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Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

ʻNo Dictators’ Stand Up for Democracy

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

ʻNo Dictators’ Stand Up for Democracy

By Léo Azambuja

About three dozen Molokai residents protested simultaneously with millions of protesters in thousands of No Kings protests across the nation last weekend criticizing President Donald Trump’s actions and policies. 

“I’m a Veteran. I’m the son of a veteran, brother of a veteran, grandson of a veteran, great-grandson of a veteran, going all the way back to the Revolutionary War,” protester Greg O’Shea said. “What we fought for was for the rights, that I understand, freedom of speech, freedom to practice religion, all of these things that I think we should be able to stand up for each other, and not have one person dictate to us what we’ve got to do and how we’ve got to do it.”…

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Easter Egg Hunt in Kaunakakai

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Easter Egg Hunt in Kaunakakai

By Léo Azambuja

The Easter bunny almost stole the scene, even if unintentionally, by bringing thousands of Easter eggs filled with candy to town. After all, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? But it was Jesus’ day. So, just like in the last 20 centuries, the day was all about Jesus’ sacrifices and all-welcoming love. 

 “The whole reason to celebrate Easter is Jesus,” King’s Chapel Molokai pastor Robert Sahagun told a crowd of about 500 people, among keiki and their families, at the 2026 Community Easter Egg Hunt at Kaunakakai Elementary School field March 28. 

“We do celebrate with eggs,” he said.…

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Native Plant Spotlight from Kamalō: ʻAʻaliʻi

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Native Plant Spotlight from Kamalō: ʻAʻaliʻi

By Ka Ipu Makani

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center is excited to begin sharing a new series highlighting the native plants being grown and prepared for planting at ʻAikoʻolua in Kamalō as part of the Kīpuka Kamalō Restoration Project. The work on the ground is led by ʻAnakala Bobby Alcain, who has spent many years working with native plants and sharing knowledge about their propagation and care in dryland environments.

Over the coming months, this series will introduce some of the native species being propagated for the project and share a bit about their ecological roles, cultural uses, and significance in Hawaiian traditions.…

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MEO Seeking 2026 Client Survey Responses 

Friday, March 27th, 2026

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity is seeking responses from clients across Maui, Molokai, and Lanai for its 2026 client survey.

Input from the community helps MEO to better understand the experiences of those it assists throughout Maui County and plays an important role in evaluating and improving its programs and services.

“Providing excellent service that meets the needs of our community is our top priority,” MEO Chief Executive Officer Debbie Cabebe said. “Feedback from our annual survey helps us to ensure we are providing services in ways that best support our clients and the community.”

The survey closes on Friday, April 3.…

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Iwi Nails Selected for Disney’s Project Elevate

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Iwi Nails Selected for Disney’s Project Elevate

Iwi Nails News Release
Iwi Nails, a Hawai‘i-founded gel nail strip brand inspired by storytelling and cultural identity, has been selected for Project Elevate, a Disney Advertising initiative supporting emerging, purpose-driven businesses.
Through the program, Iwi Nails receives strategic mentorship and creative development support, culminating in the launch of its :30 second national campaign, “Let Your Nails Do The Talking,” now streaming across Disney+ and Hulu.
Founded by Līhau Willing, Iwi Nails creates easy-to-use, long-lasting gel nail strips featuring designs inspired by Hawaiian culture and individuality. The campaign highlights self-expression and the belief that beauty can tell a story.
“At Iwi Nails, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen in the products they use,” said Willing.…

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Storm Drenches Molokai, Again

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Storm Drenches Molokai, Again

By Léo Azambuja

The Kona low storm that punished the Hawaiian Islands with heavy rains and floods March 12-15 returned last Friday for a second round, causing Molokai’s schools, government offices and many businesses to shut down again.

“This is the largest flood that we’ve had in Hawaii in 20 years,” Gov. Josh Green said in a press conference March 20. 

More than 230 people have been rescued across the state, without any deaths reported as of press time. But the storm caused severe flooding on most islands.

“This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state,” Green said at the press conference.…

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Hoʻoulu ʻOhana  Hydroponics Workshop

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Hoʻoulu ʻOhana  Hydroponics Workshop

By Léo Azambuja

A hydroponics workshop taken a couple years ago had deep positive impacts on a local family — plus dozens of other families they were able to feed. But it didn’t stop there. Last week, Vanalouise Naehu taught her first workshop to families who wanted to learn the same system she used to produce so much food in such a small space.

“So far, I’ve done five rounds, so that’s over the span of 30 to 35 weeks,” said Naehu, owner of Heavenly Oasis hydroponic farm. “I’ve been able to feed about 70 people — about 26 households together — from all five rounds.…

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Phyllis Mililani Gomes

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Phyllis Mililani Gomes

Phyllis Mililani Gomes, 82, peacefully passed away at The Queens Medical Center Punchbowl, in Honolulu on December 21, 2025 with her children present. She was born on December 15, 1943 to William (Palapala) Starkey and Lucy English Starkey.

She is survived by her children Raymond (Eliizabeth) Gomes III of Hoʻolehua, Molokai, Aletia (Gerald Jr.) Mahadocon of Hana, Maui, Yolanda (Chad Sr [d] Puaoi of Hoʻolehua, Molokai, and Michael Gomes of Hoʻolehua, Molokai. She has 15 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings Billy, Puanani, Bobby, Gerard, Ona Mae, Llewelyn and Darrell.

She’s a graduate of Molokai High School – Class of 1961, and was preceded in death by her late husband of 51 years; Raymond T.…

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Printmaking Studio Celebrates Success with Juried Selection

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Printmaking Studio Celebrates Success with Juried Selection

Pa’a Printmakers News Release

Less than a year after opening, Paʻa Printmakers is already making its mark on the statewide art scene. The studio is proud to announce that student and Kaunakakai resident Leila Anasazi has been selected for the Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition, opening April 3, 2026, at the Downtown Arts Center in Honolulu.

Anasazi is one of only 68 artists chosen from across Hawai’i. Her accepted piece, “In the Ulu,” was created using gel plate printing — a medium she only first discovered in January during a workshop at Paʻa Printmakers taught by visiting Oahu artist Helena Noordoff.

“We are thrilled to see our local artists gaining statewide recognition so quickly,” said Keao Chow.…

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Rawlins Announces Leadership Transition After 67 Years

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Rawlins Announces Leadership Transition After 67 Years

Rawlins Enterprises News Release

After 67 years as a family-owned and operated business serving the Molokai community, Rawlins has announced a thoughtful transition as Aunty Shirley Rawlins prepares to step back from day-to-day operations.

For the past 33 years, Aunty Shirley and her daughter Lori-Lei have led the company together, continuing a four-generation legacy of service and commitment to Molokai. At 82 years old, Aunty Shirley and her daughter recently began reflecting on what the next chapter should look like.

“The time has come for my mother to focus on her health and well-being,” said Lori-Lei Rawlins Crivello, President of Rawlins Service.…

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