Community

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

MAC Hosts Filmmaker

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

MAC Hosts Filmmaker

Last week, the Molokai Arts Center (MAC) held a private screening for a new short film set in Rapa Nui. Created by Sofia Rodrigues, the film “Marahoro” tells the story of a conflict between father and son, tradition and modernity.

Told through the simple beauty of old surfboards, laconic fishermen, Marlboro Reds and clock radios, the film connected with the substantial crowd gathered at the MAC on July 27.

“I thought it was beautifully done,” said audience member and longtime professional photographer Dewitt Jones.

Rodrigues used amateur actors from Rapa Nui, and a combination of Spanish and Rapa Nui to tell the story.…

La Ho’i Ho’i Ea, ‘Sovereignty Restoration Day’

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

La Ho’i Ho’i Ea, ‘Sovereignty Restoration Day’

Molokai celebrated La Ho’i Ho’i Ea, or Sovereignty Restoration Day, on July 31 at the Molokai Public Library. A mini ho’olaule’a took place across the library lawn with booths and activities provided for keiki and their families. Native Hawaiian organizations Aina Momona and Ho’aka Mana brought activities like ‘ulu maika and konane for kids to check out, along with information on upcoming programs, Hawaiian language classes, books from Kamehameha Publishing and more.

Sovereignty Restoration Day honors the re-establishment of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Kamehameha III, following an illegal overthrow by a British officer in the 1843 Paulet Affair.

This year’s celebration attracted almost 100 Molokai residents.…

Inaugural Dr. Aluli Scholarship at JABSOM

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Inaugural Dr. Aluli Scholarship at JABSOM

As the newest class of aspiring doctors kick off the beginning of medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii, one student in particular will carry with him the legacy of Molokai’s Dr. Emmet Aluli. Jordan Vedelli is the inaugural recipient of the full tuition scholarship in honor of Aluli.

Vedelli grew up in Waimea on Hawaii Island, before boarding at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and then heading to Stanford for undergrad. Now, he’s poised to study his community’s health needs, and contribute to the future of medicine in Hawaii.

“Dr. Aluli was a graduate of our medical school’s very first class,” explained Matthew Campbell, director of communications at JABSOM.…

Ferry Talks Amid Flight Shortage

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Ferry Talks Amid Flight Shortage

The lack of reliable transportation to and from Molokai over the last several years has driven residents and Maui County officials to restart talks of bringing back the Molokai ferry. County officials and consultants made the trip over to Molokai for a preliminary feasibility study on the prospect of bringing back the ferry, with Maui County running it.

The ferry would operate “similar to how we have a bus system,” explained County Councilmember Keani Rawlins Fernandez at the Aug. 1 meeting at the Kualapu’u Rec Center.

Molokai residents offered opinions on the viability of bringing the ferry back, along with ideas for which wharf to run the ferry to on Maui and infrastructure upgrades.…

History Project Receives Bayer Grant

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

The Molokai History Project, located in Kaunakakai, Molokai, received a $9,600 grant from the Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. This grant will be used to focus on education and encouraging students to learn the challenges and rewards of agriculture on Molokai, both in individual farming and large corporate farming. The mutual goals of Bayer Fund and the Molokai History Project are to see the communities we serve flourish. We will now work together in helping to educate, excite and encourage students to join in our effort to explore the history of agriculture from the earliest days so they can find their own pathway to success whatever they should decide.…

Kupu ‘Aina Corps Calls for Molokai Participants

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

Kupu News Release

Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and youth education organization, today announced that applications are now open for the 2024-25 Kupu ʻAina Corps (KAC) program, which is actively seeking host sites and participants for paid opportunities in sustainability-focused sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu.

KAC participants gain up to a year of paid experience in a sustainability-focused profession, while KAC host sites get the chance to train and grow future leaders for their organization. For participants, the fall Cohort 1 will start on Oct. 7, Cohort 2 will start on Nov.…

Schedule Change for Property Tax Payment Window

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

Maui County News Release

The Molokai Real Property Assessment office at Mitchell Pauole Center will be accepting property tax payments on Mondays and Tuesdays only through Tuesday, Aug. 20.

For property tax payments and circuit breaker questions, call 1 (800) 272-0117 and ask for Real Property Treasury or call direct at (808) 270-7697. Tax payments also can be mailed to County of Maui, Department of Finance, Treasury Division, 110 ‘Ala‘ihi St., Suite 108, Kahului 96732.

For other property questions, call 1 (800) 272-0117 and ask for Real Property Assessment or call direct at (808) 270-7297. Visit our website at mauicounty.gov/rpt or email rpa@co.maui.hi.us…

Upcoming Art Bar

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

Upcoming Art Bar


MAC News Release

Join the Molokai Arts Center (MAC) and Molokai artist Perry Buchalter for the next Art Bar at Hiro’s ‘Ohana Grill – “Painting Beneath the Sea.”

Buchalter, who is loved for his creativity and his entertaining teaching style, will be directing you through this painting exercise.

“There is much documentation on how colors begin to disappear the farther they move away underwater. First the vibrant reds and oranges, then yellows, browns, followed by greens, blues, and violets. Come and take a journey as we explore how to paint a simple underwater scene, or more advanced based on your skill level.…

Grace Hagemann Scholarship Recipients

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

Grace Hagemann Scholarship Recipients

Two Molokai college students have been awarded the Grace Hagemann Scholarship by Na Pu’uwai Native Hawaiian Health Care System for their interest in community and Native Hawaiian healthcare.

The scholarship is in honor of Grace Haaheo Kaawakano Hagemann, who was born in Pukoo, Molokai in December, 1894 and died on January 16, 1969, at age 74.

Hagemann had four daughters, Anna, Leonie, Katherine, and Anita. After a troubled marriage and the death of her husband in 1928, she became the sole supporter of her family, according to a bio on the Na Pu’uwai page for the scholarship. She was a cleaning lady for a doctor at a clinic at Pukoo, near Kilohana School, and grew most of her family’s food in her home garden.…

Get Ready to Vote

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

Get Ready to Vote

Are you a registered voter who’s already received your ballot in the mail? Are you a Molokai resident who’s never voted before? Either way, it’s time to vote! Now is the time to participate in this important part of community-building and voice your preference for candidates who align with your values and vision for the future. Along with candidates statewide, six Molokai residents appear on the ballot running for key seats in this election.
Overview: The primary election is held to nominate candidates who will represent each political party in November’s general election.
What: 2024 Primary Election
When: If you are already a registered voter, you already received your ballot in the mail and can mail it back now.…