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Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Search Underway for Missing Molokai Helicopter-Updated

Wednesday, November 16th, 2016

3:30 pm update: Maui Fire Department crews have located the crash site and confirmed there are no survivors. The downed helicopter was found about a mile and a half above the highway just east of Puko`o Fire Station. The Maui Police Department is coordinating recovery of the victims and preserving the wreckage for federal investigation. 

Initial story at 1:15 pm:

A land, air and water search is currently underway for a missing Molokai helicopter. The black helicopter, with two people on board, reportedly departed Honolulu Tuesday evening and never arrived at a private helicopter pad on Molokai as expected.

The Coast Guard hasn’t released the names of the missing persons pending notification of family members, but the pilot has been unofficially confirmed as Gary Galiher, a prominent attorney and east Molokai homeowner with a helipad on his property.…

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A Debt of Gratitude

Tuesday, November 15th, 2016

A Debt of Gratitude

 

Kaunakakai School students, along with dozens of residents, honored Molokai service members at last Friday’s Veterans Day program in Kaunakakai. Organized by the Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans, the observation included a student performance, release of colored pigeons, and words from Councilwoman Stacy Helm Crivello, Rep. Lynn DeCoite and other speakers.

Molokai VA physician Dr. Carlann DeFontes said according to research she did, Molokai has historically had the highest number of men and women joining the military per capita.

“People sacrificed so much to fight for us,” she said, becoming emotional. “Our veterans come in all shapes and sizes, young and old, rich and poor, black and white and nearly every category in between, men and women….…

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Students Intern with Local Businesses

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Students Intern with Local Businesses

 

Seven Molokai High students will have the opportunity to intern with some of Molokai’s 16 businesses that were selected to attend the Made in Maui County Festival (MIMCF) Nov. 4-5. The internship is a partnership between MHS’s Career and Technical Education and Fine Arts departments, the county’s Office of Economic Development, Kuha`o Business Center, and vendors that will be participating in the MIMCF. The program is being piloted for the county here on Molokai.

“This program has the potential to take our students to the next level in preparing for the business world,” said Jennifer Hawkins, small business specialist with the Kuha`o Business Center.…

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Brush Fire Threatened Home

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Six brush fires blazed on Molokai last week, five of which were small but deemed of suspicious cause on Tuesday, Sept. 27. A larger fire burned 10 acres near the Molokai Airport two days later, coming dangerously close to a home.

On Tuesday around 5:45 p.m. Molokai firefighters responded to four separate brush fires, all around 200 to 300 yards apart, along the Maunaloa Highway near the Seventh Day Adventist Church.  A fifth small fire was found one mile up the highway near Kamakou Forest Preserve Road.

According to the Maui Fire Department, the largest fire was 20 by 50 feet in size.…

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Ukulele Ohana Molokai to celebrate Mele O`o 

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Full Heart Productions News Release

This coming Memorial Day weekend, May 27-31, the sounds of the happiest instrument on earth will once again fill the lodge at Pu`u O Hoku Ranch as the Ukulele Ohana Molokai workshop and its teacher Lono, return for the fifth year.

The theme this year will be Mele O`o or powerful music.  Participants will learn the deep roots of Old Style Hawaiian music with Lono on their ukulele, and to experience the vibrant community of Molokai. When asked what inspires him to write and teach Lono says, “The line between the past and the present, through our ancestors, prepares us for the future.…

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Rep. DeCoite Files Election Papers

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Rep. DeCoite Files Election Papers

Rep. DeCoite News Release

Last week, Representative Lynn DeCoite (D- East Maui, Molokai, Lanai) filed her papers to seek election to the District 13 seat in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, the seat she was appointed to by Governor Ige on Feb. 19, 2015 to fill the remainder of the two year term of the late Mele Carroll.

“Being appointed to represent District 13 was a tremendous honor. It has been a whirl-wind adventure; I don’t think I’ve ever been so inspired, amazed, overwhelmed, tired, and energized all at the same time- and I wouldn’t change one second of it!…

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MHS Athletic Recognition Banquet

Friday, May 27th, 2016

MHS Athletic Recognition Banquet

By Rick Schonely

Two weeks ago, athletes from all sports in the fall, winter and spring categories were honored on stage at the Molokai High School Athletic Department’s annual banquet. Individual champions were also honored as were the Boys Volleyball runner up DII State Championship team, the MIL DII Champion Boys Football team and State Wrestling Champion Cendall Manley. Manley will have her picture placed in the MHS Hall of Fame in The Barn.
Athletic Director Lee DeRouin and his staff did an awesome job on the banquet and the awards, and everyone enjoyed a roast pork dinner prepared by Mike’s Catering.…

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Molokai Student Wins Prestigious Scholarships

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Community Contributed

By Cheryl Corbiell

Molokai High School senior Sabrina Curtis was astounded to learn she will be attending Columbia University in New York for fall 2016, and was awarded three prestigious, national scholarships to relieve the financial burden. Curtis’ major will be in mechanical engineering with a minor in sustainability at the private, Ivy League university in Upper Manhattan, New York.

Post secondary education is not new to Curtis because for the past year Sabrina has successfully completed first year English and Math at University of Hawaii, Maui College, Molokai campus. With financial assistance from the Ho`oku`i program, Curtis began her post secondary education.…

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Softball Finishes 8th in State

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Softball Finishes 8th in State

By Rick Schonely

The Molokai Lady Farmers Girls Softball team played in the DII Softball State Championships at Patsy Mink Field on Maui two weeks. After falling in the first game against Kalani 5-2, the Farmers rebounded to defeat Konawaena 11-1 in five innings and advanced to the consolation championship game against the Kauai Red Raiders. Molokai came up short in the consolation championship game losing to The Red Raiders 14-4 and placing 8th in the state in DII Girls softball.

Head Coach Kawehi Horner was proud of his team’s season.

“It was as an awesome season with lots of growth for the players and the coaches!”…

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Molokai College Graduation

Friday, May 27th, 2016

UHMCM News Release

Once every four years, the college invites the community to join us in honoring our University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC), Molokai graduates.  On Friday, May 13, we held our quadrennial commencement ceremony to celebrate the awarding of 87 Associate Degrees, 17 Bachelors Degrees and 12 Masters Degrees since 2012.

There were 42 graduates who participated in the commencement ceremony.  The graduates’ ages ranged from 17-59; representing 42 years of separation.  Shyla Purdy-Avelino was the youngest graduate to ever earn her Associate Degree on Molokai at the age of 17.  She double majored in Liberal Arts and Hawaiian Studies and is planning to pursue a Bachelors Degree at the University of Hawaii in Hilo in the Fall. …

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