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Community

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

Hokulani CTOM Experiences Molokai Magic

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

CTOM News Release

In a true testament of aloha, the people of Molokai and beyond have come together to create magic on the island, providing its youth with unprecedented opportunities in the performing arts. The Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM) initiative, born out of the collective love for arts, has become a beacon of creativity and mentorship, shaping the dreams and aspirations of Molokai’s talented young performers. 

This remarkable endeavor is preparing for a new awe-inspiring performance “Christmas, Peter Pan” after a transformative summer enrichment program. These events are made possible through acts of generosity and mentorship from individuals who have selflessly devoted their time, talent, and love for the arts.…

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Hole-in-One

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

Hole-in-One

By Rick Schonely

On Wednesday, Sept. 20 some magic happened at Iconic Ironwood Hills golf course. Kamoana Spencer, the pride of Spencer’s Bus Service, Maui County Firefighter extraordinaire and all-around awesome guy, got his first ever hole-in-one! Spencer got his hole-in-one on the number 16 hole of the back nine of the skins tournament that day and he used a nine iron from 204 yards for his first ace! The 16th hole is the number 7 hole, the iconic downhill par three with the million-dollar view. Spencer’s first ever ace was witnessed by his twin brother Kawai Spencer, and Dana Takashima, Ronald “Naka” Nakagawa, Jeff Egusa and Rick Schonely.…

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See What We Can No Longer See, Hear What We Can No Longer Hear

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

By Keomailani Hanapi Hirata

A Pu was blown from deep within our ‘aina kupuna o Molokai, vibrating from Komohana. The kahea was felt and answered; from the east, Mililani Hanapi, Keo Hanapi-Hirata and La’akea Poepoe; from the north, Keoki and Miki’ala Pescaia; from the south, Kawehi Soares; from Moku o Keawe, Halealoha Ayau. Nahulu and Pulama Maioho could not be with us this day but sent their mana with us. Within one week, and with the support of Molokai Ranch management and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Molokai, we planned our visit to Mo’omomi. None of us were prepared for the ‘eha and kaumaha we were walking into.…

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Small Business Boost

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Small Business Boost

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

Running a small business on Molokai can be challenging – but a business training program has given entrepreneurs a boost to excel. Twelve Molokai residents recently proved they have what it takes, graduating from the Pulauhala program on Oct. 25. In this program, they may learn of tactics like business intelligence consulting services.

This first cohort of the Pulauhala program, run by Ho’aka Mana Native Hawaiian Organization, completed 14 workshops as part of their year-long class. 

Pulauhala is an accelerator program whereby participants develop the concepts, brands and logistics behind their business ideas. Graduates from the program ranged from established companies to people just starting out with an idea.…

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Candid Discussion at the Youth Summit

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Candid Discussion at the Youth Summit

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

Last Saturday, the students became the teachers at the Molokai Youth Summit. 

This year’s summit featured a panel of students, ages 12 to 18, discussing serious issues affecting today’s youth with the parents of students. 

“The parents really appreciated hearing it from the students. It almost felt like they were hearing it for the first time,” explained Molokai High School (MHS) teacher and one of the organizers of the event, Ric Ornellas.

This year’s theme aimed to communicate a 21st century focus on student learning by addressing social issues such as LGBTQ+ awareness, child abuse, poverty, bullying, drug use, vaping and suicide.…

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Haunted Homestead Brings Halloween Fun

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Haunted Homestead Brings Halloween Fun

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

This Halloween season, the Adolpho ‘ohana continued their cherished tradition of hosting a Haunted Homestead event for the community. Last Wednesday through Saturday, families gathered at the Adolpho homestead to partake in several nights of Halloween festivities. 

The event featured a mesmerizing light show, exhilarating haunted maze, lively jumping castles, family games, a diverse array of vendors, delectable snacks, and more. Adhering to time slots accommodating over 400 community members, this beloved tradition continues to be a favorite for many on Molokai. 

“This event executed that ‘homestead charm’ perfectly. You can see the maze being built with pallets intricately designed — so well-crafted that I ventured in twice and emerged from two different exits,” said Robert Shizuma, a homesteader who attended with friends and family.…

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20th Anniversary for Country Fair

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

20th Anniversary for Country Fair

The St. Damien Catholic Church celebrated its 20th annual Country Fair on Oct. 21 at the Mitchell Pauole Center. Featuring foods from baked goods to shrimp plates, the fair also included a well-stocked silent auction, raffle, and games for keiki. Proceeds from the event contribute to the cost of running Molokai’s Catholic parish, helping to fund their community outreach and social ministry programs. 

This year’s fair happened to fall on the same day as the ‘Ohana Fun Fair in Kualapu’u and youth soccer games in Kaunakakai. 

Diane Jensen, one of the organizers for this year’s fair, explained that it can be difficult to coordinate dates across events. …

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Puko’o Fire Station Relocation Moving Forward

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Puko’o Fire Station Relocation Moving Forward

A new fire house in ‘Ualapu’e is one step closer to becoming a reality. After years of planning, the East Molokai community gathered last week to discuss one of the final steps before the station’s completion. 

The three-bedroom home intended to serve as the new station is located at 7451 Kamehameha V Highway. Purchased by the county back in 2022 for $300,000, the house was built in 1978, and requires renovations to the home and driveway before it becomes functional. The plan is to use ‘Ualapu’e Tank Access Road as the primary transport lane for the fire trucks, with the driveway serving as backup access. …

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Progress Report on the Molokai History Project

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Progress Report on the Molokai History Project

Molokai History Project News Release

The History Project continues to get donations of old photos of long-ago, wonderful times, ulu maikas, a vintage surfboard, a wonderful old box, paintings of churches that no longer exist. It’s an exciting time when someone comes in the door with a treasure they want to share. We have received many memberships, and we now have three new board members. Our next fundraising garage sale will be on Saturday, Nov. 4. Our plan is to have a fundraiser on the first Saturday of every month. If you have anything to donate, please let us know. We have had a lot of visitors, many in no hurry to leave, as they listen to our docents share legends of Molokai including their knowledge of the east end valleys, west end beaches, and all sites in between.…

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Gladys Asako Watanabe

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Gladys Asako Watanabe

Gladys Watanabe, 88 of Kaunakakai, Molokai, passed away Sept. 10, 2023. She was born in Wailuku, Maui on June 12, 1935 to Kenichi and Kazue Mabe. She retired as a teacher from Kualapuʻu Elementary School. 

Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Mitsuo. She is survived by her children: son Derek Watanabe (Dung), daughters Terri Jorgensen, Wanda Okemura (Darryl) and Sheri Yamashita (Bruce), five granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and one great- grandson. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Roselani Place, Hale Makua and Hospice Maui. 

Private graveside service will be at Maui Memorial Park, Friday, Nov. 3, at 12:30 p.m. …

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