Community

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

CTOM Seeking Parent Input to Build Program

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Hokulani CTOM News Release

Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM) is thrilled to announce an array of exciting summer performing arts opportunities for the youth of our community. With grant funding at our disposal, we’re gearing up to offer enriching experiences that combine creativity, literacy education, and community building through the magic of performing arts.
Parent input and guidance is needed to make sure that CTOM’s performing arts program is meeting the children and teenagers needs in an exciting way. We are the new kid on the block and urgently need to know when and what your children are interested in learning and sacrificing for.…

Celebrate Ho’omau 2024

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

 

Pūnana Leo o Molokai News Release

E launa pū kākou! Hui Makua Pūnana Leo o Molokai Presents Ho’omau 2024 on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center. Booths and activities include local crafts and vendors, ‘ono food, keiki corner, demonstrations, lucky number, silent auction, and free entertainment. This event will benefit the keiki of Pūnana Leo o Molokai. E ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaii.…

State Budget Bill Includes Kalaupapa Positions

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Hawaii State Legislature News Release

On April 23, Senate and House conferees approved a final version of the State’s Supplemental Budget This measure includes operating, capital
improvement projects, and grants-in-aid monies for fiscal year 2024-25.
The bill includes an operating budget of $10,395,945,997 in general funds.
While a variety of budget lines will influence Molokai residents, for Molokai specifically, the Dept. of Health was designated $122,556 for two positions at Kalaupapa.
“The budget bill that we passed today balances the ongoing needs of Maui, while also preparing our state for future disasters and working to diversify our economy and workforce to keep our keiki in Hawaii,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.…

Mahiʻai Moa Seeks Aspiring Farmers

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Mahiʻai Moa Seeks Aspiring Farmers

Sustʻainable Molokai Press Release

Sustʻainable Molokai is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Mahiʻai Moa 2024 Session 2 cohort, marking the second year of this impactful initiative. Following the success of the inaugural year, where participants gained hands-on experience in broiler bird production, we are thrilled to offer another opportunity for aspiring farmers and ranchers.

With the aim of increasing local poultry production, boosting our island’s economy, and supporting the agricultural sector, the Mahiʻai Moa project is a five-month educational program specifically designed for beginning farmers and ranchers on Molokai. The project incorporates a unique blend of in-person and Zoom classes to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences.…

Proposal Would Change Ocean Monument to Sanctuary

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing a change for the already existing Papahanaumokuakea National Monument to a national marine sanctuary.

The two are created under different federal laws, and have differences in management. National marine sanctuaries are designated under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, while marine national monuments are established under the Antiquities Act, according to NOAA.

National marine sanctuaries are managed by NOAA through its Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and in some cases, in partnership with state governments and local communities.
Monuments are managed by multiple government agencies, which may include NOAA, the Department of the Interior, and other federal and state partners.…

Farmers Roll at MILs

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Farmers Roll at MILs

Famers Volleyball got the weekend started by claiming the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II title. Defeating Seabury Hall in a tournament held on Lanai, the boys volleyball team capped off an undefeated season and earned back-to-back MIL championships. The Hale Domingo coached crew will make the journey to Oahu to compete in the state tournament from May 9-11.

Likewise, Farmers Baseball finished a perfect season by securing the MIL Division II title. Defeating Seabury Hall in a 2-0 victory, the Farmers earned an astounding tenth straight MIL title. The Farmers held Seabury to seven scoreless innings, with both David Lima-English and Kobra Cariaga-Abafo throwing no-hitters in the win.…

Langer Ritte Named Branch Manager

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Langer Ritte Named Branch Manager

Since last August, the Molokai Public Library has been without a branch manager. The task of running the library has fallen on the shoulders of its capable, dedicated staff, and especially those of substitute librarian Mia Langer Ritte. As of April 16, Langer Ritte is now the full-time branch manager of the Molokai Public Library.

“For over six months [Langer Ritte] has juggled the many duties of running the library with grace, efficiency and good humor,” shared Friends of Molokai Public Library, a nonprofit that supports the Molokai library, in a press release.

“During this last winter, letters of support were sent to the Hawaii State Library System as well as a petition recommending she be hired,” explained the press release.…

Record Setting Keiki and Teen Fest

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Record Setting Keiki and Teen Fest

There was fun for youth of all ages last Saturday as Molokai celebrated Keiki and Teen Fest, put on by the Molokai Community Action Team. This year’s event featured a record number of booths and pre-registered participants.

The event is held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, explained Tylor Tanaka, one of the event organizers.

“Keiki Fest is a place where we can foster that connection with the families,” said Tanaka.

Tanaka explained that the Community Action Team uses games and booths to teach kids and parents about child abuse prevention resources, rather than just pass out a flyer.…

Wedding Announcement

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Wedding Announcement

Glenn and Rita Poller celebrated their wedding on April 14, at a residence on Seaside Pl.
“Glenn and I were married as one on this beautiful island of Molokai,” writes Rita.
“Our pastor at Heart of Aloha Church, Cameron Hiro, graciously performed the ceremony overlooking the ocean. Though the rain and wind came, we looked at it as God pouring blessings and favor upon our union. Our guests who attended as friends are now considered in their eyes and ours as ohana. From the first day we stepped upon Molokai, we could feel and sense how special Molokai was. We had found what we were looking for all our lives – people genuinely caring for one another regardless of circumstance.…

Lourdes Fujimoto

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Lourdes Fujimoto

Lourdes Fujimoto 91, of Kaunakakai, died in Honolulu on Wednesday,
Feb. 14. She was born in Ho’olehua, Molokai. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Kalaiakamanu Hou Congregational Church.

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