Community

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

January Is Now Kalaupapa Month

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

January Is Now Kalaupapa Month

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Last Wednesday, Gov. Ige signed into law a bill that designates January as Kalaupapa Month in Hawaii. It will “serve as an annual reminder of the importance of Kalaupapa and the significant sacrifices and contributions of its residents throughout the history of Hawaii,” the bill reads.

Kalaupapa resident John Arruda, who was sent to the peninsula in 1945 and is now 97 years old, stood next to Gov. Ige as he signed the bill. Ige presented Arruda with the pen he used.

“Freedom was taken away from us and it means a lot that the State — the Legislature and the Governor — want to honor our people in this way,” said Arruda.…

Interisland Travel Now Unrestricted

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

For the first time in months, there are no Safe Travels screeners greeting arrivals to the Molokai Airport. Travelers may come and go interisland freely without going through a litany of testing, quarantine procedures, forms, QR codes and other protocols, as of June 15. Airport car rides offer convenience, comfort, and a stress-free way to travel to and from the airport, ensuring a smooth and timely trip. The ending of regulations for travel within Hawaii marks one of several to the Emergency Revised Rules the governor made last week.

Individuals who have been fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii are also no longer required to do a pre-travel test when traveling from the U.S.…

Indigo Dye Class

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

Indigo Dye Class

MAC News Release

On Saturday, June 5, an indigo dye class hosted by the Molokai Arts Center (MAC) was held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at an off-site venue at the Holomua Junction. The class was an introductory class and no previous experience was required of the participants.

Indigo is a natural and ancient dye, known for its deep and rich blue color. It was used by many civilizations such as in Mayan, Egyptian, Japanese and Indian cultures. Natural indigo is obtained from a variety of plants, the most widely used one being indigofera tinctoria. But, did you know that we actually have an indigo plant species called Indigofera suffruticosa that grows in the wild here all over the island?…

International Student Seeks Host Family

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

Johnson Harris, a 16-year-old from Liberia, is coming to Molokai as part of an International Student Exchange program. The International Hospitality Center (IHC) in Honolulu is looking for a host family willing to house this student for the coming school year. Given his background and interests, the IHC believes Johnson would adjust well to life on Molokai and make a contribution to the community.

In his home, Johnson lives with his parents, two brothers and two sisters. His daily home responsibilities include cooking, washing, and gathering fresh water for the family. His dream is to study agriculture.

He is part of the debate team at his high school, and enjoys playing soccer.…

Raguindin Awarded $3K Scholarship

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

Takitani Foundation News Release

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. (Takitani Foundation) has awarded 10 high school seniors from Maui, Molokai and Lanai scholarship awards in its annual Legacy Scholarship Program. Baldwin High School senior Donna Kim was selected as Maui District’s Finalist, winning a $5,000 scholarship.

There were 61 recipients, one from each qualifying public and independent school in the state, who received scholarships based on academic achievement, community service and financial need. In total, the Foundation awarded $225,000 to students throughout the state in its Legacy Scholarship Program this year.

From Molokai High School, senior Reese Raguindin, daughter of Panciano and Erin Raguindin, received a $3,000 scholarship and will attend Pacific University in Oregon this fall.…

Richard “Bing” Chock

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

Richard “Bing” Chock

Richard “Bing” Chock, 95 years young, a Honolulu and Molokai resident, passed on May 27, 2021 in Honolulu. He was an Army Air Corps veteran and retired in 1980 from Pearl Harbor Shop 31. He was also a pioneer scuba diver, a deer and boar hunter, a woodworker and gardener.
He is survived by his wife, one son, three stepsons, a devoted niece, and brother, Lester (Barbara). Many relatives and old friends are awaiting him to his new home. Aloha Oe.
A celebration of his life with friends and family will occur in September on Molokai.…

Ralph T. Kanemitsu

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

Ralph T. Kanemitsu

Ralph T. Kanemitsu was born Aug. 28, 1938 and died June 25, 2020. Services will be held on June 25, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Veterans Cemetery in Ho’olehua. Drive-thru lunch to follow at the Molokai Seventh Day Adventist Church.…

Molokai College Financial Assistance

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

UHMCM News Release

Interested in attending college in the fall? Contact UH Maui College Molokai EOC program advisor Nahiwa Naki at mkkeoc@hawaii.edu or call 553-4490 opt. 2 for application and FAFSA assistance. You may even qualify for the Manaiakalani Scholarship, intended for first time (or minimal college experience) students who will attend UH Maui College next semester. For more information, visit manaiakalani.weebly.com.…

Hunting Licenses, Stamps for New Season

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

DLNR News Release

A new hunting season opens from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Effective June 15, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will begin issuing hunting licenses and stamps for this new season.

DOFAW offices have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hunters can purchase licenses and stamps online by credit card. Individuals without internet access or needing other purchasing options can contact island-specific DOFAW offices by phone. A valid license is required for hunting on public and private lands.

For additional information please call your local DOFAW office on Molokai at (808) 553-1745, or the statewide DOFAW administration office in Honolulu can be reached at (808) 587-0166.…

Golf Wins

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

Golf Wins

By Rick Schonely | Sports Reporter

Last Friday’s Summer Classic at iconic Ironwood Hills Golf Course produced two winners. Lee DeRouin (low gross) and Kaleo Len Wai (low net) took home the trophies! A great time was had by all and the tournament was dedicated to Maurice Sonny “Bully” Lindsey and his ‘ohana.

Earlier in the week, recently retired MPD dispatcher Henrietta Helm was named the June Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Etta shot 40-44 for a gross score of 84 and with her 18 handicap her net 66 secured the win.…