Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Postcard Printing at Paʻa Printmakers

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Postcard Printing at Paʻa Printmakers

MAC News Release

Paʻa Printmakers in Kaunakakai is offering a free postcard printing experience. Explore the studio and make your very own printed postcard. 

Open studio is offered every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. No fee and no need to sign up, just drop by. Beginners are welcome. Children age 12 up must be accompanied by an adult.

Paʻa Printmakers is a creative space for local artists to learn printmaking. Community programs at the studio include open studio time and printmaking workshops by local and visiting artists. 

Paʻa Printmakers is a new community-focused printmaking studio on Molokai established by Honolulu Printmakers to provide resources and classes for local students.…

Maunaloa School Unveils Mural: A Visual Bridge to Moʻolelo and Community

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Maunaloa School Unveils Mural: A Visual Bridge to Moʻolelo and Community

Maunaloa Elementary School News Release

On April 13, the campus of Maunaloa Elementary School blossomed with new life as the community gathered for the formal dedication of its latest landmark: a vibrant mural by artist Perry Buchalter.

The mural is more than just paint on a wall; it is a living “bridge to our past.” It brings to life the moʻolelo (stories) of Maunaloa, specifically those captured in the Mele Kāhea and Mele Komo composed in June 2021 by community member Nāhulu Maioho.

The dedication ceremony highlighted the deep connection between the school and the winds, rains, and landmarks of the West End.…

Finding Joy at Molokai Public Library

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Finding Joy at Molokai Public Library

By Léo Azambuja

Molokai Public Library joined National Library Week from April 19 to 25, celebrating the role of libraries and their staff in communities across the country. This year’s theme was “Find Your Joy,” encouraging communities to support libraries, utilize their resources and participate in their events. 

Molokai Branch Manager Mia Langer Ritte said the annual program is sponsored by the American Library Association, which suggests different ways to celebrate the week.

“One of the bigger days was on Tuesday. It was National Library Worker Day,” Langer Ritte said. “The Friends of Molokai Library bought us all flowers, made us lunch and showed their appreciation for us.”…

Honoring Prince Kūhiō’s Legacy

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Honoring Prince Kūhiō’s Legacy

By Léo Azambuja
A free theatrical play honored the legacy of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi before a crowd of nearly 100 Molokai residents at Lanikeha Community Center last week. The play was part of the Prince Kūhiō Day celebrations that had been postponed due to the Kona Low storms in March .
“Although our kingdom is lost, we are still the Hawaiian people, and as an aliʻi, part of me stands outside of any government, and I’m determined to serve,” the actor portraying Prince Kūhiō said during the “Ka Kauā o Ka Lāhui: The Life of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi” play April 26.…

Keiki Fest 2026

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Keiki Fest 2026

By Léo Azambuja

The Keiki Fest 2026 last weekend offered a fun and safe venue for hundreds of families to celebrate their children while educating them on child-abuse prevention topics such as setting boundaries, consent and identifying trusted adults. 

April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse and Neglect Month. 

“We want to bring awareness to that by having a festival for our keiki, bringing in resources so that the families get to know them,” event co-organizer Tylor Tanaka said, adding the activities and resources were all catered to the children. “Today is absolutely free. Get free food, free prizes.…

Bissen Targets Storm Relief, Readiness at Meeting

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Bissen Targets Storm Relief, Readiness at Meeting

By Léo Azambuja

Many Molokai residents are still dealing with the impacts of March’s Kona Low storms. Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. and several county officials visited the island to address disaster preparedness, response, relief and recovery in a community meeting held at Mitchel Pauole Center last week. 

“We’re here to listen. We’re going to learn. Those are the two main reasons we’ve come here today,” Bissen told about 40 people attending the April 19 meeting. “We’re also going to provide you with information that we think you need and that you want.”

Some of the key points discussed included the importance of signing up for emergency alerts, the need for better communication and community cooperation during emergencies, planning for future evacuations, flooding, debris management, and maintenance of culverts and streams.…

Earth Day, Kūpaʻa Ka Mauli

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Earth Day, Kūpaʻa Ka Mauli

By Léo Azambuja

Hundreds of residents celebrated Molokai Earth Day 2026 at Mitchell Pauole Center last week. The event showcased dozens of conservation agencies, groups and organizations, while offering live entertainment and local food.

“This year’s theme is Kūpaʻa Ka Mauli, which could be translated as Stand Firm,” said Russell Kallstrom, program manager at The Nature Conservancy on Molokai. “Oftentimes, we know what we need to do, but we need to have the courage to do it and to stand for it.”

Between attending public, volunteers and exhibitor staff, organizers estimated about 800 people went through the free event April 18.…

Wayne Tadashi Yamamoto

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Wayne Tadashi Yamamoto, 70, of Kahului, Maui, passed away on March 5, 2026 at his residence. He was born on February 2, 1956, in Molokai, Hawaii.

He graduated from Molokai High School in 1974. After graduation, he enlisted in the army and traveled the world. Upon his return home to Maui, he attended Maui Community College, obtained his Associates of Arts Degree and his Surveying and Mapping Certificate. He worked for Akamai Land Surveying for a short time and then the County of Maui, Department of Water Supply where he retired in 2004.

Wayne was a man of few words, with a generous heart.…

Island Energy Services Ends Partnership with Rawlins Service

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Island Energy News Release

Island Energy Services announced the conclusion of its fuel supply partnership with Rawlins Service in Kaunakakai, Molokai effective April 9, 2026. The transition follows Rawlins Enterprises Inc.’s recent announcement that founding matriarch Aunty Shirley Rawlins will step back from day-to-day operations after 67 years of family stewardship, a milestone that IES recognizes with deep respect and admiration.

For more than 50 years, IES has been honored to serve as the fuel supplier for Rawlins Service, one of Molokaʻi’s most enduring and beloved businesses. That partnership has been grounded in shared values: dependable service, integrity, and genuine commitment to the people of Molokai.…

HECO Using Drones as Wildfire Tools

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

HECO News Release

As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric will begin this month using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas throughout Molokai. Inspections will continue through May 2026. The drones play a critical role in the inspection process in Maui County, and on Hawaii Island and Oahu as the technology enables Hawaiian Electric to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires.

On Molokai, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Cyberhawk to conduct drone inspections alongside the company’s own staff. Inspections typically will be conducted weekdays between 7:30 a.m.…