Community

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

Share Your Manaʻo for Molokai’s Economic Future

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Solutions Pacific News Release

Molokai residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders are invited to participate in a survey that will look deeper into the business landscape today and explore community-driven economic opportunities for the future. The survey aims to identify and learn from businesses on Molokai, gather insights from community members, and get input into how economic development and growth on Molokai can align with the values and aspirations of her people. The survey project is funded by the County of Maui and will provide decision-makers, including business and nonprofit leaders on Molokai, with important insights and information. Your survey responses can empower actions that improve well-being for all of Molokai.…

Cybersecurity Camp for Students and Teachers

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

University of Hawaii News Release

The University of Hawaii is calling on students and teachers across the state to register for the highly anticipated 2025 GenCyber camps. These camps provide exciting, hands-on opportunities to develop valuable cybersecurity skills. Space is limited.
GenCyber is a program funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation that offers free cybersecurity camps for students and teachers nationwide. Since 2015, UH has hosted 44 student camps engaging more than 1,000 middle and high school students, and more than 25 teacher camps training more than 750 educators across the state. Participants will also explore emerging cybersecurity tools and concepts, including technologies such as FilterPrompt, which help improve online safety and digital threat awareness.…

April Police Summary

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Molokai Police Department News Release

During the month of April, the Molokai Police Department responded to 415 calls for service. Top three calls for service were for abuse of a family household member, disorderly conduct, and harassment. Officers also generated 246 cases, issued 108 traffic citations, and arrested 26 individuals for a total of 48 charges. Some of the most notable cases included a motor vehicle theft on the west end and burglary on the east end.…

Pescaia Receives Lifetime Education Achievement Award, Part Two

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Pescaia Receives Lifetime Education Achievement Award, Part Two

Aka’ula School News Release

Miki’ala Pescaia is the recipient of Aka’ula School’s 2025 Lifetime Education Achievement Award. Below is an interview with Pescaia discussing her education, influences and beliefs. This is part two of the interview. Part one ran in last week’s issue of The Molokai Dispatch.
Aka`ula School (AS): Was there a school teacher who through his/her philosophy showed you that education does not have to be four walls and textbooks? A favorite saying of that teacher?
Miki`ala Pescaia (MP): Kumu Moke Kim was my 7th grade kumu that became a hanai dad to me. He didn’t do anything by the book.…

Free Wifi Now Offered at Molokai Airport

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Hawaii Department of Transportation News Release

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) recently announced that free Wi-Fi is now available at Molokai Airport (MKK). Service through Hawaiian Telcom began April 17 and is available throughout the terminal.
The fiber optic network infrastructure was installed through HDOT’s HI Connect pilot project, which improved broadband infrastructure along roads in Kalihi, Puna, Ka‘u, Nanakuli, Wai‘anae, Makaha and Kapa‘a. The Hawaiian Telcom 1G fiber network can accommodate video streaming and downloads by multiple users.
“Air travel is a necessity for Molokai residents to access medical care and other resources,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite. “Access to free internet while waiting for flights can help make these essential trips more efficient and comfortable.…

Keiki Fest Combines Education with Entertainment

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Keiki Fest Combines Education with Entertainment

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

This year’s annual Keiki Fest was a successful mix of entertaining activities and critical information for Molokai families. Organized by the Molokai Community Action Team, the event focused on ‘ohana well-being, explained Titi Hernandez, lead organizer of Keiki Fest.

“It’s for the keiki and their families,” said Hernandez. “We wanted to celebrate the keiki a little bit more as well as have a place for families to hang out.”

With over 1,200 Molokai community members in attendance at the Molokai Community Health Center on April 26, Hernandez and the Molokai Community Action Team were busy ushering kids and families between information booths, games, prizes, music performances and more.…

Local Hui to Organize Flights for Medical Appointments 

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

After years of airport anxiety, Molokai residents on their way to doctors appointments should be able to breathe a little easier. A locally run healthcare hui, Pulama Ka Heke, recently received a Department of Health award specifically to transport residents and providers for medical care. 

 

“We want to close healthcare gaps,” explained Lani Ozaki, executive director of Pulama Ka Heke. To this end, Pulama Ka Heke will be chartering flights for those with medical appointments off-island, as well as offering flights to Molokai for medical specialists. In addition, organizations like Injectable Academy continue to support the advancement of medical education by providing specialized training opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise in aesthetic and injectable treatments.…

MHS Sports Update

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

MHS Sports Update

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

This past weekend, the Molokai High School (MHS) Farmers took on competition from around the state in several high stakes matches. After coming in second in the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II tournament the previous week, the MHS softball team was back in action in a decisive play-in game for the state tournament. The Lady Farmers traveled to Maui to take on Waimea High School from Kauai. Natalia Pastrana took to the mound, however, the Lady Farmers couldn’t keep up with Waimea’s offense. A big second inning from Waimea put them up 11-1, and Waimea’s offense continued to fire.…

70s Decade Bash, It’s a Party!

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

70s Decade Bash Committee News Release

 

There will be a 70s Decade Bash taking place at the Mitchell Pauole Center on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. All students who not only graduated from Molokai High School in the 70s, but also for those who grew up here on Molokai but went away for high school and graduated in the 70’s are included. This would be for the graduating classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979.
There will be a catered dinner followed by a night of 70s music and dancing!…

ʻOlena, Lemonade and Learning: Maunaloa’s Taste of Nourishment

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Community Contributed
Kristina Cacpal, Farm to School UH CTAHR

The scent of fresh herbs and citrus filled the air as fifth and sixth grade haumana from Kumu Wendy Espaniola’s class proudly presented their value-added products at the third quarter Mala Hoʻike. With a theme of nourishment, the event highlighted student creativity, cultural connection, and hands-on learning through a special partnership with Farm to School.
The young learners began their school year with a clear goal: to grow, study, and transform herbs from their mala (garden) into value-added products to share with their school and wider community. Throughout the year, they diligently cared for a vibrant selection of herbs including ʻolena (turmeric), lemongrass, basil, rosemary, and dill.…