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Community

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

Crafting Lifeguards for Molokai’s Future

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

Crafting Lifeguards for Molokai’s Future

By Léo Azambuja

A keiki water-safety program spanning more than a quarter century has inspired countless children to become lifeguards and firefighters throughout the state of Hawaii. About 30 Molokai children completed the annual week-long Junior Lifeguard program at different locations on the island last week.

“It’s the parents and the kids that make the program. That’s the main point and why we do this: to teach these kids how to keep their community safe,” said Harold Teshima, Maui County Ocean Safety administrative lieutenant. 

Teshima, along with Maui County lifeguard Josh Edlao and Molokai Parks and Recreation lifeguards Kaleo Crivello and Kui Han, spent an entire week teaching the children ocean safety awareness and lifesaving skills, while preparing them for the Junior Lifeguard State Championships, which will be held at Ka‘anapali Beach on Maui Aug.…

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‘Farmers of Land and Sea,’ Molokai High School Class of 2025 Graduate

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

‘Farmers of Land and Sea,’ Molokai High School Class of 2025 Graduate

By Léo Azambuja
It was the last time Molokai High School’s Class of 2025 walked into The Barn as students. They are now Farmers for life.
“No matter where you are in life, even if you fall off the rails, put your trust in God and he will guide you. Class of 2025, I hope you take this advice with you in all your future endeavors. With that being said, congratulations, we made it,” Senior Class President Chloe Tancayo told her fellow seniors at the beginning of their graduation ceremony a couple weeks ago.
Family and friends of the school’s Class of 2025, themed Farmers of Land and Sea, packed the The Barn to celebrate 74 senior students graduating May 23.…

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Yolanda Hiilani Kealohapauole Uahinui

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Yolanda Hiilani Kealohapauole Uahinui

Yolanda Hiilani Kealohapauole Uahinui, 70, of Kalama‘ula, Molokai, died April 25, 2025 at Queens Hospital in Honolulu. Born May 16, 1954, she was a graduate of Molokai High and Intermediate School, class of 1972, and a graduate of Cannon’s Business College in Honolulu. She was a retired manager with Enterprise Holdings Alamo in Hoolehua, Molokai. Survived by: daughter Hamau (Joseph) Howe and hanai daughter Jessyli (Vandale Dudoit III) Domingo Kupau, brothers Abraham Kalei (Ellenbelle) Kaulia of Honolulu, Wilfred Kalani Pieper of Wisconsin, Kaihehau Uahinui of Washington, and Ekela (Cheryl) Uahinui of Molokai, sisters Rebecca Kolo of California, Ruth Domingo of Molokai, Frieda Uahinui of Las Vegas, and Kamakea Uahinui of Molokai, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.…

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Shaynah Haunani Colipano Delacruz 

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Shaynah Haunani Colipano Delacruz 

Shaynah Haunani Colipano Delacruz was born on July 5, 1971, at the Molokai General Hospital. She passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025 in the hospice at the Molokai General Hospital. Shaynah loved finding shells, drawing, baking and cooking. She leaves behind six children, seven grandchildren, her mother, Annette H. Colipano English (Clayton), and her father, Richard (Chocum) Dela Cruz (Jackie). Shaynah’s celebration of life will be held July 26 at Lanikeha in Ho‘olehua, Molokai at 9 a.m.…

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A Gathering to Celebrate Success

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

A Gathering to Celebrate Success

Community Contributed
By Dara Lukonen

Whistles and cheers from proud family members and friends rang out on Aka ‘ula School’s campus throughout the school award and promotion ceremony and high school commencement.
It was evident that students, staff, and families had formed strong bonds this year. This close-knit ‘ohana celebrated the awards ceremony where students were recognized for their academic achievement and growth, their citizenship, and their commitment to learning and community.
Following the awards ceremony, parents of eighth-grade students were called on stage to present a school kihei to their new high-school students. Donning the school kihei symbolizes the community leaders that students are anticipated to be.…

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HDOA Giving More than $500,000 for Specialty Crop Grant Programs

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

By HDOA News Release

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Market Development Branch (MDB), is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for Fiscal Year 2025. The funding for this year’s program totals $512,663 and seeks project proposals that increase the competitiveness of Hawai‘i’s specialty crops. Award amounts range from $20,000 to $50,000.
Under the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocated funding to each state based on the value of the specialty crops produced. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Much of Hawai‘i’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation.…

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Hunting Licenses, Stamps for Upcoming Season

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

By DLNR News Release

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will begin issuing hunting licenses and stamps for the new hunting season June 15. The date of issuance will be through June 30, 2026.
Hunters can purchase their licenses and stamps online using a credit card. The online purchasing portal is available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/.
Alternatively, hunters can visit any DOFAW branch offices or an authorized hunting license vendor. Hunters can obtain vendor information by contacting their local DOFAW office.
A valid state of Hawaiʻi hunting license is required for hunting on public and private lands.…

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MEMA Urges Residents, Visitors to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

By MEMA News Release

As hurricane season approaches, the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is urging all residents and visitors to take proactive steps now to ensure safety and resiliency. The Central Pacific hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
“Being prepared ahead of time is critical,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “By getting ready now, we strengthen our ability to care for our families, neighbors, and community. E hoʻomākaukau kākou a e mālama pono.”
The 2025 season is expected to bring near-normal tropical cyclone activity, with an estimated four-to-five tropical cyclones anticipated, according to the National Weather Service.…

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Ranch Camp Fire Comes Too Close for Comfort

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Ranch Camp Fire Comes Too Close for Comfort

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff
Residents in Ranch Camp had a close call with a brush fire on Saturday, May 24. Around 2:30 p.m., about three acres went up in flames, coming close to homes at the top of the residential area. As firefighters worked to control the blaze with air assistance from a helicopter making water drops, residents assisted with garden hoses to protect their yards.
No buildings were damaged and the fire was under control just after 3 p.m., and extinguished around 7 p.m. that evening. The Maui Fire Department says the cause of the fire is undetermined.…

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‘A Special Homecoming:’ Canoe Iosepa Visits Molokai

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

‘A Special Homecoming:’ Canoe Iosepa Visits Molokai

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Over the past week, Molokai hosted some special guests: a double hulled canoe named Iosepa and its crew. Arriving last week Wednesday after a 12-hour sail from Oahu, Iosepa was docked at Kaunakakai Wharf for about a week while community members were welcomed on board and its crew did outreach on the island.
The nine-ton vessel is made out of solid wood, lashed together with no nails or screws. Slightly smaller than voyaging canoe Hokule’a’s 64-foot length, Iosepa is 57 feet long and sailed by a crew of 16.
Crewmember Chris Muhlestein said because of the wa’a’s weight, Iosepa has two steering blades that are manned by several crewmembers on each blade during channel crossings.…

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