Community

General news which affects the Molokai community in one way or another.

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.…

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.…

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.…

100 Years of Gratitude

Friday, March 20th, 2026

100 Years of Gratitude

By Léo Azambuja

In January, Ana Lintao celebrated her 100th birthday with family and some of her long-time Molokai friends. More than half a century ago, she and her small family came to Molokai from the Philippines. As she got older, she moved to Maui to be with her daughters, but her heart never left the Friendly Isle.

“Pray every day, green tea with three scoops of sugar and soda crackers for breakfast, a banana with every meal, Wheel of Fortune, walk laps around the house, smile often, occasional yardwork, and always ask where everyone is” are Lintao’s secrets to long, healthy life, according to her granddaughter, Jackie Ruiz. …

Molokai Boy at HPD Makes His Island Proud

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

Molokai Boy at HPD Makes His Island Proud

By Léo Azambuja

A Molokai boy who moved to the Big Island to become a police officer received a prestigious recognition at a ceremony last week for his outstanding service to Hawaii County in 2025.

The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii recognized Hawaii Police Department’s Puna Patrol Officer Dallas Arce as the 2025 Officer of the Year. He was honored for his “exemplary initiative, leadership and notable investigative skills demonstrated throughout the year,” officials said during the award ceremony in Hilo March 7. 

“I just hope I made my island and my family proud,” said Arce, who in 2025 alone, had received the Officer of the Month award three times. …

Hop on the Bus for Holoholo & Moʻolelo

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

Hop on the Bus for Holoholo & Moʻolelo

By Léo Azambuja

The forecast says no traffic jams, the ride is free and they will even feed you. On top of that, you will learn some important moʻolelo about Molokai. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the bus and join the Holoholo & Moʻolelo with Hanohano and Maile Naehu.

“We’re going to partner with Molokai High School, and we start with a meetup point there, then everyone jumps on a school bus,” Maile Naehu said. “In the process, we make stops all along the way and tell moʻolelo about those specific places.”

Holoholo & Moʻolelo – Hoʻolehua to Manaʻe, offered by the nonprofit organization Hui o Kuapā, is much more than listening to Molokai stories from olden days while riding on a school bus.…

Registration for 2026 OHCRA Championships Now Open

Monday, March 16th, 2026

OHCRA News Release

The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) invites the world back to Hawai‘i for another year of extraordinary competition across the Kaiwi Channel. Registration for the 2026 Molokai Channel World Championships: Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai and Moloka‘i Hoe is now open for all eligible competitors, bringing together elite paddlers from the Junior level to 65 years and over.

Two weeks of inter-island paddling launches with the world’s greatest female paddlers in the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai Championship race on Sept. 27. Two weeks later on Oct. 11, 2026, the men answer the call with the Molokai Hoe.…

Kupu ʻĀina Corps Applications Now Open

Monday, March 16th, 2026

Kupu News Release

Kupu, Hawai‘i’s leading conservation and environmental education nonprofit, is seeking to fill paid positions for Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC), which has open positions on all Hawaiian Islands for the next terms starting in April. 

KAC is a workforce development initiative established through the State of Hawaii’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps. To date, KAC has provided paid training to nearly 1,000 young professionals, generating millions in economic benefits for Hawaii. KAC program graduates have gone on to green career paths like GIS specialist, food systems manager, and conservation positions in forestry, trail management, and native/endangered species protection.…

Kalaupapa History Presentation at Molokai Library

Monday, March 16th, 2026

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa News Release

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa will present narrated slide shows about “Forgotten Chapters of Kalaupapa History” and “Bernard K. Punikaiʻa: Hawaiian Warrior,” on Thursday, March 19, 9-11 a.m. at the Molokai Library. The public is welcome. 

The event is being sponsored by the Molokai Museum & Cultural Center as part of its Road Scholars program. There is no charge. 

The presentations will be given by Valerie Monson, Executive Director of Ka ‘Ohana. “The Forgotten Chapters of Kalaupapa” will focus on people and events often left out of the history of Kalaupapa, including the many little-known contributions made by the aliʻi, the effects of the Bayonet Constitution and how many of the people of Kalaupapa themselves played such an important part in making life better for the community throughout the history. …

Maunaloa School’s Math Literacy Carnival Mixes Learning with Fun

Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maunaloa School’s Math Literacy Carnival Mixes Learning with Fun

Maunaloa School News Release

The atmosphere at Maunaloa School was electric, as students, families, and staff gathered for a spectacular evening at our first-ever Math Literacy Carnival. The event transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of learning, proving that math isn’t just about equations — it’s about exploration, strategy, and a whole lot of fun.

From our youngest learners in Pre-K to our 6th graders, every single grade level participated to make the evening a success. Each class took ownership of a booth, designing math games that challenged students’ critical thinking skills while keeping the energy high and the smiles wide.…