Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Noted Author to Speak on “the Soul” This Weekend

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Baha`i Community of Molokai News Release

Cook Islander author and artist Johnny Frisbie will speak on “The Soul in Polynesian Tradition and the Baha`i Writings,” Saturday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. at Kalele Bookstore and again on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Baha`i Center, mile 14 east.

Johnny was raised on Puka-Puka, a one-mile square atoll in the northern Cook Islands with a population of about 400 people. Her American father was a writer and Johnny inherited his love of words. When her mother died, they migrated to Rarotonga where she saw her first mountains, rivers, horses, cows and dogs.…

St. Marianne Honored at Home

Monday, January 14th, 2013

St. Marianne Honored at Home

After a week of rain and wind, last Saturday’s sunny dawn was an auspicious start to a special day in Kalaupapa. Hundreds of friends and dignitaries from across the country, as well as community members, gathered to celebrate the sainthood of St. Marianne Cope. While festivities have been held in her honor around the world since her canonization in October, this event brought the celebration home to the place St. Marianne served exiled Hansen’s disease patients for 30 years.

“This day was a surprise,” smiled patient resident Gloria Marks, referring to both the weather and the reason for celebration. “This day is important because she [St.…

Agreement Marks Peaceful Conclusion to Yacht Conflict

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Agreement Marks Peaceful Conclusion to Yacht Conflict

This time last year, a group of Molokai residents greeted the Safari Explorer yacht with protest signs, while the state called for a security zone to ensure the vessel’s safe docking. Last week, the ongoing conflict was peacefully resolved, not only allowing continued visits from the 36-person yacht, but also designating Molokai as future home port of operations for the company.

Amid smiles and hugs, former protesters, state officials and American Safari Cruises staff signed an agreement that’s been called the first of its kind in the state. It’s a positive conclusion to more than a year of struggles that involved community members, yacht company American Safari Cruises (ASC), the state and federal government and local business owners.…

Ua Mau Ke Ea: Sovereignty Endures

Sunday, January 13th, 2013

Alu Like, Inc. News Release

Molokai’s Native Hawaiian Library is sponsoring an Open House and Event, Ua Mau Ke Ea: Sovereignty Endures on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. The library is located on the hill behind Lanikeha and the Ho`olehua Fire station.

The event will be revisiting the history of the 120 years since the overthrow of the Hawaiian government. A guest speaker, Dr. David Keanu Sai, will be doing a PowerPoint presentation from 5 to 6 p.m. The presentation will be based on historical documents to educate the public. (Views expressed by the speaker do not represent the views of the organization.)…

Christmas Bicycles

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Christmas Bicycles

Community Contributed

By Bruddah Frank M. Lawelawe

For the past two years, Pastor Rick, Brother Kyle, my son Brandon and I have been blessed with the comfort of giving back to this community and the families of Molokai. We’ve helped those that are less fortunate during the Christmas season.

An anonymous donor from Maui donates about 40 brand new bikes every year, shipped over on the Maui Princess just days before Christmas. The bikes are distributed at Kaunakakai Baptist Church, and my job is to go out in the community in search of those who need a blessing. I try to find those who didn’t get the year before, just to make it fair.…

Rising Vocalist Kuana Torres Kahele on Molokai

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Rising Vocalist Kuana Torres Kahele on Molokai

MACC News Release

Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s (MACC) Artist-in-the-Community Program is pleased to present a special show with vocalist Kuana Torres Kahele on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 pm in Kulana `Oiwi Halau on Molokai. Admission is free.

Kuana Torres Kahele was born on the slopes of Mauna Kea and began composing, arranging and playing traditional Hawaiian music at an early age. In 1995 with Kehau Tamure, Kuana formed the multi-award winning duo, Na Palapalai, who earned critical acclaim for reviving Hawaiian classics as well as for original compositions. Last year, Kuana’s highly anticipated solo release, “Kaunaloa,” excited the hula world and re-ignited passion for Hawaiian music from everyday fans, garnering him multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.…

Strong Weekend for Basketball

Thursday, January 10th, 2013

Strong Weekend for Basketball

Photo by Rick Schonely, caption by Dispatch Staff

The Molokai High School Boys Basketball team swept Lanai last weekend in two home games played at Kaunakakai Gym. On Friday, the Farmers edged out the Pine Lads 62-53, with Hauoli Falealii scoring 22 points for Molokai, David Rapanot added 19 and Paka Adolpho had 16. On Saturday, the boys again beat Lanai 49-39. High scorers were Falealii with 25 points and Adolpho with 10. The boys will be playing against St. Anthony at home this weekend.

The Molokai Girls Basketball team also had a strong weekend over the Pine Lasses in Lanai City.…

Kalaupapa Exhibit at St. Damien Church

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

Kalaupapa Exhibit at St. Damien Church

Ka `Ohana O Kalaupapa News Release

A historical exhibit developed by Ka `Ohana O Kalaupapa opened this week at Saint Damien Church in Kaunakakai, where it will remain through Feb. 3. The exhibit, “A Source of Light, Constant and Never-Fading,” emphasizes the strong relationship between the people of Kalaupapa and the Royal Family of Hawaii, a chapter of the history of Kalaupapa not often told.

A presentation about the work of the `Ohana in reconnecting families to their Kalaupapa ancestors will be held Thursday, Jan. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. at the church. Light pupus will be served. The public is welcome.…

Molokai Energy Festival

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

IAM News Release

The second annual Energy Festival, hosted by I Aloha Molokai (IAM) will be held next weekend and focuses on sensible, renewable energy solutions. On Jan. 11 and 12, 2013, at Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai over 1000 people are expected to participate in panels and workshops, listen to local music, and eat ono food at the event.

The opening ceremony on Friday, Jan. 11 will be a cultural welcome to Native American guests from the mainland and feature guest speaker Colette Machado, chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Saturday workshops will educate about construction of a low-cost solar water heater, do-it-yourself energy audits, reducing electricity use in the home, and photovoltaic (PV) options for homes and businesses.…

On the Edge

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

On the Edge

Community Contributed

By Ted Kanemitsu

Editor’s note: This photo was contributed by Ted Kanemitsu through the Molokai Dispatch Facebook page, with the caption, “Sometimes getting the best view requires taking risks.”

My reason for sharing my images with viewers of the Dispatch Facebook page is because I know that there are many locals and visitors alike who cannot be here as much as they would like. A glimpse of home, especially during long, hard winter months, warms the heart and the soul. It makes one appreciate what we have even more.

On this particular day, I was hiking along the north shore sea cliff with my dog Pokahu.…