Community

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

Kalaupapa Resident Celebrates 100

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Kalaupapa Resident Celebrates 100

By Kalaupapa Volunteers

On April 12, John Arruda, a patient and resident of Kalaupapa for over 75 years, celebrated his 100th birthday.

Arruda’s remarkable journey began in 1945 when he was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease and sent to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. At the time, the prevailing belief was that Kalaupapa was a place to die. However, Arruda maintained a resilient spirit. Over the years, he defied expectations, finding love, happiness, and success in Kalaupapa. He worked on the Suez Canal, witnessed Father Damien’s canonization, and fought to regain custody of his daughter.

“The State of Hawaii has provided me with everything, and that’s why I have this beautiful Kalaupapa, which has kept me going all these years and where I call home,” said Arruda.…

Atherton Foundation Supports Hokulani CTOM’s Vision

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Hokulani CTOM News Release

The Atherton Foundation has awarded a generous grant to Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM), furthering its commitment to enriching the lives of children through the arts. With a grant totaling $16,150, the Atherton Foundation is empowering CTOM to expand its programming and provide invaluable opportunities for young performers across Hawaii.

The Atherton Foundation has been a cornerstone of philanthropy and community enrichment in Hawaii for years. With a rich history rooted in a commitment to social responsibility and cultural preservation, the foundation has consistently championed initiatives that uplift and empower communities across the islands. Guided by its mission to promote education, arts, and culture, the Atherton Foundation has supported a diverse range of programs and organizations, striving to foster a more vibrant and inclusive society for all residents of Hawaii.…

Baseball Clinches Regular Season Crown

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Baseball Clinches Regular Season Crown

Farmers baseball secured the regular season championship and the number one seed for the Maui Interscholastic League Division II tournament with wins at Seabury Hall this past weekend. Friday’s victory came in a 10-0 shutout. David Lima-English shined as the starting pitcher, tossing seven strikeouts in the win. The Farmers’ offense was bolstered by strong hitting from the likes of Kian Toledo, who ripped a two-run triple, and Kobra Cariaga-Abafo.

Saturday’s game was much closer, but the Farmers still came away with the win in a narrow 3-2 victory. Despite being out-hit, the Farmers held on to their perfect record. Pitcher Kobra Cariaga-Abafo threw four shut-out innings and came away with the pitching win.…

Dredging Begins at Kaunakakai Harbor

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Dredging Begins at Kaunakakai Harbor

After delays due to the Maui wildfires in August, dredging at Kaunakakai Harbor is set to begin the week of April 15. The multi-million-dollar U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project will ensure that commerce can continue to reach Molokai through the harbor.

Last dredged 50 years ago, over 30,000 cubic yards of sediment have accumulated in the harbor basin, resulting in spots as shallow as nine feet. Constructed in 1934, the Kaunakakai Harbor was originally 23 feet deep. The Army Corps of Engineers described this project as “maintenance” dredging, aimed at restoring the original condition of the harbor, rather than “deepening” dredging.…

Lanai Is Getting Subsidized Air Service– What About Molokai?

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

For the first time, the community of Lanai will be getting subsidized flights through the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s EAS program was established in 1978 to ensure small or underserved communities maintain adequate transportation to larger hubs. The program offers subsidies, if needed, to air carriers on a per-flight basis.
Lanai and Molokai were determined as EAS airports in 1983 but in the program’s more than 40 years, no airline has requested a subsidy to either island – until now. Both airports have operated under the “basic” EAS program, in which the U.S. DOT holds no contracts with airlines as long as a required level of air service continues to be offered.…

Remembering the Best of Winter Waves

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Remembering the Best of Winter Waves

As the winter swells come to their inevitable season’s conclusion, Molokai surfers, bodyboarders and wave enthusiasts look back on memorable rides and wipeouts. Dan Emhof and Chisan Stone, pictured above, conquered some of the season’s best waves.
Emhof explained that he scored on an uncommon, perfect swell for Molokai in late February.
“It’s very rare that it gets that good, if ever,” said Emhof about his unforgettable wave. “Molokai’s not really a surf destination.”
A combination of geography and wind means that Molokai isn’t as consistent with waves as other Hawaiian Islands, he explained. However, that doesn’t stop the Molokai surfers from charging when the opportunity presents itself.…

Spring into Freshness: Nite Farmers Market

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Spring into Freshness: Nite Farmers Market

Sustʻainable Molokai Press Release

Join Sustʻainable Molokai for our monthly Nite Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 20 at the Molokai Community Health Center from 4 to 7 p.m.

Each month, we strive to bring new experiences, flavors, and connections to our Nite Farmers Market. We aspire to host these markets regularly and serve as a vital hub where farmers, artisans, and community members come together to exchange goods, stories, knowledge, and support. Join us in this journey of growth and abundance, as we sow the seeds for a brighter, more connected future.

We welcome vendors of all kinds to be part of this Nite Farmers Market.…

Education Scholarships Available

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

AlohaCare News Release
Scholarships of up to $5,000 per year are available for Molokai residents who are AlohaCare members pursuing higher education in a healthcare related field.
To help celebrate World Health Day on April 7, nonprofit healthcare plan AlohaCare pledged to donate $1 million this year through its Imua Loa giving program. The program supports community organizations and future healthcare workers to help improve the health and well-being of our community. AlohaCare welcomes applicants for 2024 funding. Submissions will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until June 3 for scholarships and through Oct. 31 for other funding requests until funds have been distributed.…

Molokai Business Shines at FoodEx in Tokyo

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Maui Food and Technology News Release

Molokai’s Hawaii Kai Corporation – Gourmet Sea Salts, was one of 40 Hawaii companies to showcase their products at the renowned 49th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FoodEx) 2024. The event, held from March 5-8, at the Tokyo Big Sight in the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, stands as Asia’s premier food and beverage trade show.

With an impressive attendance of approximately 76,000 qualified buyers, FoodEx featured over 3,000 booths from more than 70 countries, making it a global platform for culinary innovation and commerce.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism sponsored the Hawaii Pavilion at FoodEx, a popular stop for buyers at the show.…

Enjoy Our New Exhibits

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Enjoy Our New Exhibits

Molokai History Project News Release

It’s springtime! The possibilities are endless, and our enthusiasm grows with every beautiful day. Sometimes there is a spark over here and sometimes it’s a spark over there, but it always reminds us more and more folks are learning about us, enjoying what the history project has to offer, and stopping by to learn more about the wonderful and interesting folks who call Molokai home.

The Molokai History Project has now been open for six months, and in that time we have done a huge amount of research into subjects that we’ve exhibited in the museum. …