Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

New Artist in Residence

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

New Artist in Residence

Molokai Arts Center News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) welcomes Artist in Residence Angaea Cuna from the island of Hawaii. Angaea is a multimedia artist and Filipino immigrant focusing on fiber arts, bookbinding, and immersive installation. She will be on Molokai from March 1 through 22 exploring the landscape and studying the native plants and fibers. She hopes to use one fiber material to inspire Molokai-specific handmade papers and perfect-bind them into a handmade artist book. The book and the display will reflect the abundance of Molokai’s landscape. This installation reimagines “an indigenous library” by using material as the tether to our ancestral knowledge.…

March Golf Ace

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

March Golf Ace

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Jeannie Makaiwi is the March Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Makaiwi, a longtime club member and our awesome club treasurer, shot 54-49 for a gross total of 103. With her 36 handicap, her net 67 got her the win. Congratulations Jeannie!

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!…

Local Students Named to Pacific University Dean’s List

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Pacific University News Release

Local Molokai students, Saije Aiana, Kamalu Kaawa Richardson and Reese Raguindin, have been named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. The Dean’s List recognizes undergraduate students in Pacific’s colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Education who earn a grade-point average of at least 3.70 and complete 12 or more graded hours.

Celebrating 175 years of purpose, Pacific University is Washington County, Oregon’s only comprehensive university. With undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry, Pacific inspires its 3,400 students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in the world.…

Real Property Assessment Notices to be Mailed

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

County of Maui News Release

The 2025 real property assessment notices will be mailed to Maui County property owners by March 15, 2025, according to an announcement by the County of Maui Department of Finance Real Property Assessment (RPA) Division.

The assessment notice will include the taxable value of the land and, if applicable, any improvements, along with the amount of allowed exemptions, the recipient of the exemption and the property’s classification. Property owners can choose to receive paperless electronic notices for the following year.

If a property owner disagrees with the assessment, land classification, or exemption shown on the notice, they may file an appeal with the Board of Review.…

Got a Minute? Stop By!

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Got a Minute? Stop By!

Molokai History Project News Release

The Molokai History Project has unveiled a new exhibit on fishing and the centerpiece is a very old map of Molokai. We have magnifying glasses so you can find any detail you might be looking for. Check closely as there are personal notations from years ago that you will find very interesting. Along with it are lots of artifacts loaned to the project. I think you will agree a visit is well worth your time. Also, some fun fishing articles in Misaki’s front window and lots of photos at Hiro’s.

We’ll look forward to seeing you soon!…

Hoku Dudoit named MEO Driver of the Year

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Hoku Dudoit named MEO Driver of the Year

MEO News Release

Zandra “Hoku” Dudoit has been named Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) 2025 Driver of the Year for “exemplifying what it means to be a dedicated and safe driver.”
Dudoit, a paratransit driver since June 2013, was honored at MEO’s staff awards on Feb. 25 in MEO’s Wailuku classrooms. Carol Davis of Atlas Insurance, MEO’s insurance agent, presented the plaque and cash award to Dudoit.
“Clients have expressed confidence in this driver’s ability to deliver them safely to and from their destinations, and this reputation for reliability is well earned,” said Davis, whose company has sponsored the award for many years.…

‘Aha Opio O Molokai Showcases Student Creativity

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

‘Aha Opio O Molokai Showcases Student Creativity

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

In its ninth iteration, the ‘Aha ‘Opio O Molokai offered plenty of opportunities to demonstrate the creativity of Molokai students and their connection to cultural history. Held annually, this year’s showcase was held at Kilohana School on Saturday Feb. 22.

Student work lined the rooms of Kilohana School, with projects ranging from the ahapua’a system to water conservation and more.

“It turned out to be a really, really nice day,” explained Molokai High School librarian Diane Mokuau, a member of the leadership cadre for the showcase. “It’s an opportunity to see what our students can produce.”…

Culinary Club Discontinued

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Culinary Club Discontinued

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Following three years of cook offs, kitchen skills, restaurant visits and community galas, Molokai High School’s (MHS) popular Culinary Club will no longer be in operation at the high school starting next year.

“The Culinary Club will be discontinued at the end of the current school year,” explained a March 5 letter from MHS Principal Katina Soares to parents. “We are committed to providing culinary experiences and career opportunities for our students. These opportunities will be integrated into the regular in-school culinary class curriculum moving forward.”

The decision to shelve the club was due to fundraising worries and an administrative desire for stronger adherence to MHS’s Academy Model, explained Soares in an interview with the Dispatch.…

PACI Begins Charters, Eyes Commuter Service

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

PACI Begins Charters, Eyes Commuter Service

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

On March 3, Pacific Air Charters Incorporated (PACI) announced that they have been approved for on-demand charter service in Hawaii, including for Molokai.

“Our mission at PACI is to offer customizable charter flights designed to meet the unique needs of our clients,” said CEO Marshall Ashley.

For these flights, customers can charter the entire plane for approximately $4,500 each way, explained Katherine Kalei, base manager for PACI. The company can’t, however, sell individual seats yet for commuter service.

“On-demand is far more expensive than if you’re working with the Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts [in commuter service] where you have a subsidy that will help keep the prices down,” said Kalei.…

Soup ‘R Bowl Celebrates 15 Years

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Soup ‘R Bowl Celebrates 15 Years

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

One of Molokai’s biggest fundraisers for the arts, the Soup ‘R Bowl, celebrated its 15th anniversary on Saturday, March 8. At the event, Molokai community members supported the Molokai Arts Center (MAC) by choosing from over 400 locally made ceramic bowls and mugs, along with a soup dinner of either Portuguese bean soup, chicken papaya, seafood chowder, coconut curry, or broccoli and cheese.

MAC and the Soup ‘R Bowl have walked hand in hand since they were both launched in 2010. The Soup ‘R Bowl is MAC’s largest fundraiser of the year, and contributes to the nonprofit’s overall operational costs, explained MAC Executive Director Alice Ka’ahanui.…