Community

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

MHS Sports Update

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

MHS Sports Update

The Molokai High School Farmers were in action over on Maui this past weekend. After a bye week, the Lady Farmers girls volleyball team with Coach Mahealani Leialoha Rawlins took on Haleakala Waldorf. The 4-2 Farmers took a dominant three set win over Haleakala Waldorf on Friday, before repeating the performance with another three-set sweep on Saturday to improve to 6-2.

The Farmers football team continued their historic 11-man season with a game against Kamehameha Maui on Sept. 21. The Farmers ultimately lost to Kamehameha Maui by a score of 57-0, falling to 0-4 on the year. They will look to regroup as they take on King Kekaulike High School at home Saturday, Sept.…

Fiber Link Project Seeks Feedback

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Fiber Link Project Seeks Feedback

Hawaii’s internet will be receiving an upgrade in the coming years. The Hawaiian Island Fiber Link’s Connect Kakou program aims at increasing reliable internet access for Hawaii’s residents.

The project will be installed by Ocean Networks and focuses on the “middle mile” of internet service, which is the physical fiberoptic system needed to interface with the internet and is typically delivered via undersea cables. Hawaii currently has three such undersea cable systems, with the oldest being 34 years old. According to representatives from the Hawaiian Island Fiber Link project, these internet cables only have a lifespan of about 20 years.

“The state got nervous and started looking down the path,” said Cliff Miyake, chief strategy officer for Ocean Networks at a community meeting Sept.…

Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merge, Will Molokai Benefit?

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merge, Will Molokai Benefit?

Alaska Airlines completed the purchase of Hawaiian Airlines with a $1.9 billion deal on Sept. 18. The merger was proposed last December and approved by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation on Sept. 17 with certain stipulations including continued neighbor island flights and support for Essential Air Service (EAS). While the deal will affect many travel options in and out of Hawaii, it will not change the transportation reality for Molokai.

Incoming CEO of Hawaiian, Joe Sprague, explained in an interview with the Dispatch that he is “feeling the heavy responsibility associated with bringing these two companies together…and is hopeful about the future.”…

Fishpond Restoration with Ka Honua Momona

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Fishpond Restoration with Ka Honua Momona

Every third Saturday of the month is a community workday at Ka Honua Momona (KHM), a local nonprofit that caretakes the Ali’i fishpond on Molokai’s south shore. This past Saturday, volunteers slipped on their tabis and patrolled the perimeter of the fishpond wall, or kuapa, to repair spots where rocks have fallen.

Home to an entire ecosystem of fish, eels, rays, turtles and more in and around the ponds, the fishpond walls are built without cement, so the ocean tides and waves naturally displace them over time, explained Tiani Kawaauhau-Cook, now in her third year as executive director of KHM.

The community workdays attract all different kinds of volunteers, from local families to scientific researchers to visitors hoping to have an authentic experience.…

James Kamakea Han Jr.

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

James Kamakea Han Jr.

James Kamakea Han Jr. of Molokai died peacefully at home in Ho’olehua on Aug. 28, 2024, at 77 years of age.
He was born at home on June 29, 1947, in Ho’olehua to James Kamakea Poksu Han, Sr, and Tilden Kalamaku (Makaiwi) Han. He attended Molokai High School and then graduated from Kaimuki High School, where he played football. After graduating, he was drafted into the army, served in Vietnam, and is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

James was a marathon runner, canoe paddler, fisherman, taro farmer, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was married to Jean (Motas) Han.…

Punalau Pond Community Meeting

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Molokai Land Trust News Release

The Molokai Land Trust (MLT), along with Sust’ainable Molokai, will be hosting a community meeting on Sept. 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. to begin a community visioning process for restoration of Punalau Pond, a 45-acre wetland on the south shore of Molokai.
MLT is a member of the Molokai Wetland Partnership, which was formed in 2020 with the goal of creating an interconnected network of diverse and resilient wetlands that support thriving traditional community practices, native flora and fauna, and ecosystem services in the face of climate change and sea-level rise. With the support of the partnership, MLT was awarded funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Coastal Resilience Fund to begin the development of plans for the restoration and functionality of Punalau Pond, and one other wetland on Molokaiʻs south shore.…

Molokai Designer Featured at Hawaii Swim Show

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Molokai Designer Featured at Hawaii Swim Show

In her first year showcasing at the Hawaii Swim Show, Lesley Escobar’s Hoku ili Kinis from Molokai made a splash.

“[Escobar’s] prints were very unique,” said Kali’a Wasson, cofounder of Hawaii Swim Week. “She is very, very passionate about her representation of Hawaii and Molokai.”

Escobar showcased 15 different outfits at the runway event, which ran Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. Her collection drew inspiration from the colors, styles and images of May Day.

“This collection captures the essence of Hawaii’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes” explains a description of Escobar’s collection, “embodying the spirit of May Day…where fashion meets tradition.”…

Upcoming Out of Darkness Walk

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Upcoming Out of Darkness Walk

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention News Release

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. for the third annual Molokai Out of the Darkness Walk, at the Molokai Canoe Club. Our team of community volunteers, in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hawaii Chapter (AFSP) is organizing this suicide prevention and awareness event. Food and entertainment at the Veterans’ Center is to follow. Together, we can connect with the community to provide support, break the silence to talk about mental health, participate in purposeful activities, and offer other vital resources for our community.
September has been designated “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” in Hawaii.…

Hokule’a Headed For Molokai

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Hokule’a Headed For Molokai

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

After a week in Waiʻanae engaging with students and community, Hokuleʻa will depart Pokaʻi Bay and return to Sand Island. As the crew heads out of the bay, they will honor the late Twinkle Borge with an oli, pu and flower drop. The Hawaiian flag will be flown at half-staff along with a pink lei hulu on Hokuleʻa as the canoe sails along the Waiʻanae coast. The crew will also stop off-shore of Nanakuli to honor the community with pu and oli.

“Twinkle was the navigator who would find the smallest light in each person and help them find their way out of the darkness.…

Farmers Battle Baldwin

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Farmers Battle Baldwin

After more than 60 years, the Molokai High School (MHS) Farmers took the field in a home game for 11-man football. Under the mid-morning sky and supported by the MHS cheer team, parents and supporters, the Farmers competed against Baldwin High School in a much-anticipated home opener. Yielding 28 points in the first quarter, the Farmers never quite found their groove, finishing the game 63-0 in favor of Baldwin. Despite the loss, support continued to pour in for the Farmers. Having dominated the 8-man league since 2010, the Farmers have since stepped up to 11-man, competing against the best football schools in Maui County.…