Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Tancayo Named MEO Employee of the Month

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Tancayo Named MEO Employee of the Month

MEO News Release

Zantha-Angelica “Mela” Tancayo, who helped set up and develop the Youth Services’ Kaohi prevention program on Molokai, was recently named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month.
“Mela is a hard worker and goes above and beyond for the kids involved in the Kaohi program and is a great co-worker,” said Sydney Yap-Kalipi, a former colleague who nominated her for the honor.
MEO had identified substance abuse and suicide among youth on the island as issues needing to be addressed. In 2022 with a grant from the nonprofit Nuestro Futuro Foundation, MEO brought its Youth Services’ tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug, bullying, and suicide prevention programs to Molokai.…

Brush Fire Causes Evacuations

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Brush Fire Causes Evacuations

An 80-acre brush fire just south of Molokai Airport caused evacuations and concerns on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Starting around 10:30 a.m. and fanned by gusty winds, the fire moved quickly through dry ag land. The Maui Fire Department evacuated homes in the immediate area out of precaution, and a section of the highway was closed part of the afternoon.

No injuries were reported; a shed structure and an abandoned car burned in the fire.

Two helicopters fought the fire by air, while eight fire vehicles were called in to battle the blaze on the ground. Molokai and Maui-based callback firefighters, a battalion chief and fire investigator were among the staff on scene, along with personnel and heavy equipment from County Public Works and State of Hawaii airport firefighters, were all deployed in the effort to contain the fire.…

Weekend Sports Recap

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Weekend Sports Recap

The Farmers continued their historic 11-man football season with a game vs King Kekaulike at home on Sept. 28. After giving up an early touchdown, the Farmers tied the game 7-7 late in the first quarter with an electric 82-yard kick return by Chauncey Adolpho.

The long return from Adolpho would be the only score on the day for the Farmers, as they ultimately fell to King Kekaulike 42-7. The Farmers will return to action in two weeks’ time, with the final home game of the season against Kamehameha Maui at 11 a.m on Oct. 12.

The Lady Farmers were likewise competing this past weekend, with two volleyball games over on Lanai.…

Small Businesses, Big Ideas

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Small Businesses, Big Ideas

Now in its second year, the Pulauhala small business intelligence program has helped over 25 Molokai entrepreneurs in their creative and business paths. The second cohort for the program celebrated their graduation on Sept. 19 at Kulana ‘Oiwi.

“You have to have self-confidence…and the skill set to believe in who you are,” said Kanoe Davis, executive director of nonprofit Ho’aka Mana, which runs the Pulauhala program, at the graduation ceremony.

The 12 fellows in this second cohort displayed products ranging from nails to education tools for keiki to agriculture. Throughout the nine-month program, fellows met twice a month for discussions, workshops, mentor talks and more.…

Kulaia Lights Up Kaunakakai

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Kulaia Lights Up Kaunakakai

Last Friday, the typically quiet streets of Kaunakakai transformed into a bustling festival. Celebrating Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe canoe races, the Kulaia festival likewise returned to Molokai for the first time since 2019.

Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello, event organizer for the festival, explained that originally the plan for this year was just to focus on getting the channel races started again, and not have the festival. However, after interest from the Molokai community and race organizers, the decision was made to put on Kulaia with only three months lead in time.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” said Rawlins-Crivello.

Shutting down the street from Rawlins Service Station to Fish and Dive, the festival brought in 30 Molokai vendors and an estimated more than 3,000 attendees over five hours.…

Kulaia Lights Up Kaunakakai

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Kulaia Lights Up Kaunakakai

Last Friday, the typically quiet streets of Kaunakakai transformed into a bustling festival. Celebrating Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe canoe races, the Kulaia festival likewise returned to Molokai for the first time since 2019.

Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello, event organizer for the festival, explained that originally the plan for this year was just to focus on getting the channel races started again, and not have the festival. However, after interest from the Molokai community and race organizers, the decision was made to put on Kulaia with only three months lead in time.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” said Rawlins-Crivello.

Shutting down the street from Rawlins Service Station to Fish and Dive, the festival brought in 30 Molokai vendors and an estimated more than 3,000 attendees over five hours.…

Kalaupapa Informational Briefing

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Dept. of Health News Release

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Park Service (NPS), is hosting a Kalaupapa Informational Briefing on Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. at Kaunakakai Elementary School on Molokai. Members of the public with an interest in Kalaupapa are encouraged to attend.

The agencies recognize that there are questions about the complex history and jurisdiction of Kalaupapa and what management tasks are overseen by each agency. At this meeting, representatives from DOH, DHHL, DLNR, DOT and NPS will share their current roles and responsibilities in Kalaupapa and Kalawao County and how they are working together to support the patients and steward this special place.…

September Golf Ace

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

September Golf Ace

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Kaleo Len Wai is the September Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Len Wai, Mr. One Putt and longtime Molokai professional golfer, shot 43-45 for a gross total of 88. With his 20 handicap, his 68 net score got him into a playoff with Scott Hemenway. Len Wai then prevailed on the first playoff hole for the victory. Congratulations Kaleo!

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.…

Nuestro Futuro Supports Kaohi Program

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Nuestro Futuro Foundation News Release

The Hawaii-based Nuestro Futuro Foundation has provided two grants this year to support the Maui Economic Opportunity Kaohi program that works to prevent substance abuse, bullying and suicide among middle and high school youth on Molokai.
The Nuestro Futuro Foundation’s initial grant in 2022 helped start the program on Molokai that year. MEO had identified substance abuse and suicide among youth on the island as issues needing to be addressed. Bringing MEO Youth Services’ tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug, bullying, and suicide prevention programs to Molokai was a perfect fit.
Under the direction of coordinator Mela Tancayo and her staff, Kaohi offers programs in school, after school and during fall, winter, spring and summer breaks.…

Community Budget Meetings for Fiscal Year 2026

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host community budget meetings throughout Maui County starting next week for residents to share their priorities and provide input on the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.

“Many of our county services, programs and projects touch the everyday lives of our residents; therefore, getting input from our community is vital. As each of our departments begin to shape next fiscal year’s budget that begins in July 2025, hearing from our residents on their priorities and needs is both helpful and valuable,” said Mayor Bissen. “I encourage residents to attend a budget community meeting or utilize online options to send their input.…