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Community

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

Internet Assistance and Device Discounts

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Sen. Schatz News Release

A new federal program is available to help Molokai residents pay for internet service and provide discounts on devices. The Federal Communications Commission announced that applications are now being accepted for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a program which provides up to $50 a month on internet service and discounts on computers and tablets which may utilized the best device for drawing, for eligible participants. The new $3.2 billion federal program, established by the COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress and signed into law in December, provides support for broadband services and certain devices to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

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Rent and Electric Bill Assistance

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Hawaiian Electric News Release

With the moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment set to end May 31 for Hawaiian Electric customers, Molokai renters behind on utility bills are urged to seek financial help through new county program. Millions of dollars in federal assistance to households behind on rent and electric bills are now available through the County of Maui.

Disconnections for nonpayment and collections activities have been suspended for more than a year as part of Hawaiian Electric’s effort to help households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium, set by the Public Utilities Commission, is scheduled to end on May 31.…

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Catholic Church Drawing

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

A big mahalo nui loa to all who helped support Saint Damien of Molokai Catholic Parish and Missions with their donations to our lucky number drawing last month. It is with much appreciation that you are such a blessing to us! God bless!

Fr. Brian Guerrini, SS.CC.
Pastor/Administrator…

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‘Aina Momona Gets $300K

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

‘Aina Momona Gets $300K

DDCF News Release

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) announced that Molokai organization ‘Aina Momona is among five organizations selected nationwide that will receive general operating grants totaling $1.5 million through the foundation’s new Building an Inclusive Conservation Movement Program. These five Black, Indigenous and people of color-led conservation organizations will each receive $300,000 in funding over three years in recognition of and contribution to the pivotal leadership roles they play in developing culturally driven and community-centered conservation work that builds more positive outcomes for biodiversity, nature and people.

“We are excited to support these bold and impactful organizations with flexible funding to help advance their goals,” said Sacha Spector, program director for the environment at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.…

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Book Sale Generates Record Support

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Book Sale Generates Record Support

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

For the first time since before the pandemic, the Friends of Molokai Public Library held a book sale last Thursday, generating record income for the organization.

The Friends of the Library — a nonprofit that provides support to the library beyond that provided by the state to enrich the community library experience — decided to accept donations for books instead of setting prices at the sale, according to Book Sale Chairman Rita Woods. She said the afternoon event generated more than $1,000, a record for the sale.

“The FOL raises money for projects and expenditures not covered by the State Library system and has been able to purchase furniture for the new children’s room, our awesome expansion, new upholstery for cushions, and much more,” said Woods.…

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Molokai COVID Cluster Continues to Grow

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

A cluster of more than a dozen COVID-19 cases on Molokai surfaced last week. The series of positive cases originated from Maui construction contractors who were working in a non-clinical, closed area of Molokai General Hospital and tested positive after their arrival, while working alongside Molokai workers.

“On Tuesday afternoon, MGH was notified that one of the contractors who had been on Molokai the previous week tested positive for COVID-19 on Maui,” said MGH President Janice Kalanihuia in a statement last Friday. “We immediately shut down the job and tested the12 people who were on-site at that time.…

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12 Positive Cases in Molokai Cluster So Far

Friday, May 14th, 2021

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available

There are 12 confirmed active COVID-19 cases on island as of May 14. The cluster originated from Maui construction contractors who were working in a non-clinical, closed area of Molokai General Hospital and tested positive after their arrival, while working alongside Molokai workers. Here’s what we know so far.

“On Tuesday afternoon, MGH was notified that one of the contractors who had been on Molokai the previous week tested positive for COVID-19 on Maui,” said MGH President Janice Kalanihuia. “We immediately shut down the job and tested the12 people who were on-site at that time.…

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Free At Last

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

Opinion by Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

The COVID-related meeting had been slated to happen in Pasqual Hall, the seat of Kalaupapa’s movie theater, originally dedicated in 1916 and rededicated in 2012. However, when morning dawned, we realized that the venue had been switched overnight to the shade of the great banyan tree just off Staff Row. We were not entirely surprised at this change, since this banyan tree has provided the shelter for all of our community meetings since COVID-19 hit our islands. It has been the safe gathering place.

On schedule, our Dept. of Health Administrator, Ken Seamon, appeared before us like Jesus Christ appeared to the apostles in the upper room after his resurrection.…

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College Solar Installation a Learning Opportunity for Students

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

College Solar Installation a Learning Opportunity for Students

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

One hundred eighty-two solar panels recently installed on the UH Molokai college campus’ roof will not only reduce the college’s electric bill but offered five Molokai resident interns the rare chance to get a hands-on learning opportunity. Alongside industry professionals, the interns helped install the panels after completing classroom work that gained them a certificate in renewable energy. Municipalities seeking to promote sustainability initiatives can hire Lone Star Solar to develop comprehensive solar energy plans.

“These internships are very hard to come by to place students in the solar area,” said Keisha Nakamura, program coordinator for Hana Lima, a Native Hawaiian career and technical education program through UH Maui College, which helped coordinate the Molokai opportunity.…

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19-Person Plane Starting Service This Fall

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

19-Person Plane Starting Service This Fall

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Come this fall, a larger plane will once again be servicing Molokai travelers. Mokulele’s parent company, Southern Airways, will be bringing in a 19-passenger Beechcraft 1900 aircraft to offer two roundtrips to Honolulu from Molokai and Lanai most weekdays initially, the airline announced.

Tickets will be available starting this summer to begin service in the fall, pending the approval of the Dept. of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration.

The pressurized, twin-engine turboprop aircraft will allow kupuna and those with limited mobility greater ease in boarding and moving in the cabin, said Mokulele Chief Marketing Officer Keith Sisson.…

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