprises. So, mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss anything. Our first special experience for you is to stop in and enjoy revolving student displays, enjoying for yourself the talent and creative force of our students of all ages. Don’t worry, we will let you know about each new display, and where it is located. Stay tuned. More details coming.…

Bayer Helps Fight Hunger During Hunger Action Month

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Bayer Helps Fight Hunger During Hunger Action Month

Bayer News Release

Bayer employees on Molokai donated hundreds of pounds of food to the Salvation Army, helping to provide essential resources to local families in need as part of a national campaign to help end hunger.

Held in September, Hunger Action Month is a national effort by the nonprofit Feeding America to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. In Hawaii, where one in six people face food insecurity, Bayer employees regularly support food drives and feeding programs throughout the year.

During this year’s Hunger Action Month, Bayer employees on Oahu, Molokai and Maui collectively raised more than 1,200 pounds of food for the Hawaii Foodbank, Salvation Army and Maui Food Bank, providing essential support to local families during a critical time.…