Community

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

Librarian Award Brings YA Author to Molokai

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

Community Contributed

By Ric Ornellas 

Molokai High School (MHS) students who’ve read The Honeys by young adult (YA) author Ryan La Sala are thrilled the author is coming to MHS on Aug. 31. Diane Mokuau, MHS Librarian, received the 2021 School Librarian of the Year annual award presented by School Library Journal (SLJ) and sponsored by Scholastic. The pandemic interrupted Mrs. Mokuau’s preferred author’s visit until now. Scholastic’s Credo and Educational Platform inspires students to cultivate their minds to the utmost capacity, become familiar with our cultural heritage, and to strive for excellence in creative expression. Scholastic is a decade’s long book fair supplier to MHS and other Molokai schools.…

Reflections from the Incoming Editor

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

Reflections from the Incoming Editor

It’s been a year to remember. If you’d asked me a year ago where I would be, I’d have hoped for an opportunity like this, but never expected it. Life comes at you fast. 

In sincere gratitude, my experience so far has only been made possible by the outrageous generosity of the Molokai community. From miso soup at the Guzeiji Soto Mission, to corned beef hash at the Kikukawas, from Wednesday night soccer to Thursdays at the softball fields, my life here has revolved around borrowed cars, rented rooms, and true friends as I slowly got my feet under me. 

I want to say thank you to Catherine Cluett Pactol.…

Growing Old Consciously

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

To be aware of my own aging process is quite an interesting experience. It happens to everyone, whether we want it to or not. At first glimpse, I tried to ignore it. Then I tried to fight it, but that’s like fighting against gravity mid-fall. 

I’ve learned to see my play of emotions in a different way. I’m on a natural honorable journey here on Molokai. The ego tells me to do the things I used to do as a young person. But I can’t, at least those things have become less satisfactory. So why take that route? Why keep myself in the mind frame of “I can’t?”…

Molokai Community Assists in Maui Fire Aid

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Molokai Community Assists in Maui Fire Aid

By Catherine Cluett Pactol, Reporter

Last Tuesday, Aug. 8, fires broke out on Maui that officials now say are the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century. As of Sunday, deaths had reached nearly 100 and rising, with more than 1000 people still unaccounted for. The entire town of Lahaina was destroyed in a fast-burning fire that left residents running for their lives and jumping into the ocean in attempts to escape the blaze. 

With government assistance lacking and official aid slow to arrive to those hit hardest, the Maui community galvanized to organize food, water, clothing and essential supplies to those who fled with only the clothes on their backs. …

Combating Substance Abuse on Molokai

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Combating Substance Abuse on Molokai

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

“We’re all addicted,” said Carla Ritte-Hanchett, whether it be sugar, our phones, or substances. 

“I used to be known as the Kamoi Queen,” she joked. 

Now Ritte-Hanchett is working with other Molokai residents to educate the community on making healthy lifestyle decisions. Whether those decisions center around food or opioids, for Ritte-Hanchett it all starts with finding a natural path towards wellness. Learn more about Alex Shohet and Red Door Life on this page, where they offer insights and strategies to support individuals and communities in substance abuse prevention and recovery efforts. You may get more info about Red Door Life here.…

Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

Just before noon last Monday, one of the homes at the teachers’ cottages in Kaunakakai erupted in fire. By the time that fire crews were able to put it out, the single-dwelling residence was destroyed and two neighboring homes were also damaged. The teachers living in the homes were not there at the time of the fire. 

Sara Jane Larkin, a teacher at Kilohana Elementary School and the occupant of the house that was fully destroyed by the fire, shared on Facebook that she and her dog were safe. 

“Lola and I are okay,” wrote Larkin. “No clue how it happened but it did.”  …

MHS Fall Sports Outlook

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

The school year has begun and sports are back at Molokai High School, with football and volleyball already practicing at full speed this summer. This year will be filled with excitement, as fall sports will be offering sideline cheer, eight-man football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, and boys and girls air riflery this season. 

Kaimana Kahale, a coach from the football team, said he is looking forward to an exciting season even though they have graduated many seniors.

“Though we have lost 18 senior players, we are still thrilled about this team which has brought out new additional athletes,” he said. …

August Ace Winner

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

August Ace Winner

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely

Dr. Dana Takashima, retired dentist and Molokai professional golfer, is the August Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Takashima, the better half of the Susumo Brothers, with Jeff Egusa, shot 42-38 for a gross score of 80. With his 13 handicap, his net 67 secured his victory. Takashima now qualifies for the Ace of Aces Club Championship in December. 

The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai. …

Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Father Pat Killilea, St Francis Church, Kalaupapa

It was Saturday morning and I was enjoying my extra hour of rest since Saturday Mass is celebrated at 7 a.m. rather than at the usual weekday hour of 6 a.m. Suddenly, I was awakened by a couple of really loud and enthusiastic “meows” and when this did not receive the intended response from me, Titus The Tiger, the number two of my seven cats, launched his plump body onto my bed. Titus had never done this previously, even though I often permit him and Bailey, my number one cat, to stay in the house overnight.…

Mental Health Resources

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Anisa Wiseman 

Molokai, a close-knit community nestled amidst natural beauty, faces its share of mental health challenges. Many residents may be unaware of the valuable resource available to them: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Hawaii). As an organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions, NAMI Hawaii offers a range of online programs tailored to meet the unique needs of Molokai residents. 

NAMI Hawaii offers online programs designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to navigate the challenges associated with mental health conditions.…