Community

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

New Parents and Parents-To-Be of Molokai

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Community Contributed
By Aaron Mitchell, MS, LMHC

Young parents usually tell me as a mental health counselor the same thing, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing.’ The truth is, as a parent myself, none of us always know what to do. This is pretty normal. However, what we usually end up doing is we fill in the blank with the same thing our parents did. Which leads to my next bit of advice.

Teach your kids by example. If they don’t listen, listen to them. If they lie to you, always tell them the truth. If they don’t respect you, show them respect.…

One Year Anniversary

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

One Year Anniversary

Molokai History Project News Release  

One year ago, on Oct. 6, 2023, the Molokai History Project opened its doors to reveal the beginning of an incredible collection of family stories and photos and notebooks full of precious memories that now will be saved for generations to come. We have grown beyond our space. We have showcased our exhibitions at the library, as well as the front window of Misaki’s and a wall at Hiro’s Restaurant at Hotel Molokai. And through the generosity of all of you sharing your treasures, we need even more space! But for now we are tucked in at 145 Ala Malama Street, just down from the Molokai Community Federal Credit Union.…

Calling all Kilohana Elementary School Community Members

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Kilohana Elementary School Community Council New Release

We are excited to invite Kilohana Elementary School families, teachers, and community members to participate in shaping the future of Kilohana Elementary School by providing your valuable input and suggestions. As members of the Kilohana Elementary School Community Council, we are committed to ensuring that our school continues to thrive and provide the best possible educational experience for our students. Your input is crucial in helping us identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. Whether you are a parent, teacher, student, or community member, we want to hear from you!
Below are some areas where we are seeking your feedback and ideas.…

Hokule’a Events Schedule for Molokai

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Hokule’a Events Schedule for Molokai

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

Hokuleʻa, Hawaii’s iconic double-hulled voyaging canoe, embarked on the next leg of its statewide Pae ʻAina, arriving in Kaunakakai this past Sunday. During the week-long stop at Kaunakakai Harbor, the crew will welcome school groups and the general public to share about traditional voyaging, the rich cultural history that the canoe represents and plans for future legs of the Moananuiakea Voyage.

Dockside canoe tours will be held at the Kaunakakai Pier from Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, with school tours scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and public tours from 3 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct.…

RFP for 15 Off-Grid Nanogrid Projects

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai is excited to announce the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its upcoming 15 Off-Grid Nanogrid ʻOhana Projects — a local initiative aimed at empowering Molokai ʻohana with sustainable, locally controlled energy solutions.
These nanogrid projects will serve Molokai’s off-grid residents, especially those living in areas where access to reliable energy is limited or unavailable. By utilizing one kilowatt of solar photovoltaic and three kilowatt-hours of battery storage, these off-grid systems are designed to enhance energy independence, reduce electricity costs, and ensure a resilient, sustainable future for our community.…

Tancayo Named MEO Employee of the Month

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Tancayo Named MEO Employee of the Month

MEO News Release

Zantha-Angelica “Mela” Tancayo, who helped set up and develop the Youth Services’ Kaohi prevention program on Molokai, was recently named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month.
“Mela is a hard worker and goes above and beyond for the kids involved in the Kaohi program and is a great co-worker,” said Sydney Yap-Kalipi, a former colleague who nominated her for the honor.
MEO had identified substance abuse and suicide among youth on the island as issues needing to be addressed. In 2022 with a grant from the nonprofit Nuestro Futuro Foundation, MEO brought its Youth Services’ tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug, bullying, and suicide prevention programs to Molokai.…

Brush Fire Causes Evacuations

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Brush Fire Causes Evacuations

An 80-acre brush fire just south of Molokai Airport caused evacuations and concerns on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Starting around 10:30 a.m. and fanned by gusty winds, the fire moved quickly through dry ag land. The Maui Fire Department evacuated homes in the immediate area out of precaution, and a section of the highway was closed part of the afternoon.

No injuries were reported; a shed structure and an abandoned car burned in the fire.

Two helicopters fought the fire by air, while eight fire vehicles were called in to battle the blaze on the ground. Molokai and Maui-based callback firefighters, a battalion chief and fire investigator were among the staff on scene, along with personnel and heavy equipment from County Public Works and State of Hawaii airport firefighters, were all deployed in the effort to contain the fire.…

Weekend Sports Recap

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Weekend Sports Recap

The Farmers continued their historic 11-man football season with a game vs King Kekaulike at home on Sept. 28. After giving up an early touchdown, the Farmers tied the game 7-7 late in the first quarter with an electric 82-yard kick return by Chauncey Adolpho.

The long return from Adolpho would be the only score on the day for the Farmers, as they ultimately fell to King Kekaulike 42-7. The Farmers will return to action in two weeks’ time, with the final home game of the season against Kamehameha Maui at 11 a.m on Oct. 12.

The Lady Farmers were likewise competing this past weekend, with two volleyball games over on Lanai.…

Small Businesses, Big Ideas

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Small Businesses, Big Ideas

Now in its second year, the Pulauhala small business intelligence program has helped over 25 Molokai entrepreneurs in their creative and business paths. The second cohort for the program celebrated their graduation on Sept. 19 at Kulana ‘Oiwi.

“You have to have self-confidence…and the skill set to believe in who you are,” said Kanoe Davis, executive director of nonprofit Ho’aka Mana, which runs the Pulauhala program, at the graduation ceremony.

The 12 fellows in this second cohort displayed products ranging from nails to education tools for keiki to agriculture. Throughout the nine-month program, fellows met twice a month for discussions, workshops, mentor talks, and more.…

Kulaia Lights Up Kaunakakai

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Kulaia Lights Up Kaunakakai

Last Friday, the typically quiet streets of Kaunakakai transformed into a bustling festival. Celebrating Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe canoe races, the Kulaia festival likewise returned to Molokai for the first time since 2019.

Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello, event organizer for the festival, explained that originally the plan for this year was just to focus on getting the channel races started again, and not have the festival. However, after interest from the Molokai community and race organizers, the decision was made to put on Kulaia with only three months lead in time.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” said Rawlins-Crivello.

Shutting down the street from Rawlins Service Station to Fish and Dive, the festival brought in 30 Molokai vendors and an estimated more than 3,000 attendees over five hours.…