Community

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

Legal Love from Local Lawyer

Friday, October 28th, 2022

Community Contributed

By Eileen M.S. Nims, Esq.

As a Trusts and Estates attorney who received my law degree from Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii, I have a law practice in Mililani and now on Molokai as well. I have fallen head over heels with Molokai and want to give love back to the island. I come here one week a month to paddle my kayak and be part of the local scene. I have been providing legal services to many of our families already and I am always happy to help with wills, trusts, deed transfers and even grandparents legal rights.…

Mayor and Priest Relax on Molokai

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

This is not a political statement, but I wanted to mahalo both Molokai’s own Father Lane Akiona for filling in at St. Damien of Molokai church as we wait for our new pastor, Father Patrick Fanning sscc, and also Mayor “Uncle Mike” and Aunty Joyce Victorino for joining us for mass, and Aloha Festival.  I got to see both of them at a pa’ina after a funeral earlier that day.  Father Lane looked happy to be home and with familiar company. He blended right in, especially at our Country Fair.  Home will always be home, as he shared at one his homilies. …

Join Friends of the Library

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

On Friday evening, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m., the Friends of the Molokai Public Library (FOL) will hold our annual meeting and board election. Join now and have a say in how we support our library and our community.  For $1, you can become a lifetime member of the Friends of the Molokai Public Library.

The new library annex/meeting space will open this winter, after many delays. Our library has a long history of working with community groups and hosting traveling events. How can the Friends help make the best use of this new space?

Now is an ideal time to join the Friends of the Library and help decide what role our library plays.…

Biting the Hand that Feeds You

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

I noticed upon returning to my truck parked at the airport that one tire was low. No worries, I thought, I’ll just stop at Rawlins’ Texaco and air it up with their dependable and powerful air hose that is always available and used constantly by many people. Imagine my disappointment when the air hose was gone and in its place a sign explaining it was stolen. I am disappointed because every time I see a function, activity or event being held on Molokai I notice Rawlins Texaco is a sponsor. Also, many others suffer because of selfish, criminal behavior. My advice is: Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!…

Zarius Kawaihala’i Kaahanui Zoller

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

Zarius Kawaihala’i Kaahanui Zoller

Our precious son Zarius Kawaihala’i Kaahanui Zoller gained his wings on Aug. 5, 2022 at just almost 3 months old. He was born on May 8, 2022 to parents Tysin Bryant Zoller and Starr Kaahanui. He is survived by his brother Zaden, grandparents Samsun and Claudette Kaahanui and Cindy Zollar and Charles Bryant. He leaves behind many aunties, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 29, 2022 at Kualapuu Rec. Center at 9 a.m. with lunch to follow. Casual attire.…

2 Wahine Entrepreneurs Showcase Molokai Success

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

2 Wahine Entrepreneurs Showcase Molokai Success

By Sage Yamashita, Intern Reporter

Two Molokai businesswomen are taking strides and making sales through their fashion companies. Iwi Nails and [Ep-ik] Style were recently selected to join five wahine-led businesses in the 2022/23 FoundHer cohort, a statewide business accelerator program, selected from among hundreds of applicants. 

Iwi Nails is an ʻaina inspired gel nail art and accessories company founded by Līhau Willing. 

“I discovered gel nail strips when traveling to Korea, and I thought that they were an amazing product. Though I loved the gel nail strips, there weren’t really designs that I loved or related to, so I decided to design some of my own,” said Willing, who is originally from Kona and now lives on Molokai, where her partner’s ʻohana is from.…

Mixed Feedback on OHA’s Ocean Policy

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

By Jack Kiyonaga, Community Reporter

Office of Hawaiian Affairs representatives arrived on Molokai last week to discuss ocean management policy, with a list of set questions. Attendees had their own questions, however, and OHA staff left with a clear message from Molokai.

“No one speaks for us but ourselves,” said Mana’e lawai’a Leimana Naki. 

Molokai Kanaka spoke for themselves. They spoke of what the great expanse of ocean has meant to them and their families and their island. 

“Molokai prides itself on this balance,” said one community member referencing Molokai’s reciprocal relationship with its environment, both from a cultural perspective and a practical one, to sustain the community’s subsistence lifestyle. …

Kuleana in Action at Homelani Cemetery

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

Kuleana in Action at Homelani Cemetery

By Jack Kiyonaga, Community Reporter 

Out of the red dirt, a veritable eden has sprung up at the Homelani Cemetery. Molokai resident Richard Cabanting has been working this soil, transforming it. His work is a testament to a son’s love for his mother.

In his military fatigues, wide brim hat and long beard, Cabanting has the look of a man on a mission. This mission started five years ago, the night he returned home to Molokai. 

That night while sleeping, Cabanting said he had the extraordinary sensation of being held, embraced by “two hugs.” It was an other-worldly message that he couldn’t ignore. …

Arce Sworn In as First County Ag Director

Wednesday, October 19th, 2022

Arce Sworn In as First County Ag Director

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Molokai’s Rogerene “Kali” Arce took the oath of office two weeks ago as the first director of Maui County’s new Department of Agriculture. A Molokai resident and Hawaiian homesteader, Arce has more than three decades of experience in Hawaii’s agriculture industry. 

“Under Kali Arce’s leadership, we are making progress toward re-establishing agriculture as a key segment of our economy,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “With support from our new Department of Agriculture, farmers are helping to provide our residents with fresh produce and higher-paying jobs, apart from the hospitality industry.”

Arce assumed her new position in July.…

Bayer Employees Donate Food Statewide

Wednesday, October 19th, 2022

Bayer Hawaii News Release 

Two weeks ago, Bayer Hawaii employees from the company’s Oahu farms presented 846 pounds of donated food collected by employees from Kunia, Haleiwa and Upper Kunia to the Hawai’i Food Bank in Oahu. Bayer employees donated more than 1,891 pounds of food in total across Oahu, Maui and Molokai. Molokai’s donation totaled 515 pounds.  

The food was collected by Bayer Hawaii employees as part of a larger statewide initiative held in September. Bayer works every day toward its vision of Health for All, Hunger for None. That’s why employees on Oahu, Maui and Molokai partnered with local foodbanks for Hunger Action Month to collect non-perishable food items to support members of the community who are experiencing food insecurity.…