Announcements

Langer Ritte Named Branch Manager

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Since last August, the Molokai Public Library has been without a branch manager. The task of running the library has fallen on the shoulders of its capable, dedicated staff, and especially those of substitute librarian Mia Langer Ritte. As of April 16, Langer Ritte is now the full-time branch manager of the Molokai Public Library.

“For over six months [Langer Ritte] has juggled the many duties of running the library with grace, efficiency and good humor,” shared Friends of Molokai Public Library, a nonprofit that supports the Molokai library, in a press release.

“During this last winter, letters of support were sent to the Hawaii State Library System as well as a petition recommending she be hired,” explained the press release.…

Wedding Announcement

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Glenn and Rita Poller celebrated their wedding on April 14, at a residence on Seaside Pl.
“Glenn and I were married as one on this beautiful island of Molokai,” writes Rita.
“Our pastor at Heart of Aloha Church, Cameron Hiro, graciously performed the ceremony overlooking the ocean. Though the rain and wind came, we looked at it as God pouring blessings and favor upon our union. Our guests who attended as friends are now considered in their eyes and ours as ohana. From the first day we stepped upon Molokai, we could feel and sense how special Molokai was. We had found what we were looking for all our lives – people genuinely caring for one another regardless of circumstance.…

Dredging at the Wharf

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff
Dredging is underway to remove a build-up of silt and restore the Kaunakakai Harbor to its previous depth of 23 feet so the barge can continue to use the wharf. A crane uses a clamshell bucket to grab 30,000 cubic yards of inky sediment from the bottom of the harbor, deposit the silt into a dump scow barge, and drop it 40 miles away at a dumpsite off-shore from Kahului. The dredging should be completed around May 6.…

MVCV Interim Board of Directors

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Community Contributed
By George Kahinu, Commander, Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans

On Jan. 27, a special membership meeting was held at our veterans center. The members voted to remove the entire board of directors and elected an interim board to oversee the center until a new, independent election can be held. Why was this action necessary? On May 15, 2023, Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) lost its tax exemption status with the IRS. Tim Meyer was told several times by membership that we needed to get into compliance with the IRS. Now, we are in the process of reinstating our non-profit status.…

Kalaupapa Resident Celebrates 100

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

By Kalaupapa Volunteers

On April 12, John Arruda, a patient and resident of Kalaupapa for over 75 years, celebrated his 100th birthday.

Arruda’s remarkable journey began in 1945 when he was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease and sent to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. At the time, the prevailing belief was that Kalaupapa was a place to die. However, Arruda maintained a resilient spirit. Over the years, he defied expectations, finding love, happiness, and success in Kalaupapa. He worked on the Suez Canal, witnessed Father Damien’s canonization, and fought to regain custody of his daughter.

“The State of Hawaii has provided me with everything, and that’s why I have this beautiful Kalaupapa, which has kept me going all these years and where I call home,” said Arruda.…

Dredging Begins at Kaunakakai Harbor

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

After delays due to the Maui wildfires in August, dredging at Kaunakakai Harbor is set to begin the week of April 15. The multi-million-dollar U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project will ensure that commerce can continue to reach Molokai through the harbor.

Last dredged 50 years ago, over 30,000 cubic yards of sediment have accumulated in the harbor basin, resulting in spots as shallow as nine feet. Constructed in 1934, the Kaunakakai Harbor was originally 23 feet deep. The Army Corps of Engineers described this project as “maintenance” dredging, aimed at restoring the original condition of the harbor, rather than “deepening” dredging.…

Body Found in Kaunakakai

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Molokai residents have more questions than answers since the discovery of human remains at a Kaunakakai residence on March 22.

“There is no confirmation on the identity or cause of death,” explained Molokai Police Captain Jamie Winfrey. “We are still waiting on testing results which could take several weeks.”

Captain Winfrey confirmed that a female was arrested on theft charges in connection to the investigation. However, the woman was released pending further investigation.

“We understand there may be concerns about this discovery and we’ll continue to work diligently to gather all the facts,” said Winfrey. “More information will be provided once we have updates.”…