Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

MHS Scholarship Award Ceremony

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

MHS Scholarship Award Ceremony

By Dr. Caryl Hitchcock, Project Ho’oku’i and Associate Professor, UH Manoa

It was a beautiful sunny day in Ho‘olehua when students and families gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the MHS scholarship awardees from the graduating class of 2023. It was the first in-person meeting for a while and everyone was happy to see students, family and community members together again in the high school library. Ms. Sonni Han and Ms. Ku’ulei Simon (Mistresses of Ceremonies) skillfully facilitated the list of presenters for 2023’s scholarships from generous donors. The love and support from the community for the students was evident in the mana (spirit) in the room.…

Hawaiian Homeland Homes

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Eileen M.S. Nims, Esq.

Question: I live on Hawaiian Homestead lands, so I don’t own any property, right?

Answer: Actually, that is not correct! It is true that you don’t own the land you are leasing from Hawaiian Homelands, but if you built a house, then the value of the house is yours!

When it comes to dividing up your interest in property to your children after your passing, it is important to realize that the homes that have been built on homestead lands have a value to your children. So, if your children meet the qualifications to live on the property after you are gone, they actually inherit also the value of your house.…

Preschool Visits Mokulele

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Preschool Visits Mokulele

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Last week, 15 excited keiki from Molokai’s Kamehameha Preschool got to test out the pilot’s seat. The preschoolers went on a field trip with Mokulele Airlines at the Molokai Airport, where Executive Vice President Richard Schuman and new regional manager for Mokulele, John Filler, made the trip over to Molokai to visit with them. 

As part of the field trip, the 4-and 5-year-olds learned about different parts of the plane and all got a chance to sit in the cockpit. After the tour, the class was treated to ice cream sundaes and model airplanes by Mokulele Manager Donna Tangonan. …

Resident Honored for Healthcare Contributions

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Resident Honored for Healthcare Contributions

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

A Molokai resident has been recognized with a Maui County Outstanding Older American Award for her work to advocate for and support healthcare on Molokai. 

Judy Mikami was one of three residents county-wide honored with the award, presented at a recognition event in Kahului last week. It was the county’s 54th annual presentation of the Outstanding Older American Award.

“We’re here to celebrate the members of our community who are doing impressive work by volunteering to help other seniors, by caring for the ʻaina, or by starting much needed services in the areas where you live or they live,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in presenting a proclamation for Older Americans Month in May.…

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Molokai’s Hawaiian language immersion preschool, Punana Leo, held it’s annual Ho’omau event last Saturday for the first time since the pandemic. Haumana of Punana Leo opened the community event with song and keiki introductions, followed by performances by Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Kualapuu, the island’s elementary language immersion program. Keiki sang throughout a torrential downpour of rain, as attendees took cover under tents. But the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those gathered, who went on to enjoy food and craft booths and entertainment throughout the day. 

The event is a fundraiser to help support Punana Leo o Molokai’s continued perpetuation of Hawaiian language education. …

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Community Contributed

By Sara Jane Larkin, Teacher

First graders at Kilohana School used the prompt, “This is not a day you have already had. It is a day that you dream to have. My very best day starts with…” to write about their best day. …

New Book from Bayer

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Bayer HI News Release 

As part of its ongoing support for education and agriculture, Bayer Hawaii is sharing copies of its “Hawaii’s Farm to Table” activity book for children via online download and to various community groups, including several on the island of Molokai.

Created as an educational tool about the important role that farmers play in food production – from planting seeds and caring for crops to harvesting and delivering fresh products to their customers – this 36-page book is chock full of fun, creative activities that explore where some of our foods come from.

 In April, Bayer’s Molokai team gave away free copies of the book to MEO’s Head Start program, and to fourth graders at Kaunakakai Elementary School as part of the school’s Earth Day celebration.…

Concert on the Lawn

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

MAC News Release 

A music performance by the Molokai Instrumental Music Education Program (MIME) will be held on Friday, May 19 at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Molokai Public Library. Students from Kualapu’u and Kaunakakai elementary schools’ 21st Century program will perform introductory music as well as Shostakovich and Copland. This is a free event and all are welcome! 

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) is the fiscal sponsor for this program which is led by Bob Underwood. Underwood has graciously and with dedication taught music performance to Molokai’s keiki and adults for over 12 years. This program is offered free to elementary students during the school year and instruments are provided.…

Spring Sports Close Out the Season

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Spring Sports Close Out the Season

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

The Maui Interscholastic League Division II champion Farmers Baseball team took on the state tournament last week. The Farmers were ultimately defeated by Damien, 7-2, and Konawaena, 9-2. The Farmers finished the year with a 13-4 record and their ninth consecutive MIL DII title. 

“Mahalo Molokai for all the love and support! Mahalo Mr. Schonely, Lee and faculty, parents for all the help this season, my ohana for getting my back and most importantly the boys that had to deal with me throughout the season, until next season,” said MHS Baseball Coach Keahi Rawlins in a Facebook post. …

Tokuda Pledges Air Assistance

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Tokuda Pledges Air Assistance

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Congressman Jill Tokuda, the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s Second District, is in the process of writing a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding Molokai’s airline crisis. 

“I’d like to create a thoughtful letter that really lays out the transportation crisis and vulnerability that exists,” said Tokuda. “Right now, the only constant is that it is inconsistent,” she added. 

Tokuda explained to Molokai residents gathered at her town hall meeting held at Mitchell Pauole Center last Thursday that the FAA needs data on flight delays and cancelations along with personal testimony to make a difference. 

Molokai community members related horror stories of family members passing away without loved ones and surgeries cancelled – all due to flight expense and unreliability. …