Community

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

College Admissions and Voter Open House

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

UHMCM News Release

The UH Maui College Molokai Education Center invites you to participate in our Admissions and Voter Registration Open House on Thursday, July 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. The event aims to share the variety of educational opportunities we are offering this fall and to encourage civic engagement by learning about the candidates running for office. All candidates for Maui Mayor, State Senate District 7, State House District 13 and County Council (Molokai) are being invited to attend. We will be offering fall admissions and voter registration assistance as well. We hope to see you there!…

Book Sale Fun

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

Community Contributed

By Christine Kage

On Thursday, July 7, the Friends of Molokai Public Library held a used book sale fundraiser under the carport behind the library. Special guest Mr. Kneel put on a super fun “hip hop for families” presentation as part of a Maui County library tour sponsored by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. 

Participants of Summer PALS, along with their leaders, and book shoppers of all ages, enjoyed the music and energetic reading and comedy of Mr. Kneel. 

Plenty of smiling keiki went home with stuffed animals, books and painted arms. Mahalo to Molokai’s wonderful caring library staff, PALS program, arm painters, Mr.…

Happy First Birthday

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

Happy First Birthday

Here’s a birthday shout out to one year old Oiwimainaainaaloha, son of Kaoli and Keani Kahokuloa of Molokai and Ewa Beach respectively and baby brother to sister Hilina’i. 

Honoring him in the ancient Hawaiian cultural way of living through the first year, a birthday luau crowned the affair held on Saturday, July 2 at the Robins Homestead in Kamiloloa. Oiwi is also the grandson of Elea and Pulani Kahokuloa of Molokai and Danny and Manu Rivera of Oahu, respectively. Honored also to be his great grandparents are Molokai’s own Cookie Robins-Kaopuiki and the late “Bla” David Robins.

The birthday luau was a true reflection of Hawaiian tradition, filled with love, family, and joy as they marked this special milestone in his life.…

Paddles Up for Molokai Holokai

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

Paddles Up for Molokai Holokai

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Last Friday, nearly 50 paddlers crossed the channel from Maui to Molokai on stand up paddle boards, one- and two-man outrigger canoes, surfskis and wing foils in the annual two-day Molokai Holokai race. 

“This year’s Molokai was perhaps one of the dreamiest downwind runs of the season according to the 43 paddlers that took to the Pailolo Channel from DT Fleming Beach Park to Kaunakakai,” said Clare Seeger Albino, who organized the race along with her husband, Gordon Albino, and other volunteers. 

Zane Keokoa Schweitzer remained the event’s reigning champion, crossing in a time of 1:33.…

Molokai Homesteader Appointed New Ag Director

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

Molokai Homesteader Appointed New Ag Director

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Molokai’s Kali Arce is the mayor’s appointee for the new Maui County Department of Agriculture. Arce, a Hawaiian homesteader who has been working in a variety of agriculture and conservation positions for over 30 years, will lead the department, pending confirmation by the Maui County Council. 

“I have more than three decades of experience in crop production systems, agricultural and biological education, agroforestry, land conservation and ecosystem restoration,” said Arce. “This will help me with the direction of Mayor Victorino to work with many people with various backgrounds to advocate for farmers and ranchers and serve as their voice. …

COVID on Molokai

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

COVID on Molokai

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Last week Molokai had eight new COVID cases officially reported between June 29 and July 6. The previous week, between June 22 and June 29, there were 10 positive cases, according to the Dept. of Health. There have been 1,150 cases on Molokai reported since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Because of home COVID tests which are not reported to the DOH, officials recommend multiplying the reported number of cases by as many as six or seven for a more accurate count of actual cases. 

Statewide last week, there were 4,381 cases reported, with a daily average of 651.…

Watercolor in Halawa

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

Watercolor in Halawa

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center returns to Halawa Valley for an afternoon of watercolors and fresh smoothies inspired by Molokai’s natural bounty. Come learn Landscape/Floral Watercolor Painting. This class will be offered every third Sunday of the month and the next class will be on Sunday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Local artist Kalani Pruet, who prefers on-location nature observation and color mixing, will teach a three-hour class right in his backyard. The class includes a smoothie and a painting demonstration. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to taste fresh chocolates made from the cacao trees on his farm. Kalani will share fundamental watercolor techniques such as landscape sketching, silhouette and outline drawing, watercolor tiling and blending or layering methods.…

Energy Rebates

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

Hawaii Energy News Release 

 Hawaii Energy, the state’s Public Benefits Fund administrator that focuses on energy-efficiency education and clean-energy initiatives, has launched new rebates for residents looking to lower their energy bills by investing in energy-efficient equipment and installations. Almost all of the rebates have been increased from the previous year, in an effort to keep up with the rising costs of goods. The rebates are available from now until June 30, 2023, or while funds are available.

“We’re announcing our new rebates at a pivotal time when so many in our community are actively looking for new ways to lower their electricity bills as they experience the impacts of increasing fuel and energy costs,” said Caroline Carl, executive director at Hawaii Energy.…

OHA Molokai Meetings

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

OHA News Release 

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will be convening their Board of Trustees Meeting at Lanikeha Community Center in Ho`olehua. Community meeting on Monday, July 18 will have light dinner served at 5 p.m. then the meeting starts at 6 p.m. Then on Tuesday, July 19 the Board will convene again at 10 a.m. OHA Beneficiaries encouraged to attend. Contact Pohai Ryan with questions, 808-594-1898 or pohair@oha.org.…

Elect Mahina Poepoe for State Rep

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

If I was asked to identify one reason to elect Mahina Poepoe as our State House District 13 representative, I would be hard pressed to choose between “Dedicated hands-on community worker,” “Tireless citizen activist,” “Unassuming leadership qualities,”  and “She gets the work done.”

Whether it be pursuing climate resiliency, providing access to healthcare, establishing a zero cap on short term vacation rentals, eliminating the influence of money in politics, fighting for a living wage, stewarding fishponds, implementing invasive species outreach, coordinating the Halawa Hawksbill Turtle Project, being a water protector, working as a Legislative Analyst for the Maui County Council, living for Native Hawaiian rights, her work is always in service to improving our quality of life and the health of the environment.…