Community

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

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.…

Mobile Clinic Offers Accessible Medical Services

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Mobile Clinic Offers Accessible Medical Services

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

A new, mobile clinic, launched by the Molokai Community Health Center, will help increase access to telehealth services for Molokai residents with no internet, lack of mobility or other access challenges.  The Mana Mobile Medical Clinic has an exam room, a restroom, vaccine refrigeration, a blood draw station and other medical integration. The clinic also has the technology and equipment to connect patients virtually through video appointments to off-island specialists – something MCHC CEO Helen Kekalia Wescoatt said became especially important during the pandemic.  “At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare providers across the nation quickly adopted or expanded telehealth into the primary care setting, many for the first time ever,” she explained, via email. …

New Plane is Almost Here

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

New Plane is Almost Here

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

A larger plane is on its way to expand Mokulele’s fleet for Molokai passengers. The first of two twin turboprop aircraft, the 30-seat Saab 340, arrived in Hawaii last week. The new plane, being flown under Mokulele’s parent company, Southern Airways, may be making its first landings on Molokai as soon as next week, Richard Schuman, Mokulele’s executive vice president, shared on social media. But that will be during a training phase — tickets are expected to be available starting at the end of the month. 

The plane, brought on board by the company specifically to serve Molokai, will more easily accommodate wheelchair-bound residents and passengers of size.…

Football Camp Scores Goals

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Football Camp Scores Goals

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

About 200 youth ages 8 to 17 participated in a two-day football skills camp on Molokai last Monday and Tuesday. The opportunity was brought to the island by the Akana ‘ohana from Molokai, who now owns Washington State-based company Akana Athletics. They brought a lineup of top coaches and athletes, allowing Molokai youth an opportunity to brush elbows with some big names in football and grow some big skills right from their home field.

“Over the two days, camp coaches provided lots of skills and drills for all positions on offense and defense,” said Molokai High School Head Football Coach Mike Kahale.…

$1.5M Available for Feral Animal Impacts

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Maui County News Release 

Lokahi Pacific is accepting grant applications from Maui County farmers and ranchers for a $1.5 million assistance program to help with crop damage and other impacts from axis deer and other feral animals.

“I encourage our farmers and ranchers to apply for these grants as soon as possible to help them with damage caused by foraging axis deer and other feral animals,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “Maui County is funding this grant program as a good beginning, but solving this problem requires a committed collaboration among the county, state, large landowners and other partners if we are to get this invasive species under control.”…

Schonely Retires as Sports Reporter

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Schonely Retires as Sports Reporter

The Molokai Dispatch News Release

After seven years of providing sports coverage in The Molokai Dispatch, Rick Schonely said he will be stepping back from the role of sports reporter.

In 2015, following his retirement from the Maui Fire Dept., Schonely began contributing to The Molokai Dispatch’s sports coverage, whether taking photos, writing stories, sharing his “Sports Reports” on Facebook, sending scores or keeping in touch with alumni athletes. We appreciate his dedication to Molokai’s student athletes and making sure their accomplishments are celebrated in the paper.

Schonely said he’ll be taking more time to play golf and spend with his ‘ohana but will still stay close to sports at Molokai High. …

Water Quality Report Available Online

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Maui County News Release 

The Maui County Department of Water Supply announces the 2022 publication of the 2022 Water Quality Report for results of testing compiled from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021. This year marks the 24th year of providing this information to customers.

The annual report provides information about water quality and how the Maui County’s water compares with established federal and state drinking water standards. The department encourages customers to review the report. It provides details about the source and quality of the drinking water in 2021.

In an effort to be more environmentally responsible and cut down on costs, the department no longer prints these reports.…