Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

Museum Opening Honored by Hawaii Senate

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

Museum Opening Honored by Hawaii Senate

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

The Molokai History Project opened its doors Friday, Oct. 6 with a celebration in Kaunakakai and a special message from Hawaii legislatures. 

At the opening ceremony, State Senator Lynn DeCoite presented the museum with a proclamation on behalf of the Hawaii Senate congratulating and honoring the work done by the Molokai History Project.  

“With its grand opening, the Molokai History Project is set to showcase Molokai’s history with initial exhibits showcasing Hawaiian quilts, paniolo history, Ka Hula Piko, Makahiki, East End Molokai along with the island’s churches and schools,” read the proclamation. 

“The many people, the many hands,” said DeCoite.…

Molokai Artist Wins Award at Hawaii Craftsmen Exhibit

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

Molokai Artist Wins Award at Hawaii Craftsmen Exhibit

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release 

Congratulations to Molokai award winner Jason Liu for winning the Cedar Street Galleries Award, which is sponsored by Michael Schnack.

Jason entered his piece, “Post Stroke Makau Aftermath,” which is a beautifully carved Koa fishhook, in the 2023 Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibit.

“I was born and raised on Oahu, then moved to Molokai in 1994. In 2019 I had two strokes. Creating this art now is my own therapy and has been my path back to life. Now I see that the strokes helped me start my life again. My vision with entering this competition is to reach more people with my art and to inspire others to expose their own art and talents,” said Liu. …

DLNR Listening Session Identifies Molokai Concerns

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

DLNR News Release 

On Saturday, Sept. 30, about 45 Molokai residents spent the morning shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle with DLNR, including Chair Dawn Chang, Deputy Director Laura Kaakua, and nine of 11 division administrators and staff.

Zahn Dudoit, who facilitated the session, told the gathering this was the first time anyone can remember so many top DLNR leaders arriving on the island to talk story.

In opening remarks, Chang explained DLNR’s overriding mission of protecting the natural and cultural resources of Hawaii. 

After brief presentations from division administrators and staff, Molokai residents brought up some of the issues the island is facing.…

Molokai Farmers Cheerleaders

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Kaia Yamashita and Tamara Yamazaki- Gray, MHS WIN Writers 

Molokai High School’s Cheer and Dance Team started up in 2015 and since then has continued to thrive. For several years the team has cheered at every football and basketball game held on island. Cheer Coach Louise Manley and Dance Coach Melinda Yamashita make it all possible. Throughout the season, cheerleaders gain many skills, as well as a sense of self and a sense of belonging. You can always count on seeing our Molokai cheerleaders on the sidelines of games, with the utmost support and pride for our island. …

Howard Michael Ahina Jr.

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

Howard Michael Ahina Jr.

Howard Michael Ahina Jr. passed away on June 24 at the age of 53. He was the oldest of three siblings born to the late Howard and Shareen Ahina. Howard grew up in Ho’olehua on Pu’ukapele Avenue. He attended Kamehameha Kapalana for three years before returning to Molokai High School where he graduated in 1987. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for two years. 

On April 12,1991, Howard welcomed the birth of his daughter, Leilani. His second daughter, Hiilani, was born two years later, on March 30,1993. Howard excitedly welcomed the birth of his only son, Isaiah, on June 23, 2003.…

Artice May Swingle

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

Artice May Swingle

Artice ‘Artie’ May Swingle suffered a heart attack and passed away in the loving arms of her husband of 50 years, John Wordin, at their home in Kalae. EMS reestablished a heart rhythm and transferred Artie to Queens on life support, discontinued on Aug. 31. She was 84 years old.

Artie is survived by husband John, sons Richard and Daniel Burke, and nephews Mark, Steven, and Neil Haynes.

Artie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1960, a Master’s in Special Education in 1961, was a certified Child and Family Counselor and Special Education Teacher for many years in Idaho and Hawaii.…

New Museum Grand Opening

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

New Museum Grand Opening

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

A new project dedicated to celebrating Molokai’s history and culture has been underway in Kaunakakai. The Molokai History Project (MHP) will open its doors this Friday, Oct. 6. 

Located at 145 Ala Malama St, the MHP moved quickly in the last couple of months to establish itself. 

Following the passing of Dr. Emmett Aluli last year, “people started feeling the urgency to create a place to gather memories,” said Judy Mertens, one the founding members and organizers of the MHP. 

Through three garage sales, the MHP was able to raise funding. 

“We kind of just did it,” said Mertens.…

Mahi’ai Moa Project Enters Final Phases

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

Mahi’ai Moa Project Enters Final Phases

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

The Molokai community recently had a great opportunity to increase local poultry production, bolster the island’s economy, and assist farmers and ranchers in achieving their business objectives: the Mahi’ai Moa project. 

This five-month educational program for aspiring farmers focused on commercial broiler chicken production, incorporating a mix of in-person and virtual classes. 

Participants were granted access to informative sessions with J. Ludovico Farm and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). 

In addition, they received field trips off-island, personalized farm business guidance from specialists, a ready-made market for broiler bird sales, a collaborative farmer-to-farmer support structure, and a generous $4,000 allocation for supplies to kickstart their chicken venture.…

Marking the Past

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

Marking the Past

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

A project that is mapping unmarked graves in Kamalo is bringing names and histories to those buried there. 

The St. Damien Burial Council invited UH researchers to help document gravesites at St. Joseph’s and Our Lady of Seven Sorrows churches at the behest of former pastor Father Brian Guerrini back in 2020. 

Molokai resident Pat Tancayo has worked closely with the project since its inception.

“There’s a lot of history there,” said Tancayo. 

Tancayo was given access to church burial records and has continued to make new discoveries about the cemetery at St. Joseph’s. 

Longtime Kamalo community members told Tancayo stories about where certain people had been buried.…

Manhunt Ends with Capture at Molokai Airport

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor  

An incident at Schofield Barracks on Oahu culminated with the capture of the suspect at Molokai Airport on Thursday night, Sept. 28. 

According to reports, the suspect, identified as Paul Smith, had assaulted a soldier at Schofield Barracks at around 2:30 p.m., prompting a lockdown of the military base and nearby schools. No shots were fired, but the suspect reportedly was in possession of a handgun. 

Smith avoided Oahu law enforcement throughout the afternoon Thursday, although lockdowns were eventually lifted for Scofield Barracks and surrounding areas. 

According to Civil Beat, Smith flew from Dillingham Airfield on Oahu, arriving on Molokai via a small private plane between 6 and 6:30 p.m.…