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Community

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

Molokai’s First Community Solar Project Nears Completion

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai’s First Community Solar Project Nears Completion

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

An array of solar panels anchored into the stoney ground near Kawela Plantation represent Molokai’s first completed community solar project. While not online yet, Molokai residents can now sign up for community solar. 

Community based renewable energy (CBRE) is a program through Hawaiian Electric that allows residents the benefits of solar power without having to own solar panels, which is especially beneficial for renters or those who can’t install their own rooftop system. Normally, solar panels are installed by electricians like Las Vegas Electrician on individual homes, requiring homeowners to make an upfront investment and manage maintenance.…

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Progress on Solutions for the Unhoused

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

A newly-formed organization is dedicated to addressing Molokai’s unhoused population, and is seeking community feedback on their proposal to create long term housing solutions.  

Led by President Leola Kahalewai, Hui Kaiaulu is a Molokai-based group formed this past December.  

Currently, Hui Kaiaulu is searching for a seven to 10-acre plot to construct permanent homes out of shipping containers, explained Kahalewai. Recipients of this housing would farm the land as well. Presently, Kahalewai is engaged in talks with Molokai Ranch about utilizing some of their properties in Kaunakakai.

 Molokai’s estimated homeless population sits at about 25 people. However, many more Molokai residents live as “hidden homeless.”…

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Molokai Cousins Victorious at State Rodeo

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai Cousins Victorious at State Rodeo

By Jack Kiyonaga, reporter 

Two Molokai youth were named state champions at the Hawaii High School State Rodeo. Cousins Kahiwa Augustiro, age 18, and Bailey Sproat, age 16, put on impressive displays of horsemanship and athleticism at the June 9 and 10 rodeo at the New Town and Country stables in Waimanalo, Oahu. 

Along with individual victories, the Molokai duo took home first place together in the team roping event. 

“It was like nothing else,” said Augustiro reflecting on the weekend’s accomplishments. In addition to the team roping title, Augustiro came away with victories in bareback bronco riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding.…

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Molokai Holokai Brings Community Races

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai Holokai Brings Community Races

Youth in Motion News Release

The Molokai Holokai Ho’olaule’a is to be held on Molokai, July 14-15 and is a combination of some fun ocean paddling and land events.  

The event kicks off on July 14 with the Maui to Molokai Challenge, 27 miles from DT Fleming Beach Park, Maui, at 9 a.m. and the Gorilla Ogo and Mangrove Seed contest kicks off on the Molokai side at Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai, with Sustainable Molokai. Finally, a late afternoon evening Skate Jam session will be held at the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) with local boy Alex Mawae.

Day two is full of action on Molokai, with the Ho’olaule’a bringing out the community and visiting paddlers to enjoy a day of festivities as we celebrate our youth.…

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Kupu Seeks Conservation Leaders

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Kupu News Release 

Applications are open for the Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) through Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and environmental education nonprofit.  The organization also announced monthly living stipend will be raised to $2,560 for Hawaii residents and $2,320 for US Pacific residents for the 11-month term. Conservation programs on Molokai are among the host sites. 

Recent high school graduates, college graduates and young professionals looking to establish a career in conservation are strongly encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 30.

The raise in living stipend, in addition to health insurance and education and career benefits, means CLDP participants will earn a compensation package valued up to $36,000 while addressing urgent conservation needs and jump-starting a career path.…

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Tourism Authority Funds Community Projects

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

HTA News Release

The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs demonstrate its longstanding commitment to reinvesting in the community and implementing its strategic plan and destination management action plans. HTA recently announced it is awarding $3.78 million in funding to support 76 community projects, festivals and events throughout the state as part of its Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs in 2023, some of which are on Molokai. 

“The festivals and events being supported by our Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs are integral to Hawaii’s multi-cultural community and contribute to a stronger, diversified economy,” said John De Fries, HTA’s president and CEO.…

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Leadership Transitions at the Dispatch

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

The Molokai Dispatch News Release

The Molokai Dispatch would like to let readers, advertisers and supporters know about some upcoming transitions in leadership and staffing roles at Molokai’s only newspaper. 

Catherine Cluett Pactol, who has worked at the paper for the past 15 years and served as editor for more than a decade, is beginning a new chapter in her career. She will be working with Hawaii Public Radio as the organization’s Maui Nui reporter, where she will continue to live on Molokai and share the island’s voices and stories on statewide radio, while also expanding the station’s coverage of Maui and Lanai news.…

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Join Hoʻahu Energy to Interview Solar Contractors

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Ho’ahu Energy News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai, a grassroots group formed in 2020 to support community-owned energy projects, invites you to join us for our next virtual workshop on Saturday, June 24 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

The workshop continues Hoʻahu’s work to co-design two solar and battery storage projects under Hawaiian Electric’s Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) program. Hoʻahu was awarded contracts for these projects by the utility earlier this year and is now in the engineering and interconnection studies phase.

At this meeting on June 24, we will be interviewing potential contractors for Hoʻahu to hire for the installation of the solar and battery projects.…

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Live Like Tre’ Day

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Live Like Tre’ Foundation News Release

On July 8, the Live Like Tre’ Foundation will hold a Live Like Treʻ Day on Molokai to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Treʻ Evans-Dumaran, one of Hawaiiʻs fallen firefighters. 

The Live Like Tre’ Foundation was established to continue Treʻ’s work of spreading kindness and happiness, and Live Like Treʻ Day is an opportunity for everyone to join in this mission. The Molokai event will be held on July 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center. 

The event will be filled with fun family activities, music, food, and much more.…

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Molokai Subsistence Study Update

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release

Did you know that in 1993, 28 percent of the food Molokai families ate came from subsistence activities like hunting, fishing, gathering from the ocean, and raising animals? For Native Hawaiian families, 38 percent of food came from subsistence (Matsuoka et al, 1994). 

This summer, Sustʻainable Molokai will conduct a research study to update this information. A survey will be launched in late June 2023 and will be available online and in person at community events. All English-speaking Molokai residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to complete the survey. The survey will take between five and 30 minutes.…

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